Dealing with the wrath of Mother Nature is no easy task. In order to keep your home safe, you will need to invest in the right equipment.
When trying to keep the electrical system your home has running in the worst weather, buying Portable Generators is a must. Finding the right generator can be simplified when working with the right professionals. If you are like most homeowners, you know very little about generators. Instead of making mistakes during this buying process, you will need to consult with professionals. An experienced generator provider will be able to provide you with the guidance needed to make the right purchase. Once you have purchased a new generator, you will need to focus on keeping it in good shape. Here are some of the things you need to do to keep your portable generator maintained.
1. Checking Out the Batteries
One of the most important parts of a generator are its batteries. Most of the generators out there use what is known as a wet cell battery to start them. You will have to check these batteries on a regular basis to ensure they are properly charged. Having a load test performed on these batteries occasionally is essential when trying to catch problems early on. If you start to notice that your generator is having a hard time getting started, the first thing you need to check is the condition of the battery. When the temperatures outside getting very hot or cold, it can lead to the cells in a battery leaking. There are a number of aftermarket cold weather kits specifically designed for generator batteries. These kits feature a heater that can be put directly on the battery. With these kits, you can prevent slow starts during the winter months.
2. Changing Fluids Regularly
Just like your car’s engine, a generator has a number of systems that rely on liquids to keep them cool and running efficiently. Before each hurricane season, you will need to take your generator in for professional service. During this service, the technician will change the oil in the generator. The longer you allow old oil to remain in your generator, the harder you will find it to keep your generator running efficiently. Technicians will also change out your oil filter to ensure that there is no trash allowed to get into the internal components of the generator.
3. Keeping an Eye on Your Spark Plugs
In order for your generator to get the spark needed to ignite and start, it will need a functional spark plug. As time goes by, the electrode on your spark plug will start to wear out and will cause a variety of problems. If you start to notice that the end of your spark plug is covered in black soot, chances are it is time to change it. In some cases, the spark plug on your generator may be hard to change out due to its location. Hiring a professional to do this type of work is a great idea and can help you avoid extensive damage to your generator.
4. Getting Repairs Handled Quickly
Among the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to your generator is waiting too long to get repair issues handled. The longer you wait to get a repair issue with your generator fixed, the more damage you will have to contend with. Trying to handle these complicated repairs without the help of an experienced professional will usually cause even more problems. The money that you pay to a professional to diagnose and fix your generator issues will be worth it. They should be able to get these repairs done in a hurry without you lifting a finger in the process.
Investing in a quality generator is a great way to avoid sitting in the dark during a bad weather event. Properly caring for a generator will make it last for years to come.