Benefits of Upgrading Your Generator
Benefits of Upgrading Your Generator to a Modern Commercial Unit
You may have noticed that you are spending more time and money on generator maintenance as the years go by. This is because a generator’s performance typically declines with age. The rate of deterioration depends on several factors, such as frequency of use and how well it was maintained during its lifespan. Additionally, if your power needs have increased substantially over the years, your current unit may be overworked and become less efficient. But how do you know when it’s time to upgrade?
There is no specific timeframe for retiring your current generator and upgrading to a modern one. There are, however, indicators that will let you know when it is time to replace your existing generator. These include:
- Age
The older a generator is, the more likely it is to experience major problems. If your generator is more than 10 years old, you might consider replacement to help prevent unplanned shutdowns.
- Frequent repairs
If you are regularly repairing your generator, you may find that the costs are adding up fast. Over time, these costs can outweigh the expense of a new generator that won’t break down nearly as often.
- Inconsistent performance
Does your generator have issues powering up? From slow starts to full-on shutdowns, you can’t afford to have a generator that’s unreliable during an unexpected outage.
- Increased power requirements
As your business grows, your power needs may exceed the capacity of your initial standby generator. When this happens, your generator will struggle to keep up and lose efficiency, resulting in more wear and tear. If your current unit is not large enough to meet your power requirements, you should look into other options.
You should also note that generators have an average life expectancy of 10,000 to 30,000 hours. While some can work beyond this range, if you have noticed any of the above signs, it’s time to upgrade to a modern commercial generator.
Advantages of a New Generator
When shopping for a new generator, you first want to ensure that it matches your power needs. Here is some guidance from our blog on properly sizing your generator. For more assistance on sizing, don’t hesitate to contact us here at Valley Power Systems.
Buying a new industrial generator will offer many advantages. Here are some of the benefits to investing in a new power system:
Increased Fuel Efficiency
Experts recommend that you replace your generator at least once every 20 years. Improvements in technology means newer generators will be more fuel efficient than a generator built many years ago. You’ll reap in fuel savings while ensuring your business has a reliable source of power.
Today, the majority of large industrial generators use diesel or natural gas. Here are some benefits to each type:
Diesel
- Extremely durable: These units are solidly constructed, so they don’t wear down quickly.
- Low maintenance: Diesel engines don’t have as many parts as gas ones, making them easier to maintain.
- Long lifespan: With regular maintenance, a diesel generator can last for 20-30 years.
- Affordable: These power systems often come with a lower price tag than similar gasoline models.
Natural Gas
- Easy fuel access: You just need the generator hooked up to your natural gas line to get uninterrupted access to fuel.
- Environmentally friendly: This fuel type burns much cleaner than others.
- Quiet operation: Natural gas generators tend to be less noisy than diesel units.
- Fuel efficient: Natural gas is one of the most efficient fuels you can use for your generator.
Covered by Manufacturer’s Warranty
If your current generator has exceeded the timeframe of the manufacturer’s warranty, you can have peace of mind when you upgrade. Most companies offer a limited warranty of 3 to 5 years with options to extend at an additional cost. If your system breaks down suddenly due to a mechanical issue, you’ll be covered financially.
The scope of coverage of these warranties varies from one manufacturer to the next, so be sure to research your options before committing to your purchase. If you do need a repair, you can count on the team from Valley Power Systems to help. Our technicians are factory trained and certified to work on a wide array of power systems. We’ll get your generator working in prime condition promptly so that you can get back to business.
Improved Technological Features
Modern generators will have innovative features that you might not have with an older unit. These include:
Voltage control
New generators have a component that regulates the amount of power that is sent out from the generator. The feature improves the safety of both the generator and the appliances being powered by ensuring the power output is consistent. Fluctuations in power output can damage both the generator and the devices that are connected to it.
Low oil sensors
Consistently using a generator with low oil can significantly damage a generator. However, a new model will have a built-in oil sensor, which will monitor your oil level and shut the unit off automatically when it senses low oil. When you refill the oil, you can resume operation.
Transfer switch options
A transfer switch is a component that switches your business from utility power to generator power. A generator that uses an automatic transfer switch is the most convenient option; it will switch between utility power and generator power on its own.
Going for modern generators equipped with the above features will guarantee maximum protection for your business. When you work with Valley Power Systems, we can review your options from today’s top manufacturers.
Talk to the Pros
Serving businesses throughout greater California, our technicians at Valley Power Systems are experts in every aspect of generator service, installation, and maintenance. When it’s time to upgrade to a new generator for your facility our knowledgeable team will help you select a power system that’s just right for your needs.
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