Generators are extremely common for homeowners in Tacoma, Washington. This is because backup power is essential to protecting one’s family and property during outages. Generators are a safeguard for families in Tacoma, but homeowners must prioritize maintenance to ensure reliable operation year-round.
We’re going to cover several generator maintenance tips you need to know to help you keep your generator in top shape. Read on for how to protect your generator for reliability in Washington winters.
Why Winter Maintenance Matters for Tacoma Generators
Winter generator maintenance is critical to ensuring proper function before any unexpected outages. Power outages during the winter can be dangerous due to low temperatures and the risk of freezing pipes. A standby generator in Tacoma enables homeowners to power important appliances and run their home’s heating system.
There are a handful of reasons generator maintenance is crucial for the winter season, including:
- Ensures reliability: Performing regular maintenance on your generator helps ensure it is ready for use during an outage.
- Prevents starting failures: Engine oil can thicken with cold weather, making routine oil changes a necessity. Using winter-grade or synthetic oil helps ensure easier start-ups and operation.
- Protects the battery: Battery performance can suffer in cold temperatures, leading to charging difficulties. Checking the battery and terminals ensures it starts when you need it to.
- Prevents electrical issues: Moisture from rain and snow can corrode electrical connections. Regularly check your generator to tighten loose or corroded connections to maintain system integrity.
- Avoids fuel system issues: Prevent bad gasoline from wrecking your generator’s reliability this winter by adding fuel stabilizer and running it through the system.
Fuel, Oil, and Battery Checks You Shouldn’t Skip
There are several generator maintenance tasks you should include on your generator inspection checklist. These cold-weather generator care tasks help ensure your generator remains a reliable backup power source for your Tacoma home.
Fuel System Maintenance
Most generators run on gasoline, propane, or diesel. Stale fuel can cause engine issues and even permanently damage the engine. That’s why it’s so important to add a fuel stabilizer to gasoline to prevent degradation and ensure your propane or diesel tanks are full to avoid condensation buildup. It’s also a good idea to check your fuel lines for any leaks or cracks and replace them as necessary.
Oil and Filter Changes
Generator engines are no different than any other engines—they need clean oil for smooth operation. You should always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when changing the oil and oil filters. If it’s been more than a year since you last changed the oil, be sure to change it, regardless of how the oil appears.
Often, cold weather thickens oil, so using synthetic oil is recommended as it flows better in cold weather. Replace air filters to promote efficient combustion with the proper air-fuel mixture. Identify dirty or clogged filters and replace them promptly. Also, replace any worn or damaged spark plugs you find.
Battery Health Checks
Low temperatures can impact a battery’s ability to hold a charge. That’s why it’s vital to regularly check your battery’s condition. Many generators offer a battery test feature to report on battery health. Run this test to identify any health issues and inspect the connections for wear and tear.
If you can open your battery for maintenance, test the electrolyte levels and specific gravity, and add water if needed. If you don’t feel confident completing this step, leave it to a professional during an annual maintenance visit.
Test Runs and Load Testing for Reliable Operation
Running your generator regularly helps keep it lubricated and ready for efficient operation. It’s recommended to run your generator at least once a month for 30 minutes or so to keep it in working order.
Start it with no load to catch issues or maintenance needs before an unexpected outage occurs. This way, you can fix problems and have reliable backup power when you need it.
Additionally, you can perform load bank tests to ensure your generator can handle your home’s needs. Think of it as a test run for when you actually need it to power your home’s appliances. Load testing is important after a generator has been idle for an extended period to ensure reliable operation.
Protecting Your Generator from Rain and Freezing Weather
Generators aren’t waterproof, and running them in winter weather without protection can be dangerous. Luckily, it’s pretty simple to protect your unit. Use a weather-resistant cover or canopy to protect your home’s generator during winter weather. A generator cover keeps precipitation and moisture out of the system while allowing proper airflow.
Avoid using tarps or makeshift covers, as they can cause safety risks. You should also regularly inspect your generator for water damage to keep it running smoothly.
It’s critical to never fully enclose a running generator to prevent overheating and carbon monoxide buildup. A generator needs proper airflow to function safely and efficiently. Check with a professional if you’re unsure about your protective cover.
Schedule Professional Generator Maintenance Before Storm Season
The best way to prepare your generator for winter is to call a professional for a home generator tune-up. Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning offers generator services in Tacoma so you can rest assured that your unit is ready for the winter season. We’re in the Tacoma service area daily, helping homeowners prepare for winter storms.
Prepare for Tacoma’s storm season with confidence. Schedule generator maintenance today with Mercurio’s Heating & Air Conditioning!
