Spring Maintenance Checklist for Your Backup Generator

Winter saw plenty of harsh weather and outages, but summer is peak outage season in Ohio. Just as your standby generator is getting a rest, you’ve got to start thinking about the coming severe thunderstorms, high winds, and extreme heat that will tax the electrical grid. A solid spring generator maintenance plan ensures that when summer does its worst, you and your family aren’t left high and dry. The worst of summer storms blows through in just a few months, so the time to get serious about spring maintenance for GENERAC generators is now. Here’s what you need to know.

Winter and Your Standby Generator

The harshness of winter can do a number on standby GENERAC generators. Severe cold can permanently diminish the capacity of the battery, meaning that starting power can be at a disadvantage in spring. Oil can also thicken, making operation more difficult and creating more resistance for the engine. Moisture can build up and lead to rust or corrosion inside engine parts, due to fluctuations in temperature.

These are all internal issues that could slow down or stop your generator, and you may not even know they’re happening. That’s why spring maintenance is so vital. Another problem could be physical–a buildup of seasonal debris, or even a rodent problem, could clog air vents or compromise key components. Now is the time to ensure that your standby generator is ready for what’s coming. After all, a generator is only valuable if it works when you need it.

Spring Generator Maintenance

There are some key checks that are a must for generator maintenance, whatever the season. Homeowners can conduct a visual inspection, walking around the generator and paying attention to its general condition. If you’re being observant, you can quickly pinpoint potential issues. These could include seasonal debris, like leaves, dirt, or branches. As you remove those, ensure that there are several feet of clearance around the unit. Check for any signs of excess moisture, like rust. Ensure that all fasteners are tightened and look out for signs of wear, damage, or any blockages. Check for signs of rodent infestation–a generator makes a nice, snug home.

If you’re used to handling monthly maintenance checks on your own, feel free to do what you always do and run the unit on light load. Pay attention to how it runs, and make note of new or harsh sounds, excess smoke, odd smells, vibrations, and any warning lights. And if you aren’t used to doing that, no worries–you can leave the heavy lifting to us. Either way, you’ll want to give us a call annually at the least. When you call the team at GeneratorPros, we’ll be ready to help. These are the steps we take to ensure that your standby generator keeps running for years to come.

Battery: 

• Check battery charger functions
• Check cable connections, termination cleanliness and security
• Check electrolyte level and cell vent caps
• Battery conductance test

Fuel:

• Inspect main tank/day tank fuel level
• Inspect day tank controls and pumps and test controls
• Inspect all fuel hoses, clamps, pipes, components and fittings
• Inspect governor linkage
• Visually inspect rupture/containment basin
• Conduct water in fuel test

Operational & Functional:

• Inspect engine cooling fan and fan drives for wear or wobble
• Check all pulleys, belt tensioners, slack adjusters and idler pulleys
• Inspect/lubricate drive bearings, gear or belt drives and other shaft connecting hardware

Engine Cooling:

• Check coolant level
• Inspect hoses and clamps for leaks 
• Inspect radiator cap and filler neck 
• Inspect drive belts, observe alignment and deflection
• Observe coolant heater operations
• Utilize DCA test strip to record coolant properties
• Inspect radiator surfaces, shrouds and barriers
• Visually inspect secondary cooling component

Engine & Lubrication:

• Check oil level
• Inspect crankcase ventilation system
• Inspect spark ignited ignition system

Oil & Filtration:

• Change engine lubrication oil
• Change primary lubrication and bypass filters
• Change fuel filters

Intake/Exhaust:

• Inspect air cleaner element and the intake system
• Inspect the exhaust system and rain cap
• Inspect louver operations

Generator Controls & Power Connections:

• Visually inspect engine-mounted wiring, senders and devices
• Visually inspect all control-mounted components and wiring
• Lamp test lights and indicators
• Visually inspect breaker and power connections
• Manually operate generator breaker(s)

Generator Operations

• Start and observe generator and equipment operations
• Verify engine and generator safeties for proper operation
• System test with or without load

Automatic Transfer Switch

• Visually inspect all power and control wiring
• Visually inspect switch mechanism and enclosure
• Visually inspect controls and time delay settings
• Verify function of the exercise clock

This long list could sound excessive, but a lot can happen in a year. And if you’ve waited longer than one year for generator maintenance, then there are sure to be some issues to address. This thorough inspection checklist allows our technicians to get their eyes on every system and every component in those systems. This is the best way to ensure that your backup generator will be ready to perform when the first major summer storm shows up.

Why You Need Professional Maintenance for GENERAC Generators

Backup generators are complex systems, and they require expert care. If you’re doing monthly or quarterly maintenance checks of your own, all the better! The more time spent with a unit, the less likely it is that a small problem will be overlooked and turn into a major issue down the road. That said, it is still important to have a professional set of eyes on your generator between the extremes of summer and winter. This generator maintenance service will ensure that all components are thoroughly inspected and functioning properly. With this level of detail, you can rest assured that your generator will continue to operate safely and reliably during summer’s worst.

If you choose not to have your backup generator regularly serviced, you could be looking at no power in the event of an outage, expensive emergency repairs, and even reduced equipment lifespan. The cost really isn’t worth gambling on–professional generator maintenance is a must, both to prevent disruption and to maintain your own peace of mind. But don’t wait too long! Appointments fill up fast. Now’s the time to schedule spring maintenance for GENERAC generators from GeneratorPros–contact us today!

Spring Maintenance Service for GENERAC Generators

Summer storms can blow in without much warning. Knowing that your generator is ready to handle any outage brings you peace of mind and ensures that your home and family are protected. The value speaks for itself, and now is when generator maintenance can make the most impact this season. So don’t delay–contact GeneratorPros today to schedule your next generator maintenance visit, and have confidence this summer and beyond.