Like any appliance in your home or business, generators require regular maintenance to ensure that they are working as they should be and able to manage the load they are expected to. The regular maintenance of a generator is a preventative measure, helping to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and repairs.

With the right TLC, your generator will last you for years to come, ensuring that routine maintenance is carried out increases the lifespan of your generator by nearly 50%. If you aren’t sure how best to maintain your generator, have no fear because we are here! The team at Bellwood Rewinds have years of experience and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things generators, so read our expert view on generator maintenance.

Tips for maintaining a generator

When you are looking for tips on maintaining a generator, look no further. The hints and tips from our generator experts are perfect for individuals and businesses alike.

Tip 1 – Change the Oil

The most important aspect of generator maintenance is changing the oil regularly, just as you would your vehicle. The team here recommended changing the oil of your generator every 50 to 200 hours based on a number of factors. Some of the factors affecting how often the oil should be changed are:

  • The generator brand you have
  • How often your generator is used
  • What environment do you use the generator in

However, newer generator models may require fewer oil changes as they burn cleaner than some of the older models, while operating your generator in a dusty environment may require more frequent oil changes as the dust particles can gather with the oil and lead to blockages.

Tip 2 – Keep it Clean

The rotor and stator are two parts located inside the generator that work together to create electricity. It is common for these parts to gather dust and debris when operating. Allowing these parts to gather too much debris leads to the generator not performing as efficiently as it should, with the possibility of it burning out faster too. You can eliminate the dust from your generator by cleaning out the air filters, and regardless of how often you use your generator, we recommend checking the filters for dust on a weekly basis. If you live and/or use the generator in a dusty area we recommend increasing how often you check and clean the air filters.

Tip 3 – Start the Generator

The majority of generators that people own are there as a backup if the power fails, but what would you do if your backup generator failed? Because a generator is generally used as a backup power supply, they can sometimes go months if not years without powering on, so to ensure that the generator is able to start up when you need it in an emergency we recommend starting it up to:

  • Ensure it is getting lubricated with oil
  • Charge the batteries
  • The carburettor is functioning well

However, the most important aspect of starting the generator is to ensure it works and you have access to power in an emergency.

Tip 4 – Load Bank Testing

Load bank testing is a series of tests on your generator to ensure your backup power supply is able to carry the load. It is recommended that a load bank test is carried out on a yearly basis, these tests will determine how well the generator is working and has the potential to show any minor problems with the generator before they become a major problem.

Tip 5 – Store it Properly

Should you have a portable generator, one of the most important aspects of generator maintenance is the correct storage of the appliance, especially after it has been used. Our generator experts recommended:

  • Ensuring the fuel tank is empty
  • Ensure fuel lines are empty
  • Store in a cool dry place to avoid rusting and increase the lifespan

Additional generator protection, such as generator sheds, tents and covers can be purchased separately to ensure your generator has the maximum protection when in storage. Following the above guidelines and investing in extra protection can prevent any timely and costly repairs to your generator.

Can I maintain my own generator?

Individuals are able to maintain their own generator, however, with a business, we always recommend using an approved and trained contractor. If you are looking to maintain your own generator we advise you to:

  • Change the fuel and store it safely after each use
  • Weekly air filter checks
  • Start the generator up on a monthly basis

However, to continue performing to the optimal level we recommend all generators have a professional to perform essential yearly maintenance. A generator professional will be able to look at aspects of the generator.