9 Tips for Generator Efficiency This Summer

9 Tips for Generator Efficiency This Summer

As summer temperatures soar, you may be worried about your company’s energy efficiency. Energy costs are typically higher during the summer as demand on the power grid increases. This requires careful budgeting and planning to improve efficiency and reduce expenses.

outside commercial generator tips by valley power systems

California faces a significant risk of rolling power blackouts during the summer months due to severe heat waves, wildfires, and potential utility failures. This situation often leaves business owners relying on their generators to maintain power for their operations. If an outage occurs at your site, you want to ensure your generator is as efficient as possible to minimize energy expenses and keep your system operating at peak performance.

These nine tips from Valley Power Systems can help you maximize your industrial or commercial generator efficiency.

1. Avoid Overloading the Unit

Your generator is designed to handle a specific power capacity. Continuing to overload the unit could overheat the engine, reduce its efficiency, and potentially damage the system. It’s imperative to ensure your generator is properly sized to meet your facility’s power needs. Many business owners make the mistake of purchasing a small generator at first without considering future growth. If your old generator is clearly struggling to keep up with your new power requirements, it’s time to explore your options with our team at Valley Power Systems. We can help you determine how much power your business needs and match you with the right system.

2. Charge Generator Battery

A weak generator battery may cause power issues and reduced performance. We recommend turning your generator on at least once a month for 30 minutes to keep the battery charged. This can also help you identify any obvious power issues. Note that a generator battery will only last a few years before needing replacement; however, you can maximize its lifespan by keeping it charged and free of rust and corrosion.

If your system struggles to start up, be sure to call our generator technicians. We will conduct a full inspection to ensure generator reliability.

3. Clean the Generator Area

You need a clean generator area to maximize your system’s airflow. Clear away leaves, dirt, dust, trash, and other debris that may have accumulated on or near your generator. This will help prevent clogs in your generator filters, keeping the engine nice and clean. Clogged filters force your generator to work harder, placing unnecessary strain on the system. This will reduce efficiency, increase fuel consumption, and adversely impact engine life.

You should scan your generator area once a week for any cleaning needs. Filters should also be checked monthly to mitigate clogs. However, you may need to do this more often if your area experiences high wind or rain.

4. Use Fresh Fuel

If you don’t use your generator often, you should never operate it with old, stale fuel that’s been left sitting in the tank. This fuel may form deposits that can reduce generator efficiency and significantly damage your generator engine. It’s best to use fresh fuel or fuel that has been stored with a stabilizer to maintain its quality. Remember to keep any stored fuel in an approved container in a cool, dark place away from heat sources to reduce your fire risk.

5. Invest in a Generator Enclosure

The elements can wreak havoc on your generator. Extreme outdoor temperatures can increase the operating temperature of your system, which will increase wear and tear on the unit. Excess moisture from rain can rust and corrode internal parts and components. Worn-down parts put more stress on the generator, ultimately making it less efficient to run.

A weatherproof generator enclosure can protect your system from direct sunlight and rain. If you don’t have one already, our professionals at Valley Power Systems can help you explore your options to ensure maximum generator protection.

6. Tighten Hose Connections

Hoses can greatly impact your generator’s performance. Loose generator hoses can lead to leaks, inefficient operation, and overheating, potentially damaging your system beyond repair. Be sure to check hose connections and tighten them as needed. If you suspect a hose leak, call a generator professional from Valley Power Systems. Minor leaks can be challenging to detect on your own, but they should be addressed immediately to prevent damage. We have the proper tools, equipment, and training to promptly identify and repair the smallest leaks, protecting your generator investment.

7. Get an Oil Change

Regular oil changes are essential to maintaining generator efficiency and reliability. As oil ages, its quality degrades, making it less effective at lubricating the engine’s various moving parts and components. This will subject your engine to increased friction, causing parts to wear down and making the system less efficient.

How often should the oil be changed? We recommend having the first oil change at the 50-hour mark. After that, your generator will need routine oil changes every 100 to 200 running hours. The exact number will depend on various factors, including the make and model of your generator, its age, how often it’s used, and your environmental conditions. Our team will be happy to provide you with an oil change recommendation and handle the task for you so that you can focus on what you do best—running your business.

8. Check the Coolant Level

Your generator coolant regulates the internal temperature of the engine. If the coolant level drops significantly, the engine may overheat. This can lead to inefficiency, poor fuel economy, reduced performance, warped cylinders, and blown head gaskets. The engine may seize up completely, requiring you to purchase a new generator sooner than expected. It’s a good idea to check in on the coolant this summer to ensure that your system is properly protected.

Valley Power Systems is proud to offer coolant sampling for your generator power system. Like oil, coolant degrades as it ages, but not quite as fast as oil does. Over time, coolant accumulates contaminants, such as rust, scale, and sludge, that impede coolant flow and overall effectiveness. Our friendly and knowledgeable technicians can assess your coolant quality and cooling system for signs of deterioration. If needed, we can flush out the existing coolant to clear out contaminants and replace it with fresh, high-quality coolant to preserve the health of your cooling system.

9. Don’t Skimp on Maintenance

Keeping to your maintenance schedule is key to maximizing your unit’s efficiency and lifespan. Maintenance is designed to provide the care that your system needs to maintain optimal performance year after year. It is also the best way to keep repairs at bay and to prevent small problems from growing into larger, more expensive ones. At Valley Power Systems, we make it easy with customized maintenance contracts to fit the individual needs of your power system.

Contact Valley Power Systems Today

For cutting-edge power solutions, look no further than Valley Power Systems. We’ve proudly served California business owners since 1949. Whether you are in the market for a new generator or require maintenance or repair for your existing system, we’ve got you covered. We aim to keep your business running smoothly year-round with our reliable power technology and comprehensive maintenance.

Contact Valley Power Systems today to discuss your power needs!

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