When the power goes out and the air conditioning stops humming, your generator becomes a crucial component of your home. However, it needs care to handle the stress of summer operation. Take some steps now to ensure that your backup plan stays solid so that you can keep your family cool and comfortable when the grid fails.
Fighting the Summer Dust and Debris
A clogged filter prevents your generator from getting the ventilation that it needs and causes it to burn through fuel much faster than it should. Check the air intake every few weeks and wipe down the exterior of the machine to keep grass clippings and spider webs from blocking the cooling vents.
Managing Fuel Quality in High Temperatures
Gasoline does not stay fresh forever. The intense heat of a summer garage can cause fuel to break down and turn into a sticky varnish in as little as thirty days. Stale gas will gum up the tiny passages in your fuel system. That is usually why a generator will sputter and die right after you pull the starter cord. Always use a fuel stabilizer if you plan on keeping gas in the tank for more than a couple of weeks. You can also run the engine dry before putting it away.
Checking the Oil Levels for Peak Performance
Since these engines are air-cooled, the oil has to work twice as hard to protect the metal parts from grinding together in the heat. High temperatures can cause oil to thin out or evaporate. So, you should check the dipstick every time you plan to run the machine for an extended period. If the oil looks black and gritty like coffee grounds, it is time for a change. That dirty fluid is actually scratching the inside of your engine.
Testing the Spark Plug and Battery
A spark plug is a critical part of the combustion process. However, summer humidity can cause corrosion on the electrical tip that prevents the engine from catching fire. Pull the spark plug once a season to make sure it isn’t covered in black soot or white crusty deposits that indicate the engine is running too hot. If your generator has an electric start feature, the battery can also lose its charge quickly in the heat. You should consider using a small trickle charger to keep the battery topped off. At least start the generator once a month to let the internal alternator do its job.
Need Help with Your Generator?
Taking care of these details will usually ensure that your generator is always ready to leap into action the moment the grid goes down. Life can continue as normal, and you and your family will be comfortable.
But if your generator stops working like it should, it’s important to get professional assistance. The professionals at Fisher Electric would be happy to help. We provide generator installation and repair services in Scotts Valley and the rest of the Central Coast region.
Contact us today to speak with our team and arrange for a service call.
