Blackouts and power failures are happening more often and lasting longer than ever. Investing in a generator means you’ll never be caught off-guard by one.
You’ll have far more reliable power than the grid, keeping you and your loved ones safe and comfortable during outages. Keep reading to learn five things to know about generator installation and maintenance.
1. Professional Installation Services Are Worth It
Hiring a handyman can be tempting, as you’ll likely save money, but cutting corners is not ideal when installing a generator. You may need a licensed and certified technician, and here’s why:
Expertise and Experience
Generator installation is complex and demands specific expertise that most handymen lack. On the other hand, professional technicians have years of experience and extensive knowledge of industry best practices, different generator models and brands, and manufacturer’s guidelines.
Their expertise ensures that your generator is installed correctly, substantially lowering the risk of inefficiencies and malfunctions.
You can have peace of mind knowing that your generator can run smoothly and efficiently after installation.
Safety
Safety is non-negotiable when dealing with generators. Generator installation involves working with numerous complex electrical connections, high-voltage electricity, and gas or fuel lines.
Your technician must also install the generator according to specific regulations and guidelines to ensure safe operation. Certified technicians have the training and expertise needed to execute generator installation safely.
They can seamlessly integrate your generator with the existing electrical system while maintaining strict safety protocols, including ventilation, fuel connections, and proper grounding. This lowers the risk of fire hazards, electrical shocks, and carbon monoxide poisoning, guaranteeing the safety of you, your loved ones, and your property.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
Many manufacturers provide warranties that cover their generators under specific conditions. Expert installations by licensed technicians are usually a requirement for these warranties to remain valid.
By hiring a professional generator installer, you can ensure that your warranty remains intact, protecting you against potential malfunctions and defects covered by the manufacturer.
2. Location Matters
Where you place your generator can affect its safety and performance. It should be installed outdoors, close to the fuel source and electrical panel, to save money on installation costs.
However, there are various safety factors to keep in mind. Generators emit carbon monoxide.
This odorless, colorless gas can cause severe tissue damage or even death if too much is inhaled. The generator should be at least five feet away from all vents, windows, and doors in your home to lower the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Generators also need to breathe. A clearance of at least one and a half feet at the back of the generator and three feet around the sides and front of the generator is ideal.
This spacing gives the generator adequate room to cool and prevent the risk of overheating. It also helps maintain its engine’s temperature at optimal levels.
Additionally, select an area that’s well-drained, safe from flood risks, and easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. Avoid placing obstacles close to the generator that could pose safety risks and hinder its performance.
3. You Should Read the Owner’s Manual
Installing a generator is the first step in ensuring a reliable power supply during outages. Maintenance guarantees peak performance.
When maintaining your generator, everything begins with the user manual. The owner’s manual contains model-specific maintenance requirements to keep your generator operating at its best.
The manual contains proper maintenance procedures, safety instructions, service intervals, a checklist for the service intervals, and more. You should thoroughly read it before performing any maintenance and refer to it often.
4. Professionals Should Conduct Maintenance Checks
Maintenance checks performed by professional technicians ensure that your generator is in top-notch condition. The risk with hiring a handyman to maintain your generator is that minor mistakes can often result in expensive repairs.
Enlisting professional maintenance services can prevent potential damage to your generator. Certified technicians understand the intricacies of different generator brands and models and possess the technical knowledge needed to maintain generators.
Professional maintenance services ensure your generator receives the care it needs. As a result, it can operate more efficiently, reducing wear and tear on components and minimizing fuel consumption.
5. Regular Maintenance is Crucial
What better way to stay prepared for the next power outage than scheduling routine maintenance? Typically, generators need maintenance services every six to twelve months.
However, your schedule might vary depending on your generator’s model, make, and usage frequency. If you suspect something is wrong or spot an issue, contact a certified technician to protect your investment.
Some of the many benefits of regular maintenance include:
Reliability
Frequent health checks can ensure that any issues are caught and addressed early. That way, you can mitigate any potential problems preventing you from getting backup power for your home.
Saving Money
The longer you go without regular maintenance, the more costly it is to repair your generator. Frequent maintenance is a cost-effective strategy that can help you save money over time.
By scheduling routine check-ups, minor issues can be identified and corrected at the earliest stage before they become more extensive and expensive problems later on.
Extended Lifespan
Generators are generally durable, but like any other machine, they have a finite lifespan. Routine maintenance minimizes the effects of wear and tear and prolongs the life of your generator, giving you the maximum return on your investment.
Do you want to learn more about generator installation and maintenance? Contact the professionals at Pow’r Point Generators in Saco, ME, today!
