8 Steps to Take to Prevent Breakdowns of Your Natural Gas Generator
8 Steps to Take to Prevent Breakdowns of Your Natural Gas Generator
As a business owner, you rely on your natural gas generator to act as a backup power source when you need it. Power outages can happen at any time, and you want to be prepared to prevent any disruptions in productivity. However, natural gas generators can fail like any other piece of mechanical equipment, especially if routine maintenance tasks are neglected. Breakdowns put your business at risk of experiencing prolonged outages and significant financial losses.
Here are eight steps you can take to help prevent breakdowns and keep power flowing to your critical electrical systems.
1. Change Air Filters
Keeping up with air filter maintenance will help prevent unnecessary system failures and ensure your generator runs smoothly. Over time, filters can become clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, which will restrict airflow and force the engine to work harder. This can lead to increased wear and tear, reduced engine performance, and even complete generator failure. Regular changes are necessary to keep harmful particulates away from your engine and optimize airflow.
You should inspect air filters at least once every 30 days and replace them as needed in between maintenance visits. However, filters may need to be changed more frequently if you’re running your generator regularly. You should also check them following a major weather event. High winds and heavy rain can stir up dust and debris in the air, causing filters to clog more quickly.
2. Change the Generator Oil
Fresh, clean oil is essential for keeping your generator performing at its best. Oil lubricates the various moving parts and components of the engine, reducing friction and preventing overheating during operation. Over time, oil can become contaminated with dirt, metal particles, unburned fuel, and other particulates. If a generator continues to operate with dirty oil, it can increase wear and tear and reduce engine performance, potentially resulting in a breakdown.
Protect your natural gas generator with regular oil changes from Valley Power Systems. We’ll recommend a routine schedule based on the system’s make, model, age, and size, among other factors. Contact us today to get started.
3. Refill Coolant
Refilling the coolant for your natural gas generator is a simple task that you can handle in between scheduled maintenance visits. Coolant is key to regulating the engine temperature and preventing a range of issues caused by overheating. Check the coolant level monthly and refill as needed. Eventually, you may also need a coolant flush to eliminate harmful contaminants that can impact the performance of your system. You can rely on our team at Valley Power Systems for this important service. We recommend coolant sampling at least once a year to maintain coolant quality.
4. Check the Battery
Power issues are a common reason that natural gas generators break down. These often stem from battery malfunctions, such as low voltage or corroded connections. If your system is not powering on or starts up and then fails, you should have the generator assessed by a professional technician right away to maintain reliability. If the battery is the problem, you can count on our team for a quick replacement. If we determine there’s another issue, we will provide cost-effective repair recommendations to restore functionality to your system.
5. Perform a Visual Leak Inspection
Leaks can cause a wide range of problems for a natural gas generator. They force the system to work much harder than necessary to maintain performance, which increases wear and tear on the equipment, ultimately shortening the generator’s lifespan. You can conduct a visual leak inspection on your own by checking the immediate area around your generator for any pools of fluid. These could be oil or coolant leaks. Additionally, if you smell a rotten egg odor, you might have a natural gas leak, which can be incredibly dangerous.
If you notice any signs of leaks, it’s time to call in a professional. Leaks can be difficult to locate on your own. Our technicians have the proper training, tools, and equipment to get to the source of the leak and handle the repair promptly so that you can focus on your business.
6. Clean the Generator Area
It is also essential to maintain the area around your natural gas generator. Each week, clear away any dirt, leaves, or other debris that have accumulated nearby, especially around the generator vents. Keeping the area clean will help maximize airflow and prevent obstructions that could lead to a system breakdown. You should also inspect the area immediately following a significant weather event to remove excess debris.
Your generator will also naturally collect dust on its exterior casing during its regular operation. You can simply wipe it down with a soft cloth. Avoid spraying any water directly on the unit, though, as moisture can wreak havoc on the internal parts and components of a generator. If wiping down the generator isn’t enough to maintain cleanliness, call Valley Power Systems. We can conduct professional generator cleaning without damaging the system.
7. Work With a Professional for Repairs
Natural gas generators are complex machines with many interconnected components that require specialized knowledge to diagnose and repair properly. Attempting to fix a generator without the proper training can lead to safety hazards and further damage to the unit. Working with a qualified professional from Valley Power Systems will ensure repairs are handled safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of future breakdowns and costly downtime.
8. Don’t Skip Maintenance Services
Poor maintenance is a top contributor to generator failure. Even a new generator will require routine maintenance to keep it operating at peak performance. Investing in a maintenance plan will ensure that your system receives the timely services it needs to help prevent costly breakdowns.
At Valley Power Systems, we are proud to offer our customers customized maintenance plans to meet the needs of their individual systems. In general, our maintenance will include oil and filter changes, coolant and battery checks, leak inspections, performance testing, and other necessary tasks to keep your system up and running. We also look for any issues that could cause a problem for the generator in the near future, allowing you to be more proactive about scheduling repair services.
Contact Valley Power Systems
At Valley Power Systems, our goal is to help you prevent costly breakdowns by offering the timely generator maintenance and repair services you need. Our company has served California businesses since 1949, and we look forward to many more years of being your partner in power. We also offer generator sales and installation when it comes time to replace your current unit. Contact us today to discuss your power needs!