Most of middle Tennessee dealt with scorching heat and the fear of blackouts this summer. Now it’s time to gear up for winter here in Hendersonville, TN. Is your home generator prepared for potential power outages?
You can’t control weather events that take down the power grid. What you can control is scheduling generator maintenance. It’s a vital part of preparing your home for winter.
Read on to learn more about generators and why winter maintenance is so important.
What Winter Can Bring to Hendersonville, TN
Winter storms in 2022 caused widespread power outages nationwide, affecting millions. On Christmas Day, over 1 million homes and businesses lost power. Last year, The Tennessee Valley Authority experienced a 35% higher demand than normal.
Winter hits Hendersonville, TN, with freezing temps and the potential for heavy snow. Heavy snow and ice can impact the power system, causing electricity interruptions. When it gets cold, everyone cranks up the heat, putting extra pressure on the power grid.
Anticipating potential power troubles is critical. Many people prepare by planning for a generator installation long before winter arrives.
Common Winter Challenges for Generators
Generators are more than machines; they’re essential during power outages. In cold weather, they keep homes warm, ensuring comfort. Beyond that, generators help maintain safety by powering lighting and electronic devices.
Winter poses unique challenges for generators.
As temperatures drop, a generator’s engine may face difficulty starting. Fuel systems can freeze. Cold weather thickens lubricants, making it harder for internal components to move smoothly.
These challenges can lead to delayed start times. In extreme cases, a generator may experience complete failure.
Decreased battery efficiency is another winter challenge. This affects reliable start-up. Additionally, cold temperatures can cause fuel degradation.
Knowing what to expect during cold weather helps avoid generator failure. It gives you the chance to take care of maintenance before you have an outage.
What Homeowners Can Do to Support Generator Performance
Making sure your generator operates smoothly means taking responsibility for generator maintenance. Most homeowners can take care of basic generator maintenance, including:
- Changing the oil
- Changing the fuel filter
- Monitoring fuel levels
Anything beyond those simple checks should have the attention of a professional contractor. Read on to find out why most homeowners call an HVAC technician for routine maintenance.
Is Generator Maintenance a Good DIY Project?
So, you’re comfortable taking care of basic maintenance. You may feel like you should take things to the next level. In this section, you’ll see why DIY maintenance isn’t always the best solution.
Maintaining a generator for winter or summer performance demands a professional touch. Yes, you can manage the basic checks. But what about electrical troubleshooting? Or electrical repairs?
The expertise needed for those issues goes beyond the DIY scope.
Trained HVAC professionals bring essential electrical know-how to pinpoint and address potential issues.
Attempting electrical troubleshooting without the right expertise can pose risks. Professional technicians can detect problems missed by most homeowners. They also know how to make the precise adjustments needed to for proper operation.
The Professional Touch: What Generator Maintenance Looks Like
Professional generator maintenance isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s a meticulous process meant to ensure your generator’s optimal performance. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
System Inspection
Trained technicians inspect every component, from the engine to the electrical system. Inspections can identify potential issues before they escalate.
Fluid Checks and Changes
If this is something you can do, great, but your HVAC technician will check and change all fluids. This safeguards the engine’s efficiency and longevity.
Fuel System Examination
Your technician will inspect the fuel system. They look for clogs and fuel contamination. Both are common issues made worse by winter conditions.
Electrical System Analysis
A pre-winter electrical system check is critical for reliable winter performance and safety. This step includes checking wiring, connections, and the control panel for any signs of wear or malfunction.
Load Testing
Professionals use load testing to gauge how the generator will perform under real conditions. Without load testing, you won’t know whether or not you can rely on your generator to handle your power demands during an outage.
Why not add generator maintenance to your fall home maintenance checklist?
Benefits of Working with Professional HVAC Technicians
Working with a professional to maintain your generator promises optimal performance and reliability. Technicians bring expertise, fine-tuning every component.
Think of maintenance as an investment rather than a mere expense. Professional generator maintenance can save you money by preventing costly electrical repairs. Maintenance can also extend the generator’s lifespan.
Without regular maintenance, you risk poor performance from your generator. You may experience inefficient fuel consumption, increased emissions, and unexpected failures during outages. Professional maintenance helps reduce these risks.
Routine professional maintenance ensures your generator remains a reliable power source. Reliable, no matter what the weather delivers.
Don’t forget about safety. Routine maintenance helps keep you in compliance with generator safety regulations. It can also ensure you don’t void your manufacturer’s warranty.
How Often Should You Schedule Maintenance?
The frequency of generator maintenance depends on several factors. The type of generator you install is one factor. Usage patterns and the manufacturer’s recommendations also determine the maintenance schedule.
For standby residential generators, it’s wise to schedule annual maintenance. This ensures that the generator is ready to perform when needed.
Did you use your generator during this summer’s heat wave? Using a generator for prolonged periods may mean you need more frequent maintenance.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and your HVAC technicians’ advice. Both can provide tips on maintenance intervals and procedures.
Schedule Maintenance Before Winter Weather Arrives
It’s never a good idea to wait until you have a winter power outage to take care of generator maintenance. Schedule maintenance now and enjoy peace of mind knowing your generator will start up and power your home when needed.
Lanham Mechanical Contractors knows what your generator needs to get you through the winter here in Hendersonville, TN. We’ve serviced HVAC generators and HVAC systems here since 1993.
Reach out today and schedule maintenance or request a free estimate for generator service. Don’t let winter catch you off-guard!
