You have a standby generator because you want to be prepared for power outages. Just as with other appliances and equipment, electric generators require routine maintenance. In this way, they are in optimal condition when needed.
In order to ensure that your generator is in good working order, it’s important to have a professional provide generator preventative maintenance. A trained professional will be able to determine when repairs are needed as well as when you need a new generator.
If you recently had a generator installed, it’s important to be aware that safety precautions need to be taken. FEMA, for example, provides detailed guidelines on the safe use of residential generators. In addition to stressing the importance of adhering to the instructions that come with your generator, they also provide other important safety information.
Generators, according to FEMA, should not be installed or used indoors, within enclosed spaces, or by windows. This is because carbon monoxide can build up, which adversely affects people, animals, and indoor air quality.
Since carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless, you might not realize you, your family or pets had become exposed until experiencing the adverse effects. Signs of exposure include feeling nauseous, dizzy, and weak. If this occurs, FEMA recommends going outside immediately in order to get fresh air. It is also a good idea, according to FEMA, to install carbon monoxide alarms throughout your house as a preventative measure.
Your generator’s fuel, such as gasoline, kerosene, or propane shouldn’t be stored inside your house. FEMA advises that you clearly label all of these containers and store them well away from any fuel-burning appliances. These containers should also be closed properly just in case they are knocked over. This will prevent gasoline or other flammable substances from spilling.
Another important safety measure from FEMA is to only use heavy-duty extension cords when connecting appliances to your generator. Furthermore, since it’s dangerous to connect generators directly into your home’s power supply, it’s important to have a professional electrician evaluate your home’s electrical system to make any necessary adjustments.
Nearly half of the energy you need will be for heating and cooling, so it’s important to have the right size generator installed. When thinking about energy efficiency for your heating, ventilation, and cooling systems, it’s important to make sure that your ducts are sealed and insulated, there is good airflow, and your filters are changed at least once a month.
You’ll also want to calculate the wattage of other necessary appliances, such as lighting, refrigerators, and computers. If an outage does occur, then you will have sufficient electricity to operate these items. When you have generator services come to your home, you can discuss this with them in more detail. You can also ask them about different types of electric generators.
When you have regular generator preventative maintenance, you’ll know that your generator will be in good working order when needed. Since power outages can actually occur at any time, having generator preventative maintenance is an integral part of being prepared.
