During a power outage from a severe storm, a generator can provide power for your New Orleans, Louisiana, home. It can also produce emergency power for medical equipment or provide electricity to homes in remote areas. You should maintain your generator regularly by changing the oil, checking the fuel, and cleaning and inspecting it to make sure it will work when you need it.
Changing the Oil
Most new generators need an oil change after they run for one day. After that, change the oil after every 50 to 60 hours of runtime. If you haven’t used your generator yet, you still need to change the oil and filters once per year. Make sure you keep enough oil and filters to last a few days in case of emergency.
Checking the Fuel
Gasoline will form residue and lose its effectiveness after sitting in your generator’s tank for six months or more. You should drain and replace it periodically, use a special fuel stabilizer, or avoid the problem completely by storing gas in suitable fuel containers. Another option is to use a natural gas or propane generator, as they use fuels that have a long shelf life.
Cleaning and Inspecting Your Generator
After every use, clean your generator thoroughly. Make sure you remove any grease, fuel, mud, leaves, or other debris to prevent damage. A compressed air blower works well for cleaning the ventilation fans. If you see signs of corrosion, treat them with an inhibitor product. You should also look for stuck buttons, loose or frayed wires, loose bolts, and a worn or cracked piston or gasket head. Check your battery’s voltage and add more distilled water if needed. You should replace the battery every two or three years. Store your generator in a clean, dry place like a garage.
Bryans United Air Conditioning is a residential and commercial HVAC contractor. We can help you to maintain, install, and repair generators. Call us at 504-208-2071 for excellent yet economical service.
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