Backup generators are necessary for most businesses in Florida. In addition to facilities where they are required, such as hospitals and nursing facilities, they are also common for retail and other commercial applications due to our prevalent hurricane seasons. With any luck, you won’t need to use your backup generator over the summer. However, it is important to keep up with preventative maintenance to ensure if you do need it, your backup generator is ready.
Below are the five services your technician will perform during regular preventative maintenance tune-ups for your generator:
- General inspection – Prior to any maintenance service, your technician will perform a general inspection to look for mechanical issues in the exhaust, fuel, air intake, and other systems. Because backup generators are not typically in use, mechanical defects may develop over time without anyone noticing. An annual inspection and frequent tune-ups are therefore necessary to ensure that when you need your generator, it is in tip-top shape.
- Lubrication – Just like any motor, lubrication is essential to ensure proper running. Because backup generators stay dormant for most of their service life, lubrication is essential to ensure the parts do not rust or stiffen over time. Your preventative maintenance will most likely include an oil change and lubrication of essential parts.
- Check coolant level – Just like your HVAC system, your generator needs to be inspected to ensure it has proper coolant levels. During your inspections, your technician may top off the coolant and check the radiator for mechanical problems.
- Check air intake and fuel service – The air intake and fuel systems can develop condensation over time, and need to be drained as well as checked for mechanical errors on a regular basis.
- Electrical safety check – Your generator’s electrical system should be tested often and fully inspected annually to detect shorts, issues with the battery, and other potential issues. Electrical issues can not only leave you stranded in the event of an outage but can be just as dangerous as electrical problems within the facility itself.
Hurricane season isn’t over yet, which means it’s time to schedule your annual generator checkup if you haven’t already. To find out when and how to set up generator maintenance soon, contact your local MaintenX office.
