Why Generator Maintenance Is Important, Even For Standby Generators

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Why Generator Maintenance Is Important, Even For Standby Generators

It’s that time of year. Ice and snowstorms could hit at any time and that means power outages can also hit at any time. You say you’re not worried because you have a generator. Now let me ask, have you been practicing good generator maintenance? In other words, are you absolutely positive your generator is going to start?

Out of sight & out of mind

This is what often happens with standby generators. We don’t think about them until we need them. This often leads to a tendency to ignore routine maintenance. Here’s how Merts Heating & Air Conditioning feels about this. If you were concerned enough about power outages in your Steger, IL or Northwest Indiana home or business, then you should be investing in regular generator maintenance.

Create a list

If you’re not sure how to get started, go to the owner’s manual to check on the recommended schedule for things like replacing the air filter and oil changes. Keep in mind the amount of use and the environment the generator is used in can affect the schedule. Here are a few other suggestions for your list:

  • Run the generator weekly
  • Check fluid levels and battery charge monthly
  • Every 6 months closely inspect belts, lines, hoses & connectors
  • Perform a load test annually and recondition the fuel

Call in the pros

Only you can decide how dirty you want to get your hands and your level of do-it-yourself skills. Our suggestion for generator maintenance is to call in our professionals at least once a year to make sure everything is tested and checked. There’s no doubt in our mind that standby generators are a great investment for home and business owners. With proper maintenance, these standby generators, like the Briggs & Stratton models Merts sells, can last for decades and are powerful enough to power entire homes and buildings. Choose to ignore generator maintenance and you might be very disappointed when the inevitable next “storm of the century” rolls into the Chicagoland or Indiana.

Always here to help

Merts Heating & Air Conditioning has a motto of “Quality and Honesty Since 1952.” Give us a chance to show you what we mean. Call Merts to learn more about installing a backup generator or maintaining the one you already have. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.