If the power goes out in the summer, your generator will have to work hard to provide you with power, keep your food from spoiling, keep you cool, and make many things more convenient. To ensure that it can run efficiently, follow these steps.
Get Your Oil Changed
Oil plays a very important role in a generator. It lubricates internal components and prevents the motor from overheating. Without oil, your generator will not be able to run, and if you are using old oil, it may have trouble as well. That’s because oil can get thick and contaminated over time, and that makes it harder for it to do its job. By draining your old oil and adding new oil before the summer season, you’ll be improving your system’s efficiency.
Use Fresh Gasoline
It might not seem like a big deal at first, but if you use old gas, your generator could have trouble starting and running. Like oil, gasoline can become more viscous over time. Because of oxidation, old gas may contain impurities that can clog various parts of a generator. When running on fuel that has deteriorated, a generator is likely to malfunction, and you might be faced with a big repair bill.
Keep It Cool
It’s a good idea to keep your generator in a shaded area outside your home. The hot afternoon sun can increase its temperature, increasing the risk of overheating and reduced efficiency. If you can’t put a shade structure over your generator, consider placing tall plants nearby to block the afternoon sun.
Be Mindful About Its Capacity
A generator can only work so hard before losing its efficiency and possibly shutting down. Every generator is labeled with an output rating, which indicates how much power it can provide to your home. Each appliance you’d like to operate during a power outage must be accounted for. For example, a refrigerator might use between 300 and 800 watts, and a washing machine might use between 400 and 1,400 watts of electricity. An air conditioning unit would require even more electricity, so if you want to stay cool, you may have to forgo other appliances. Alternatively, you could plan ahead and invest in a generator that will meet your anticipated needs.
Plan Ahead
The power could go out at any time this summer, which could cause a lot of trouble unless you can rely on a generator. Planning ahead and using fresh oil and fuel can make a big difference in how efficiently it can operate. In addition, try to keep it cool and be careful about how much power you’ll be using. If you require generator service in Memphis, TN at any time, please call Rush Electric.
