Spring Generator Maintenance Tips
Top Spring Generator Maintenance Tips
As winter comes to an end, millions of Americans are engaging in spring cleaning. For business owners, this can mean caring for critical electrical systems. One important task that you will want to remember is your spring generator maintenance. A power outage can
happen at any time in California, and regular maintenance can ensure that your unit is in top working order to support your business until the power is restored. Follow these tips from Valley Power Systems to keep your commercial generator running smoothly throughout the year.
1. Change the Oil
Your generator’s oil should be changed after so many service hours (depending on the manufacturer), but if it has been a while, spring is a great time to get back on track with your unit’s oil changes. Keeping your system lubricated will reduce the wear and tear of the internal parts and components. Not only will this essential task help to improve your unit’s efficiency, but it will also go a long way in maximizing its overall lifespan.
Note: It is also a good idea to store some oil and filters at your site. After all, you don’t want to be running out for these products in the middle of a power outage. Remember to check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure you purchase the right kind of oil.
2. Use New Air Filters
Your air filters play an important role in the expected lifespan of your unit. They are responsible for catching the dust, dirt, and other solid particulates that are present in the air surrounding your generator. This allows only clean air to pass through to the engine. If the filters become too full, these particulates will wreak havoc on the generator’s engine, resulting in increased wear and tear, reduced efficiency, and, ultimately, a shorter life expectancy for your unit.
It’s best practice to change the air filters at every maintenance check. You should also check them each month to ensure cleanliness. At times, you may need to change them more frequently, such as following a major dust storm or after a period of heavy generator use.
3. Exercise the Power System
At Valley Power Systems, we recommend starting up your generator at regular intervals–as determined by the manufacturer. For example, you may need to run the system every 30 to 60 days for at least 20-30 minutes. This will allow the battery time to charge. During an emergency situation, the last thing that you will want to be dealing with is a dead generator battery. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions, or check here with our pros at Valley Power Systems, and ensure that your system is ready to go when you need it most.
4. Check for Corrosion
Some generator parts or components can begin to corrode over time, such as the battery terminals and hose connectors. Did you know that corrosion can impact the reliability of your power system? Therefore, you should check for signs of rust and corrosion and have the parts replaced immediately to help prevent a malfunction down the line.
There are also some things that you can do to minimize the risk of corrosion. Overall, you should reduce the unit’s exposure to moisture. Your power system should already be installed with a generator enclosure to protect it from the elements. However, even a small amount of water can cause costly damage to the system. You should keep this in mind when clearing away any dust or dirt from your generator and never spray water directly on the unit. You can use a cloth to dust a resting generator, but for major cleaning needs, you should work with a professional to keep your system in prime condition.
5. Tighten Loose Parts
Loose generator parts can eventually result in an unexpected shutdown. It could cost you valuable time to uncover this issue during a power outage, so it is best to check for loose parts and components at your next maintenance inspection. From belts to screws and bolts, any number of parts can become loose during your generator’s normal operation. Tighten these up during your spring maintenance and ensure that your system is ready to go. If you need help, the professionally trained technicians from Valley Power Systems are at your service. Our team knows how to look for hidden issues that others might miss.
6. Check Fuel Storage
If you’re not using a natural gas unit, then you will need to check in on your fuel supply too. You should have enough fuel to operate your generator independently for at least a few days. This will ensure that you can keep your business running during a power failure while giving you ample time to retrieve more fuel if you do happen to experience a prolonged outage.
7. Check Coolant Level
Your coolant is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature. If the engine overheats, it can result in major problems, possibly beyond repair. During your maintenance check, the coolant should be filled to the recommended level. Also, since coolant can degrade over time like oil, you may also want to have a professional technician perform coolant sampling to check its overall quality.
If you do need a coolant flush, you can trust that our team will take care of the job for you promptly. A regular coolant flush will eliminate the dirt, rust, sludge, and other contaminants that can be detrimental to the health of your cooling system.
8. Schedule Your Next Maintenance Appointment
Once you have taken care of your spring generator maintenance, you will want to line up your next appointment to keep your system operating at its best. How often do you need maintenance? Every unit and situation are different, so let the knowledgeable team from Valley Power Systems provide you with a personalized recommendation. We also offer custom maintenance contracts to fit the different needs of our clients. The best way to protect your generator investment is to set up regular maintenance now so that you don’t have to worry later. A well-maintained generator will provide you with many years of reliable service before requiring a major repair.
Need Help With Your Generator Maintenance?
California is among the top states with frequent power outages. We commonly experience rolling blackouts caused by extreme weather conditions, which results in increased demand that the aging power grid isn’t yet equipped to meet. With the above tips, you can have peace of mind that your system will be able to provide a steady source of power when the main grid fails. And with the generator experts from Valley Power Systems on your side, you will have a partner in power whenever you need us most.
Since 1949, we have worked directly with California companies of all sizes to fulfill their power requirements. Our technicians can handle all of your generator maintenance so that you can focus on what you do best–running your business. We also offer 24-hour emergency service to minimize your downtime. Our goal is to help our clients stay up and running all throughout the year. To schedule your spring generator maintenance, give us a call today! We look forward to working with you for any of your power needs.