Summer thunderstorms, hurricanes, and deep winter freezes are rare weather occurrences that usually arrive with little warning. As more homes and businesses are connected to the state power grid, less electricity is available for existing infrastructure. When widespread electrical outages occur during an inclement weather event, restoration of essential utilities can take days or even weeks in outlying areas. This is the reason you decided to install a whole-house standby natural gas generator to keep your family as comfortable and safe as possible during a power failure.
Once you’ve installed your whole-house generator, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your family will never have to experience a power failure. A whole-house standby generator is not your average household appliance. It is a large, complex machine that homeowners rely on to take over the delivery of electrical power during an outage. By adhering to a schedule of regular generator maintenance services you can ensure that your generator is ready to take on the worst that Houston weather—and the ERCOT power grid—gives us.
Your home’s standby generator runs off an engine, much like a car or truck, with many of the same maintenance requirements, such as:
As a homeowner, keeping the area around your generator and its pad free of debris, tall grass, weeds, and anything blocking access to the unit is essential. When your generator is installed, part of the process will be when your Nick’s Generator technician gives you the “care and feeding” instructions for your unit. Here, your technician will review how to operate the generator and some basic do-it-yourself maintenance recommendations.
Even for those who stay on top of their generator’s condition and readiness, regular maintenance by a trained generator technician is still required at least once a year. Generators that have not been maintained and exhibit any of the symptoms listed below must be checked out by a professional generator maintenance company, like Nick’s Generators.
Most of the standby generators available from Nick’s are equipped with warning lights or alarms that can indicate issues. Additionally, your generator’s app should send a reminder when your generator is due for its next maintenance service call.
Several maintenance issues could be in play if your generator fails to start during a routine test cycle or an actual power outage. Dead batteries, fuel delivery problems, and mechanical issues can all factor into a generator that won’t start. Quite often, these symptoms are the result of neglecting regular maintenance.
Suppose your standby generator is not delivering the expected power output or is struggling to handle the normal household load during an outage. In that case, you may need to schedule a generator maintenance appointment. Again, fuel delivery issues, batteries, and any internal electrical components may be compromised and require attention.
Any abnormal loud noises during generator operation, like knocking, rattling, or grinding, may indicate mechanical issues requiring immediate inspection and maintenance.
Any signs of fluid leaks, such as oil, coolant, or fuel, should not be ignored. Leaks can lead to severe issues and require prompt attention.
Inspect the generator visually for signs of wear, corrosion, loose bolts, or damaged components. These issues can worsen over time and affect performance.
Clogged air filters can restrict airflow to the engine, causing poor performance or overheating. Regularly check and replace air filters as needed.
If the generator has a battery, check its voltage and condition regularly. Weak or dead batteries can prevent the generator from starting.
Check for rust or corrosion on the generator's exterior and critical components. Rust can weaken structural integrity and affect performance.
Incorrect readings on the generator's control panel, such as wrong voltage or frequency levels, may indicate sensor or electrical issues.
Excessive smoke from the exhaust, predominantly black or white, may indicate engine problems, such as fuel or air intake issues.
If the generator consistently runs at high temperatures or overheats, it can be a sign of cooling system issues, blocked airflow, or a malfunctioning thermostat
A standby generator maintenance service call typically involves a thorough inspection and servicing of various components to ensure the generator is in optimal condition and ready to function during a power outage.
The unit is first checked for any visible damage, corrosion, or wear on the generator's exterior, including the enclosure, frame, and housing.
The fuel system will be inspected, the fuel supply system will be tested for leaks or blockages, and tests will be performed to verify the fuel level and quality. Fuel filters will be replaced where needed.
The radiator, hoses, and other components of the cooling systems are checked for proper operation, adequate coolant levels, and leaks.
Oil and oil filters are replaced as the manufacturer recommends, and the unit is Inspected for leaks.
We test the battery voltage and condition and clean and tighten the battery connections. If the battery has trouble holding a charge, it must be replaced. Wiring from the generator to the home’s electrical service panel is checked for proper connections and signs of wear. Transfer switches and safety devices are tested for proper function.
Air filters are inspected and cleaned or replaced as needed. Control panel settings and functionality are verified, and any error codes present are investigated. Any available updates to the generator's software will be installed.
The generator engine will be inspected for any visible issues, such as loose belts, damaged hoses, or worn-out spark plugs. Valve clearances and required timing adjustments will be performed at this time, along with a cylinder compression test if the need is indicated. Next, a load test will be performed to ensure the generator can handle the expected electrical load during an outage.
Based on the inspection findings, your Nick’s technician will provide you with any recommendations for necessary repairs, upgrades, or parts replacement. It's important to note that the frequency of maintenance service calls may vary depending on the generator's usage and the manufacturer's recommendations.
Some generators may require annual maintenance, while others might need servicing every six months or after a certain number of running hours. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for your generator model's recommended maintenance schedule and procedures.
Regularly scheduled generator maintenance services by a qualified technician are crucial for the long-term reliability of your whole house natural gas generator. Even if you don't notice any of these signs, having your generator inspected and serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations is good practice to prevent potential issues and ensure it operates as needed during a power outage.
With so much riding on the performance of your home’s backup power supply, Nick’s Generators employs only licensed and experienced generator technicians who undergo rigorous training before they arrive at your home. Call Nick’s today to schedule your maintenance service call for your natural gas backup generator, and enjoy the confidence of knowing your generator is ready for the next power outage.
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