A generator is one of the most significant appliances in your home. Unfortunately, most people tend to overlook the importance of this equipment. The truth is that a generator can last longer if well-maintained, but is if thrown around and abused, you shouldn’t expect much in return. This means that you must pay more attention to your generator to prevent it from breaking down, improve its efficiency, and increase its lifespan. These six simple cleaning tips can help if you’re like many people who are struggling to maintain their generators.
- Clean the Engine
Just like in your car, the engine plays a significant role in ensuring your generator functions efficiently. Cleaning it can help remove potentially damaging dirt and debris and enable the operator to pinpoint service concerns. However, when cleaning, avoid using a pressure washer as too much pressure may harm the engine. It is also recommended that you use an air supply to gust off dust and dirt, and a clean cloth to wipe off excessive grease.
- Change the Oil
Another way to maintain your generator and keep it clean is to change its oil more often. It is essential to keep in mind that how regular you need to replace the oil will depend on various factors, including the brand of the unit, the environment it operates, and how often you use the generator. According to industry experts, you should do an oil change after 50 – 200 hours of operation, depending on the mentioned factors. It is expected that newer and executive models require less oil replacement since they burn cleaner than their older counterparts. Also, most manufacturers recommend that you change the oil of your brand new generator after the first eight hours of operation.
- Start It Up
It is incredibly surprising how many people realize their Honda Generators are not working only when they want to use it. Mostly, generators are used as back up plans, which means that you could go for days or months without needing to start it up. To avoid untimely repairs, ensure you start monthly routine maintenance by lubricating it by oil, ensuring that the carburetor is functioning well and charging them. Keeping this routine can help ensure your generator is up to the task whenever you need it.
- Check for Leaks
Checking for leakages is as crucial as cleaning your generator. Sometimes your unit may experience oil, fuel, or coolant leaks. Such leaks can lead to inefficiencies in terms of operation and maintenance costs. That is why it is crucial to keep a regular inspection of your equipment to help you identify these issues before they escalate to bigger problems. For instance, fuel leaks may occur due to overfilling the base tank, which may be facilitated by fuel pump malfunctions. So identifying these leaks in advance can help fix them immediately. You can do this by tightening or replacing the parts such as the fuel pump system that could be causing the problem.
- Clean the Air
Your generator’s air filters perform a crucial role, and they need a well-maintenance plan. First off, you need to regularly determine the condition of the air filters and clean them when necessary. If you notice damages on the filters, consider replacing them to ensure your generator functions efficiently. Regardless of how dirty they are, industry experts recommend cleaning the air filters after every 100 hours of use and replacing them monthly. This helps keep the engine clean and properly functioning.
- Store It Safely
You need to protect your generator after use to help extend its lifespan. And if you won’t be using your unit for an extended period, it can help to take essential steps to safeguard the engine. Precautions to observe include conducting the recommended daily maintenance procedures, removing the batteries (if applicable), and ensuring it is fully charged. You can also empty the fuel from the tank and carburetor chamber to help prevent corrosion. It can be helpful if you store your generator in a dry, cool place to minimize damage; you can consider using tents, generator sheds, or covers to decrease rusting.
A well-maintained generator can last for decades, and this can help you save maintenance costs. If you wish to increase efficiency and extend your generator’s lifespan, it is important to follow the manufacturer recommendations along with the tips outlined above.
Autobiography
Eric Reyes is a passionate thought leader having been featured in 50 distinguished online and offline platforms. His passion and knowledge in Finance and Business made him a sought after contributor providing valuable insights to his readers. You can find him reading a book and discussing current events in his spare time.A well-maintained generator can last for decades, and this can help you save maintenance costs.
