Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Standby Generator
Harsh winter weather conditions across the United States, including heavy snowfall, have caused many homeowners to search for standby generators. Homeowners value power generators during power outages that occur in the winter. Therefore, you must keep your standby generator running efficiently and operating well when most needed. Consequently, backup power generators, similar to other machinery, will reach the end of service life, even if your generator receives standby generator maintenance or not. Continue reading this article for different ways of determining if you need a standby generator replacement.
Signs that You Need to Replace Your Standby Generator
Contents
- 1 Signs that You Need to Replace Your Standby Generator
- 1.1 1. You Have Trouble Starting the Generator
- 1.2 2. Constant Whole House Generator Repairs and Failures
- 1.3 3. Extra Fuel Consumption
- 1.4 4. Your Backup Generator’s Age
- 1.5 5. Your Power Generator Size is No Longer Able to Meet Your Needs
- 1.6 6. Wear and Tear on Your Standby Generator
- 1.7 7. You Have an Outdated Generator
- 1.8 8. The Generator Discharges Excess Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- 1.9 9. Your Whole-House Generator Provides Inconsistent Power Supply
- 1.10 10. Fuel Leaks from Your Power Generator
- 1.11 Conclusion
- 2 Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your Standby Generator Requirements
We share some suggestions in this article that will help you to identify when your generator needs replacing.
1. You Have Trouble Starting the Generator
Your standby generator is manufactured to start automatically when a power outage happens. You may need to replace your system if it delays or has difficulty starting. However, before researching replacement generators, you should learn more about why the generator delays starting and why a replacement may be necessary.
2. Constant Whole House Generator Repairs and Failures
Have you noticed your generator failing constantly? Are these repairs costing you? Consider replacing your generator if it frequently fails and the repair costs are expensive. Your best solution is a new generator because you will save on the repair costs.
Maintain your generator regularly to reduce breakdowns. Preventative maintenance keeps a generator running efficiently. However, replace your system if you still experience failing after servicing it. You do not want to be without a generator in an emergency.
3. Extra Fuel Consumption
All standby generators are different, so they consume fuel in different ways. Observe how your generator uses energy, and you will be more knowledgeable about how it utilizes the fuel. Therefore, you will notice fluctuations in fuel usage, especially significant increases.
High fuel consumption indicates that the generator is not performing efficiently and is losing speed. Therefore, consider replacing your system with a modern unit that performs efficiently and moderately consumes fuel.
4. Your Backup Generator’s Age
The size and your maintenance program play a role in determining the lifespan of your generator. Diesel-powered generators typically run from a minimum of 12,000 to a maximum of 20,000 hours before an engine overhaul is needed.
The life expectancy of the generator shortens because of constant power outages that extend the running hours. Replace your generator if you have had it for some time to ensure that you are ready for any emergency during the winter.
5. Your Power Generator Size is No Longer Able to Meet Your Needs
Your energy needs increase when you move to a larger home with more appliances or if your business expands. Therefore, increased consumption will push your generator harder, which leads to increased fuel usage and shortened lifespan of the system. Consider replacing the unit with a larger model to ensure your needs are met comfortably without strain on your generator. Be sure to consult with a technician about standby generator size.
6. Wear and Tear on Your Standby Generator
All machines suffer from wear and tear. However, lack of maintenance or inconsistent maintenance increase and hasten wear and tear on your generator. In addition, leaving your system exposed to dirt, debris, and harsh weather decreases its lifespan.
Replace your generator immediately if you notice rust because the engine may also suffer from corrosion. Rust slows the performance of the generator and makes it unreliable. In some instances, corrosion renders the unit useless.
7. You Have an Outdated Generator
Ongoing technological advancements improve how generators are built and set to perform. The generator you purchased ten years ago may have been popular; however, many will consider it a relic today.
Manufacturers no longer produce spare parts when they upgrade generators with new technology. They also improve the maintenance techniques and tools and no longer offer assistance when you need advice or repairs.
Therefore, you must stay up-to-date by investing in a newer model generator with advanced technology. Your best option to avoid the inconvenience of an unserviceable system is to get a modern generator.
8. The Generator Discharges Excess Carbon Monoxide (CO)
The Clean Air Act regulates mobile and stationary equipment emissions, including generators. Therefore, homeowners with generators must learn the laws and regulations to understand what they should do.
One report shared that between 2005 and 2006, fatal non-fire carbon monoxide exposure incidents from generators totaled 655. The report reflected 880 deaths for that same period.
You must always measure and record carbon monoxide levels from your generator to determine if it is a threat to your family and the surrounding community. Replace your generator if the carbon monoxide levels steadily increase.
Purchase a generator with built-in carbon monoxide safety technology to safeguard your family from these emissions.
9. Your Whole-House Generator Provides Inconsistent Power Supply
Your standby generator should supply your home with consistent power. From time to time, generators go through under or over voltage which can seriously damage your electrical appliances. Also, the system may generate unstable power if it has no output voltage. Replace the generator if it has been repaired and still not performing efficiently.
10. Fuel Leaks from Your Power Generator
Generators often have fuel leaks that could lead to explosions or fire. While you can resolve some leaks, it is still dangerous. Check the system to determine the source of the leak before deciding whether to repair or replace the unit. Replace the generator if the leaks are irreparable. Check the following parts for leaks:
- Fuel lines cracked because of wear and tear or damaged by rain could lead to fuel leaks.
- Fuel tanks damaged by corrosion, punctures, or long-term neglect can leak.
- Carburetor gaskets and bowls dried or damaged over time impact seals and lead to leaks.
- Pipes may malfunction because of manufacturing defects, poor maintenance of connections, poor welding, or loose connections, which lead to fuel tank leaks.
- Shutoff valves that become damaged or loose also leak fuel.
You can repair some of the parts listed above, but this depends on the scope of the damage. Replace the generator when repairs are impossible or expensive.
Conclusion
Standby generators form part of the essential equipment for your home, especially if you experience constant outages that leave your family in the dark for extended periods.
Test the efficiency of your generator with load banks to ensure the power supply will be consistent during an extended power outage. Pay attention to the signs given above to know when your standby generator needs to be changed.
Call Townsend Energy For All Of Your Standby Generator Requirements
Townsend Energy is a leading provider of generator installation services throughout New England. Not only do we offer backup generator installation but also maintenance, replacement, and repair services. We only employ top-quality service contractors who are well-trained in the most modern methods of HVAC and generator techniques. Therefore, call or contact Townsend Energy online today for more information on a whole-house generator installation today. We offer free, in-home estimates. Click the link to view our service area.
Contact us today to have all of your generator questions answered by experts in the industry.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!