If you have a standby emergency generator, it’s essential to keep it well-maintained. A standby generator can last between 10,000 and 36,000 hours in its lifetime but only operate as few as 25 hours per year and in short intervals. In some cases, standby generators may see as many as several hundred of usage depending on location and the stability of the power system. Our emergency generator checklist will help ensure your generator is always ready to go when you need it and when it is most important!
Standby generator installation in Louisiana is on the rise, with new units expected to last between 25-30 years. Once installed, Expert Air A/C & Heating knows generators become a vital part of a home during a power outage. A standby generator is designed to kick on seconds after a power outage is detected to keep families comfortable—no need to invest in extra candles or search out batteries to keep the lights on. As a new or experienced generator owner, it is important to understand our emergency generator checklist to ensure you don’t miss a warning sign that could cause a generator failure at a crucial moment.
You already know you chose an experienced team from Expert Air A/C & Heating for your generator installation. Our professional and highly trained team of technicians is knowledgeable in all aspects of standby generators and will provide initial training to homeowners to keep their power on when needed. Confidence goes a long way when you are in need, so let’s review the emergency generator maintenance checklist.
Emergency Maintenance Checklist
A generator is a mechanical device with typical maintenance cycles, which includes general inspection and scheduled inspection and service of many of its crucial systems. This maintenance cycle is no different than your family car.
Depending on the generator’s make and model and how often it’s used, you should create a maintenance schedule outlining when each component should be checked or replaced.
- Fuel system — diesel does require more frequent maintenance
- Coolant system
- Lubrication system
- Air system (combustion and cooling air)
- Starting system (batteries and charger)
- Alternator (* traditionally an overlooked item)
- Transfer switch (* traditionally an overlooked item)
It is essential to review these areas of the generator visually every month. A visual inspection should also be done after any periods of usage.
Your Emergency Generator Checklist
Expert Air A/C and Heating wants to help you maintain your generator after we install the unit. While this is not a complete list, this maintenance list is thorough enough to have your standby generator working when it is most needed. A few maintenance items need to be checked more frequently, so be aware of the suggested schedule.
Weekly Maintenance
- Run the generator. (This can be done for as little as 10 minutes to verify operation and complete as no-load bearing.)
- Ensure you saw no alarms or warnings during the operation.
- Check and ensure adequate fuel levels. (This also acts as a reminder in case of a power outage.)
- Verify the generator is in “Auto” mode for automatic startup.
- Verify the circuit breaker is closed.
- Do a visual inspection and make sure there are no fluid leaks in or around the unit.
- Observe and remove any clutter or debris generator – including any nests from vermin or fallen branches, blown garbage, or household items.
Monthly Maintenance
- Check engine coolant level – if coolant is needed, make sure not to overfill.
- Check engine oil level – also, do not overfill.
- Check the battery charger.
Bi-Annual Maintenance by a Certified Technician
- Check the battery electrolyte level and specific gravity.
- Check battery cables and connections.
- Inspect drive belts
- Inspect the coolant heater
- Check coolant lines and connections.
- Check for oil leaks and inspect lubrication system hoses and connectors.
- Check for fuel leaks and inspect fuel system hoses and connectors.
- Inspect the exhaust system, muffler, and exhaust pipe
- Check and clean air cleaner units.
- Inspect air induction piping and connections.
- Inspect the DC electrical system, control panel, and accessories.
- Inspect the AC wiring and accessories.
- Inspect the unit housing. Look for any signs of cracks or rust.
Annual Maintenance by a Certified Technician
- Change oil and filter
- Change the fuel filter
- Change the air filter
- Clean the crankcase breather
- Change spark plugs
- Check coolant concentration
- Flush the cooling system – as needed
- Perform load bank testing
- Fuel testing & reconditioning – for diesel units
- Remove water from the fuel tank – for diesel units
Creating and following up on your maintenance schedule and hiring trusted and certified technicians will provide you and your family with a reliable power source for many years. The sound investment created by a standby generator installation provides peace of mind, reliability, and comfort during uncertain power outages.
Install Your Generator with Expert Air A/C and Heating!
Now that you understand standby generator maintenance better, is it time to install or upgrade to a new unit with Expert Air A/C and Heating? We provide generator installation and HVAC services to the residents of Southern Louisiana and its surrounding areas. Our goal is to provide exceptional customer service to every one of our clients while we make their homes and businesses comfortable again.
If you need a standby generator installation or AC repair in Louisiana or have any questions, you can visit our website or email us at [email protected].
