Backup Generator Maintenance: What Every Homeowner Should Know
If you rely on a backup generator to keep your home powered during outages, regular maintenance is key to keeping it running smoothly when you need it most. Generators are great at providing peace of mind, especially in areas like Pensacola, where storms can knock out power unexpectedly. But without proper care, even the best generators can fail or cause safety issues.
Here’s what you need to know about backup generator maintenance to protect your home and family.
Why Maintenance Matters
A generator is an investment in your home’s safety and comfort. When the power goes out, you want to be confident that your generator will kick on and keep your essential appliances running. Regular maintenance helps:
Ensure reliability: Generators that sit idle for months can develop problems like stale fuel or dead batteries. Maintenance keeps everything ready to go.
Extend lifespan: Like any machine, regular care prevents wear and tear and keeps your generator lasting longer.
Prevent costly repairs: Catching small issues early saves you money and trouble down the road.
Keep everyone safe: Faulty generators can create fire risks or carbon monoxide hazards if not maintained properly.
Types of Generators and Their Maintenance Needs
There are two main types of home backup generators: standby and portable. Both need care but may differ in how they’re maintained.
Standby Generators
These are permanently installed outside your home and turn on automatically when the power goes out. They usually run on natural gas or propane. Standby units require less frequent hands-on work but still need regular inspections and professional servicing.
Portable Generators
These are smaller, movable units that usually run on gasoline. You’ll need to manually start them during outages. Because they’re used less often and stored away, portable generators often need more frequent checks and maintenance.
Simple Maintenance Tasks You Can Do
Let’s look at some generator maintenance tasks that can be done with a little guidance.
Check and change oil: Just like a car, your generator needs clean oil to run well. Check the oil level before every use or at least once a month if running regular exercise cycles. Change the oil after the first 20-30 hours of use and then according to the manufacturer’s schedule (usually every 100 hours or annually).
Inspect and replace air filters: Dirty air filters reduce efficiency and can damage your generator. Check your filter monthly and replace it if it looks clogged or dirty.
Run your generator regularly: It’s important to “exercise” your generator about once a month by running it for 15-30 minutes. This keeps the engine parts lubricated and ensures it starts when you need it.
Check fuel quality and storage: Fuel left too long can go stale and clog your generator. Use fresh fuel and add fuel stabilizer if you store gasoline or diesel for extended periods. Store fuel in approved containers in a cool, dry place away from living areas.
Inspect spark plugs: Spark plugs help start the engine and must be clean and functional. Check them annually and replace if worn or dirty.
Fuel Storage and Safety Tips
Fuel management is one of the most important parts of generator maintenance. Here are some tips:
Use only approved fuel containers designed for gasoline, diesel, or propane.
Store fuel outdoors or in a well-ventilated, detached area away from your home.
Avoid storing fuel inside garages or living spaces due to fire and health risks.
Rotate stored fuel every 6-12 months to keep it fresh.
Always run a generator outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Final Thoughts
A local contractor brings experience, accountability, and a commitment that’s hard to match. When the next electrical issue arises, or when you’re considering an upgrade to improve your home’s safety or energy efficiency, consider working with a local team that knows Tallahassee inside and out, like KingAire.
To learn more about our services, contact us today or give us a call now at (850) 466-8984 to learn more about our services.