Electrical Safety Checklist for Michigan Homeowners
Homeowners can take small steps at home to prevent serious…
Michigan’s winters are known for their challenges, ranging from cold temperatures that can interfere with generator performance to snow and ice coverage that knocks out power and necessitates a generator. Taking care of your home’s backup power system before there’s an outage is the best way to ensure reliable performance when you need it the most.
Before winter sets in, make sure you:
You wouldn’t let your car sit all year long in your garage and then expect it to run well. Most home generators need to run at least once every week to a month, depending on the model (read the manufacturer’s manual for the recommended frequency). Starting it up with no load allows you to catch any issues or maintenance needs before a power outage occurs.
If you have a Generac, your generator will run an automatic test cycle once a week, which makes it easy to identify performance issues before winter. Watch for warning signs or blinking lights that indicate there was an issue or failure during a test cycle, and then schedule a professional inspection.
If it’s been more than a year since you last changed the filters, it’s likely time for a new set before winter power outages activate the system.
Dirty air filters also need replacement. The filters generally only get dirty from hours of operation, but if the unit has sat for a year or longer with minimal use, they may still become dusty enough to need replacement.
The oil that lubricates your home generator breaks down over time, even if your generator rarely runs for more than a routine weekly test cycle. If it’s been a year or more since you last changed it, change the oil, regardless of how it looks or smells. It’s an essential step in generator maintenance, as dirty or broken-down oil can fail to lubricate the system properly when it kicks on for an extended period during a major power outage.
Check around the unit for signs of leaks, too. If you notice them, get them fixed immediately by a professional. Allowing oil to leak puts the generator at risk if it turns on automatically while the levels are too low.
Most home generators offer an automated battery test that can quickly report on its health. Look over the connections on the generator’s battery, too, and make sure there is no damage.
If it’s a battery that you can open for maintenance, test the electrolyte levels and specific gravity of the fluid, and add water if necessary. This step’s a little tricky, so feel free to leave it to a professional as part of an annual maintenance visit. Your service technician can also test the health of the battery separately from the system and recommend a replacement if needed.
Spark plugs need changing after a certain number of hours of use. You should inspect them at least once a year to verify that they aren’t showing any signs of scorching, white deposits on the tips, or corrosion. Most units also need the spark plug gaps adjusted at least once a year for the most reliable performance. Let a professional handle it.
Cleaning around the unit and inside the enclosure is a safe and easy way to keep your system running smoothly as winter arrives. Don’t let any leaves or dead plant matter accumulate around the unit, especially in a way that will block the side and top vents. Rinse dust off the outer enclosure and open it to check that there aren’t any leaves or pest nests inside.
Even if you maintain your generator yourself and think it’s running perfectly, you need to schedule a professional inspection at least once a year. Only a service technician can verify that wear and tear won’t leave your generator failing during a long-term outage when you need it the most. DIY kits for maintenance are great, but they simply don’t replace a professional inspection.
If your annual inspection is due, don’t wait. When power outages happen, you’ll want to have peace of mind knowing you have a working generator.
Budget Electric & Generators can help you stay on top of winter maintenance with our cost-effective maintenance plans and DIY kits. We offer two maintenance plans: basic for $210 per year, or extended for $330 per two years. Both plans come with the same services. Our maintenance plans and DIY kits are exclusive to Generac generators.
Remember—our DIY kits don’t replace professional inspections. As a generator owner, you won’t be able to access the maintenance panel to reset the timer needed to keep your warranty active.
Winter isn’t here yet—contact us today to schedule your maintenance.
