Industrial Natural Gas Generator Spring Maintenance Tips
7 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Industrial Natural Gas Generator
Spring is the perfect time to check in on the health of your industrial natural gas generator. Harsh winter temperatures can wear on your system, resulting in minor issues that could develop into bigger problems if they are left unchecked. Neglecting generator maintenance can lead to reduced system efficiency, unexpected breakdowns, and costly repair expenses. The best way to protect your system—and your bottom line—is with routine maintenance service by a professional generator technician.
Here are seven essential maintenance tips from Valley Power Systems for keeping your natural gas generator running reliably this spring.
1. Schedule an Oil and Filter Change
Routine oil and filter changes will help maximize an engine’s lifespan. Clean oil keeps the internal components of the generator engine nicely lubricated, reducing friction between moving parts. However, oil degrades over time, accumulating metal particles, carbon deposits, and other contaminants that can wreak havoc on your natural gas engine. Additionally, dirty oil filters can restrict oil flow and reduce lubrication, increasing wear on critical parts and components.
To prevent oil-related problems, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for oil and filter changes. Generally, the first oil change should occur after the first 25 hours of operation and then every 100-200 service hours after that. However, the ideal oil change timing can depend on various factors, such as the age of your unit, frequency of use, environmental conditions, and maintenance history. Check with our professionals at Valley Power Systems for an honest recommendation.
2. Check Air Filters
Clean air filters are essential for maintaining overall engine performance. They help filter out dust, dirt, debris, or other small particles that would otherwise damage your generator’s engine. Clogged air filters restrict airflow and force the engine to work much harder than necessary, which can reduce efficiency, increase fuel consumption, and cause severe performance issues for your system. It’s best to check generator air filters between maintenance visits to clear clogs and, if needed, replace dirty filters altogether.
3. Perform Regular Visual Inspections
It’s also recommended to perform routine visual inspections in between generator maintenance visits. Inspections can help you identify early signs of wear and tear, allowing you to be more proactive about scheduling repair services. You should be on the lookout for fluid leaks, loose hoses and connections, corroded parts, and any obvious damage to system components. If you notice anything awry with your natural gas generator, contact our friendly team at Valley Power Systems to schedule an appointment. We will conduct a complete inspection and provide cost-effective repair options to restore your system to prime condition.
4. Exercise the Unit
At Valley Power Systems, we recommend exercising your natural gas generator every month. You should run the unit for at least 30 minutes. This will give the battery time to charge and help you identify any obvious performance problems. If the system makes any abnormal noises, struggles to start, or fails to power on at all, give us a call right away. We will test each part of your generator to get to the root of the problem, and you can count on our professionals to handle repair needs promptly with minimal disruption to your operations.
5. Clear the Surrounding Generator Area
Keeping the area around your generator clear is important to maintain cleanliness. Your generator vents can pick up dust, dirt, leaves, trash, and other debris, which will quickly clog filters and restrict overall airflow. We recommend surveying the area weekly to remove debris. You should also check it immediately following a major weather event, such as heavy wind, snow, or rain, as these can stir up additional debris in the air. If you notice your generator unit itself appears dirty, you can wipe it down with a soft cloth. Remember to avoid spraying water directly on the unit itself since moisture exposure can cause parts to rust and corrode.
If your natural gas unit still appears dirty after a good wipe-down, don’t hesitate to call our team at Valley Power Systems. We have the proper tools, equipment, and knowledge to clean the generator without damaging the system.
6. Check the Unit’s Coolant Level
Keeping generator coolant within the recommended level is key to regulating the internal system temperature. You should check the coolant level each month to ensure it doesn’t drop too low. When there’s insufficient coolant in your generator, the system is put at risk of overheating. Overheating can cause severe damage to a generator, leading to melted bearings, warped rotors, and other problems. Some damage could be irreparable, so you’ll need to replace the unit much sooner than expected, increasing your operational costs.
7. Work With a Generator Professional
It’s always best to work with a qualified generator specialist for your maintenance and repair needs. Industrial natural gas generators are complex machines with numerous parts and components. Attempting to repair the generator yourself without the proper training could make a minor issue much worse, leading to extra repair expenses. You also jeopardize your safety and that of those around you. At Valley Power Systems, our technicians are experienced, certified, and trained to service industrial natural gas generators of all sizes. We can handle all your generator maintenance and repair tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—running your business.
Valley Power Systems: Your Partner in Power
A well-maintained industrial natural gas generator can be a reliable power source when the main grid fails. With proper care, you can expect your unit to last 20 years or more without needing replacement. However, this lifespan can significantly shorten if unit maintenance is neglected. Maximize your investment and ensure your generator is always ready when you need it by taking advantage of our customized maintenance contracts.
At Valley Power Systems, we take a holistic approach to industrial generator maintenance. We perform the immediate tasks that your system needs, such as oil and filter changes, coolant refills, and system exercises. However, we also look for hidden issues that could cause a power disruption for your business later. From fixing leaks to completing full engine overhauls, you can trust our skilled technicians to handle all generator repairs with precision.
Founded in 1949, Valley Power Systems aims to be your partner in power now and into the future. We work with businesses throughout California, delivering a comprehensive range of power solutions, from generator sales and installations to maintenance and repairs. Our goal is to provide the first-class services that your business needs to remain operational 24/7.
Contact Valley Power Systems today to learn more about how industrial natural gas maintenance can keep your unit operating at its best this spring.