Generator Repair: Maintenance and Prevention
Like any large appliance, a generator can experience malfunctions or wear out over time. However, since generators are essential during emergencies, timely repair and maintenance are crucial to ensure they function when you need them most. Regular upkeep and quick repairs are essential to keeping your generator in good working order. Understanding generator repair helps maintain the performance and reliability you need during emergencies, giving you peace of mind when you’re not facing one.
Routine Generator Maintenance
One of the most important aspects of generator maintenance is not waiting for problems to arise, but rather being proactive and addressing potential issues before they become significant. Scheduling an annual inspection can help identify any emerging problems and fix them before they become costly or result in a breakdown when you need the generator the most. Regular inspections are generally inexpensive, and this small investment can save you from larger repair costs and unexpected issues later.
If you live in an area with frequent power outages or harsh weather conditions (often the same areas), you likely use your generator more often than residents of milder climates. This means that your yearly inspection may cost more due to the higher chance of finding wear and tear. It’s also a good idea to schedule a check-up before severe weather seasons begin, as waiting until bad weather strikes can lead to longer wait times for repairs, or worse, a generator that fails to work when you need it.
Major Generator Repairs and Replacement
If your generator is relatively new, you likely won’t need to worry about major repairs for a few years. However, if your generator is over a decade old and you find yourself spending hundreds of dollars annually on repairs, it may be time to consider replacing it. Several factors, such as the size of your home and lifestyle needs, play a role in choosing the right replacement.
When upgrading to a more powerful generator, it’s important to consider that certain appliances, such as electric heaters, water heaters, and dryers, require significantly more power than other devices. If your home uses electric heating, you might need to invest in a larger generator or explore alternative heating sources.
Motors that start under light loads (such as well pumps or fans) require two to three times the power to start compared to when they’re running. On the other hand, motors starting under heavier loads (like refrigerators or compressors) may need up to five times the starting power. A good guideline is to allocate 2 to 3 kW of generator capacity per horsepower of electric motor.
For homes with sensitive electronics, particularly newer computers, be aware that these devices require minimal power, but it must be clean and stable. Computers are sensitive to irregular power, so for backup power systems designed for electronics, it’s recommended that the total electronic load should not exceed 50% of the generator’s total capacity.