You’re likely to be hit by power outages during Florida’s storm season. That’s when your handy backup generator will come to the rescue.
However, if you haven’t maintained it properly, you might find that it doesn’t work.
Read on to find out about the most important aspects of backup generator maintenance, so you’ll never be left without power again.
How to Carry Out Backup Generator Maintenance
Keep it in the Right Environment
Your backup generator needs to be kept clean in order to function correctly.
Keep it free from debris and make sure its parts aren’t exposed to moisture. Otherwise, they could corrode, which can cause leakages. 
Check the Battery
Battery problems are often the root cause of generator failures.
If your battery terminals have come loose, tighten them up again so they don’t stop the generator from starting.
Check for any dirty or corrosion and clean the battery with a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water. 
Change the Oil
When your power goes out, you’ll need oil to keep your backup generator running. It’s best to stock up, so you don’t have to go out and buy it in your time of need.
Oil top ups are generally required every 50-60 hours.
When you refill your oil, allow the generator to cool down first. Make sure you have some light, so you can pour the oil without spilling it, which could be dangerous.
Check for Rust and Water Damage
Your generator will be exposed to the elements, and in order to keep it working for as long as possible, you need to protect it from them.
Oxygen and moisture will cause metal parts to rust, which can eventually cause them to stop working.
The best way to protect your generator from rust is to coat the components with a polymer epoxy coating, which locks out moisture.
Secure It
After investing in your expensive backup generator, the last thing you want is for someone to steal it.
Keep it secure by locking it down. That way, you don’t have to worry about it going anywhere.
Change Air Filters
The air restriction indicator will tell you when your generator isn’t taking in as much air as it should be. 
When it turns red, you’ll need to change the air filter. 
Run it Regularly
Much like a car, if your backup generator is left unused for too long, problems will start to occur.
Run it at regular intervals, perhaps every few months, to charge the battery and make sure it’s working properly.
Have it Serviced
The best way to ensure that your generator stays in great condition for as long as possible is to have it professionally serviced regularly. 
A generator tune up will make sure that your generator is working at its best and that all of the parts are in tact. 
Professional technicians can do all of the work for you, so you don’t need to worry about checking and maintaining everything yourself.
Take Care of Your Generator
The importance of pre-storm season backup generator maintenance shouldn’t be underestimated.
Follow the above guidelines to make sure your generator keeps running smoothly. 
If it’s too late and it’s already stopped working, it’s time to buy a new one. See our range of residential backup generators.