You should be wondering if your generator is in any shape to handle the next major storm. When did you last put it through its paces? Better to know now than when the winds are up and the power has gone and you discover it will not run.
For a South Florida homeowner, these are the sort of questions that ought to be on your mind. We at Assurance Power Systems have been putting families in Delray Beach and all over South Florida back on line since 2005. A call to (561) 816-2192 is all it takes for some peace of mind before the season is upon us.
Then again, hurricane season has a habit of coming on you unawares. You are out in the sun one day and the next you see a storm making for the coast. In such an event, a generator left to its own devices in the yard for months may not oblige you as you would like.
But there is no need for stress; most problems with a generator are easily spotted if one knows where to look. Below we have put down some of the more common ones we come across.
Old or Dead Batteries
If a generator is not starting, the battery is often to blame. It is much like a car battery in that it can go without notice once the charge is gone. An unused generator is likely to have a battery too feeble to turn over the engine. Make a point of testing it, and if it is a few years old, put in a new one.
Stale or Contaminated Fuel
Fuel has a shelf life. Diesel will accumulate water and bacteria, gasoline degrades in a matter of months. Either will gum up the system and keep your generator from running at a critical time. Before the season we recommend you:
- See how old the fuel in the tank is
- Inspect for water contamination
- Put in some stabilizer for a gasoline unit
- Verify there are no cracks or leaks in the lines
- Have a proper store of fresh fuel on hand
Clogged or Dirty Air Filters
Your generator requires a good flow of air. An obstructed filter will choke the engine and you may not get it to start at all. It is an easy thing to check and yet people miss it. If the filter is in poor condition, change it so the unit is more efficient in the event of a protracted outage.
Low or Dirty Oil
Clean oil is what protects the moving parts of any engine. Generators in particular can refuse to start with low oil, and what little is there can be dirty and cause undue wear. If you have not done an oil change in some time, do it before the storms come in.
Transfer Switch Trouble
When the utility goes down the transfer switch is what puts power in your home from the generator. Should it fail, the generator might be running but not supplying your house. That is not something to find out in the middle of an outage. These matters can be of an electrical nature and are best left to the pros. Our team is licensed and insured and we cover everything from drain and plumbing to electrical and generator work.
Neglecting Routine Maintenance
In the end, the worst problem is neglect. A generator not serviced will make short work of letting you down. Maintenance is what nips the small things in the bud. Making an appointment for a checkup ahead of the hurricane season is good sense for your family.
Make Your Generator Storm-Ready
There is no reason to put off dealing with your generator until the forecast looks bad. Do it now when you have the time and there is no rush.
With a 4.9 star rating and over 2,200 Google reviews to our name, Assurance Power Systems stands behind what we do with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We are here around the clock. Give us a ring at (561) 816-2192 and our team will have your generator in order for whatever comes along.
