A good generator tune-up can do a lot for your rig, but if you want to get the most out of your generator, here are some tips.

Studies show that about 61% of American adults desire a backup power source for their home. A generator can be a life-saver during a crisis when the power goes out, such as a natural disaster. These generators are crucial not just for comfort, but for keeping things like at-home medical equipment functional.

If you have a power generator, knowing how to increase its lifespan is vital. A generator tune-up is one of many ways to do so, but increasing your generator lifespan through these tasks isn't always easy.

If you're curious about what generator maintenance tasks to perform, we're here to help. Read on to learn more about generator maintenance and where to focus your efforts.

Preventative and Active Repairs

When dealing with maintenance, your tasks fall under two categories: Preventative and Active.

Preventative maintenance is meant to ward off anything from breaking. Doing so will increase your generator's lifespan and keep it running smoothly.

Active repairs are to replace or otherwise fix issues that arise from something breaking. Think of these acts as replacing components, or in extreme cases, buying a new generator.

We've mostly focused on preventative maintenance for this guide. Read on for our primary tasks for preventative maintenance.

Keep the Oil Checked and Changed

Any machine with oil needs to have the oil frequently checked and changed. As your machine runs, oil helps to lubricate the moving parts.

Without oil, the friction from these parts can become significant. As a result, they can overheat, chip, or otherwise wear down. An engine running without oil won't run for long before breaking.

As the oil cycles through your generator, it will become dirty. Drawing in dust and dirt from the outside as it runs causes the oil to become thicker and worse at lubricating.

Check your oil regularly to see if it's dirty and needs changing. Generators usually come with a dipstick that you can use to check oil levels. Keep the oil at the appropriate amount so you don't run into any issues.

Oil becomes dirty by running and not from sitting. If your generator isn't used often, it won't need its oil changed as often as a generator that is constantly running. Set an oil maintenance schedule and adhere to it for the best results.

Fuel Maintenance

Another fluid you'll need to keep a close eye on is your fuel. Fuel doesn't just drop into your reservoir and then work by magic! Your fuel lines and fueling mechanism all need specific repairs.

Fuel maintenance revolves around regularly testing and replacing the fuel. A crucial part of this is using clean and high-quality fuel for your generator.

Stabilized fuel also helps to prevent the degradation of your generator's components. Think of what fuel you're using and don't hesitate to invest in higher-quality fuel. The costs will even out since it avoids some wear and tear on your generator.

Finally, keep an eye on your fuel filters. Like an oil filter, these filters help take particulate matter out of your fuel lines. They get dirty over time and can cause issues if not replaced properly.

Keep the Generator "Exercised"

If you have a vehicle, you're likely familiar with the need to start the engine every few days to make sure nothing goes wrong. Your generator is no different. Failing to do so can cause the engine to lose lubrication and the battery to lose its charge.

About once a month, start your generator up to make sure it's still running properly. Let it run for roughly half an hour and keep tabs on any difficulties it's having. Strange sounds, unusual smells, or shaking can all mean that there's something wrong with the machine.

Doing so will keep the engine lubricated and the battery charged. It also will help you see any problems that you can fix during this maintenance window. It's much better than waiting until you need your generator to find out it isn't working!

Battery Inspections

Battery inspections are self-explanatory bits of maintenance, and also one of your easiest tasks. There are often physical signs of any issue that your generator may have.

One obvious sign is corrosion, which will most often appear near your battery's contacts. Corrosion can render the battery useless or dangerous to operate.

If you spot corrosion, you will normally need to replace the battery. If the corrosion is bad enough, it can cause damage to the generator around it. Should this occur, a new generator is sometimes necessary.

Keep the Generator Covered

Finally, one of the threats to your generator is the outdoor elements. If you live somewhere with constant rain, snow, or sleet, this can cause issues for your generator.

Another common threat is salt. If you live near a salty body of water, most likely near a coast, then the salt from the water will get in the air. The salt will quicken corrosion on most metals, from cars to generators.

A great way around both of these threats is to keep the generator covered. A weatherproof and waterproof covering such as a specialty box is a good way to do so. If you're on a budget, something as simple as a tarp can increase your generator's lifespan by years.

In other cases, you can keep the generator inside when it isn't in use. However, you mustn't operate the generator indoors.

Generators give off exhaust while running, which can quickly become a life-threatening health risk. Only operate a generator in a well-ventilated area or outdoors. In an emergency, operating it on a porch or patio with thorough ventilation is safe.

Scheduling Your Generator Tune-Up

Performing regular maintenance or a generator tune-up can help your generator last as long as possible. Keep tabs on your generator oil and protect it from the environment.

At Vancelectric, we focus on providing you with a personal and customized service with flexible scheduling for your convenience. Our skilled and licensed technicians service existing generators and are also experts in installing them for you.

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How Generac Generators Keep Your Home Running

By Vance Electric • February 28, 2025

Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.