Electric grid outages have been on the rise, with the largest outage affecting 4.6 million Americans across the U.S. When the lights go out, a generator provides the power you need to make it through an emergency. Follow these tips to make sure your generator runs smoothly if disaster strikes.

3 Important Generator Care Tips

1. Protect Your Generator

Keep the area clear of leaves and debris. Treat the area around the generator for insects as these can wreak havoc on the electrical components of the generator.  You can also purchase a maintenance kit that includes spark plugs, extra oil, and a spare filter, which can come in handy during an emergency.

2. Turn on Your Generator

Don’t only turn on your generator in an emergency. Upon installation, the home standby generator should be set up on a weekly or biweekly test cycle.  The generator will kick on and run for a few minutes on a specified day and time as a weekly test to maintain optimal performance.

3. Get Regular Generator Inspections 

Planned generator maintenance ensures your system runs properly. During scheduled maintenance, HVAC professionals inspect your generator for any damage; clean and test operation; check the engine oil, air filter, battery, belt, and radiator; and perform tests to evaluate efficiency levels. Ask for a copy of records or your number of usage hours so you know when it’s time to replace the unit. Experts recommend getting your generator serviced at least once a year.

Keep your generator in top condition by having it serviced by Butler Heating & Air in West Plains, MO. Voted the best heating and cooling company for two years in a row, they provide families with comprehensive, quality HVAC. services. Their team of professionals provides customer-focused, tailored solutions to help their clients when they need it most. For more information on their available services, visit them online or call (417) 256-7984 for more information.