DIY Maintenance for Your Standby Generator

Technician working on generator

We rely on our standby generators to protect us from power outages, but if you don’t properly care for your unit, it may not work when you need it most. A little bit of maintenance can go a long way, so follow these tips to make sure your generator is ready to run during the next storm:

1. Change your oil every 100 hours of use.

You wouldn’t drive your car for 50,000 miles without getting an oil change; the same goes for your standby generator. As a rule of thumb, you should change the oil and the filter after every 100 hours of running time.

2. Replace your air filter as needed.

Your generator intakes fresh air as it operates. When your air filter is dirty, intake is limited and wear-and-tear increases. This forces your generator to work harder and can shorten its lifespan. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how often to replace your air filter.

3. Keep up with your battery.

If your battery doesn’t work, neither will your generator. Keep your battery in top condition by periodically cleaning off corrosion, checking its charge, and tightening the connections when necessary.

4. Occasionally inspect your spark plugs.

Dirty or damaged spark plugs may cause problems when your generator attempts to start up. Dirty spark plugs can be cleaned using a wire brush, or a special spark plug cleaning tool. Damaged spark plugs should be repaired or replaced by a professional as soon as possible.

Properly maintaining your generator isn’t easy. That’s why homeowners in Fairfax County, Virginia depend on the Air Treatment Company to do it for them. Visit our website to learn more about our generator services, or call (703) 270-0881.

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