On average, electricity customers in the U.S. suffered seven hours of power interruptions in 2021. Those numbers can vary heavily depending on the severity of storm conditions, how far-reaching the damages are, and where a property is located.
As a commercial business owner, any downtime could have catastrophic effects on your operations. At best, your employees get an hour or two of break time until the power returns. At worst, you lose a day’s worth of data or go multiple days if your generator isn’t working.
Here’s why getting regular generator service is essential for your business.
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Why Routine Generator Service is Important
Power outages happen for all kinds of reasons, from technical problems with the grid to bad winter weather. If you rely on the power grid, you are at its mercy.
You never know how long an outage may go on before power is restored. Commercial businesses can’t afford to gamble with this estimate, as it could mean missed business dealings or lost customers. A generator is very useful in these situations where you may need continuous power for your operations and any industrial processes.
But what are you supposed to do when something is wrong with your generator? If you invest in a generator and fail to do routine maintenance on it, then that’s wasted money.
Routine generator maintenance allows you to see if any problems have developed with your equipment. It can also help your generator work more efficiently for longer periods of time.
Finally, preventative maintenance for generators will help you save money in the long run. If a significant problem develops, then you may need to buy an entirely new system for your business. It’s much more affordable and easier to get regular maintenance instead.
Average Industrial Generator Lifespan
Industrial generators are built to last. As opposed to other kinds, they are built to handle much larger power loads and extended use. Some may last you upwards of 25 years of operation.
However, a lot of minor issues can reduce the lifespan of your generator.
For example, dirty oil can cause your generator’s engine to overheat and shut down. Incorrectly wired electrical connections can cause short circuits and damage the internal system. Improper fuel systems will cause engine blocks, clogged fuel lines, and other problems.
Improper maintenance can result in your generator reaching the end of its life sooner than expected. This also means that your generator repair company will have more work on their hands.
How to Make Your Generator Last Longer
If you want your generator to last as long as possible, then that means investing in routine maintenance. Your generator installation company should be able to set you up with a maintenance plan when you first hire them. It’s up to you to work with them.
Furthermore, don’t just assume your generator will work when you need it. You’ll need to run it regularly to make sure that it still turns on. That includes keeping it fueled and keeping the relevant employees informed on how to access the generator and operate it.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
Weekly generator maintenance is primarily up to the property owner to inspect. This involves looking for oil leaks and signs of wear and tear, as well as cleaning off any dirt or debris.
Run the generator for 30 minutes or so once a week so make sure that it’s still working. This also helps to keep the fuel from sitting for too long and thickening.
Next, you’ll want to check the exhaust system. This includes the muffler, manifold, and exhaust pipe. Pay attention to any odd sounds or smells coming from your unit.
The worst thing you can do is open up your generator and do any kind of tinkering with the system yourself. That’s an easy way to cause irreparable damage to your equipment or cause potential harm to yourself. Your best bet will be to call your generator repair company if you suspect there’s something wrong with it.
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
Some of the top generator problems include battery failure, coolant leaks, low fuel levels, and a dirty air filter. All of these issues can be addressed with your monthly maintenance check.
Once a month, you’ll need to clean the area around the generator and check your engine coolant levels. Part of this involves using a toothbrush and baking soda to clean away any corrosion or dirt you see around your cell ports. You’ll also want to deal with anything like puddles or debris around your unit.
Check engine coolant and oil levels. This is especially useful if you’re facing stormy weather in the coming weeks. You’ll also want to take a look at the coolant concentration levels.
Your monthly test will run for an hour rather than thirty minutes. You can also do an electrolyte-specific gravity test.
Finally, switch out your air filter every 200 hours. This may not happen for multiple months, but it should definitely be done before the annual maintenance check.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
You’ll want your annual maintenance check to be performed by your professional service company. The various steps of your annual check involve changing the oil, getting new filters, inspecting the wiring system, and checking the test transfer switch.
If anything gets missed during this check, then there’s a chance it’ll cause problems in the upcoming year. A professional will be able to see things that you may not even know to look for. They can also set you up for repairs or even a complete replacement if needed.
Reach Out to a Professional Generator Service
A commercial generator is the perfect investment if you live in an area with stormy weather and occasional power outages. It’ll help your business run regular hours and keep the lights on for your employees. However, it’ll require a regular generator service so you know it’ll run when you need it.
Swift Equipment Solutions is your one-stop shop for used generators, industrial power units, air compressors, and more. We operate out of Houston, TX, and offer free consultations and quotes. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your business.
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