You’ve made the decision to install an electrical generator at your home to protect against power outages and loss of electricity. You’ve maintained and serviced the generator when needed.
But determining whether your generator is working well and will be ready when you need it can be difficult. In the case of a whole house generator, you’re probably not using it 24/7, 365 days a year. In fact, you’re probably using it only sporadically when needed.
That makes determining the health of your current generator tricky, but there are signs you can look for when it is in use that can tell you if it’s time for a replacement.
Start-up problems
Trouble starting up almost any electrical device is a sign that the device is wearing out. Electric generators are no different.
Most generators are designed to turn on automatically when power goes off to your house. This is operated by the generator’s automatic transfer switch, which automatically transfers the power supply from your outside electrical supply to the generator.
Assuming those switches are working, any delay or lack of power after losing outside power is a sign that your generator either needs repairs or should be replaced. Put simply, it’s not starting and doing its job.
Excessive fuel use
This one can be a vicious circle. You bought the generator to ensure you have electricity. The generator, however, runs on fuel you need to pay for. Ideally, you’d like your generator to at least be as fuel efficient—and therefore as cost efficient—as running on your normal electrical supply.
But older generators can start losing efficiency. If you notice that the generator is using more fuel to provide the same amount of electricity—be conscious of whether you’re using more electricity than in the past—it can be a sign that your generator is wearing out. If it becomes more expensive to run your generator than to use your normal power supply, it’s probably time to upgrade to a more fuel efficient or powerful model.
It needs constant repairs
Like a car, a generator that constantly needs expensive repairs can become too costly to operate. You have to decide if your generator is actually costing you more to fix than a new generator would cost.
You should already have your generator inspected periodically to ensure its working properly. If those inspections keep turning up repairs and worn out components, again, it may be time to buy a new device.
Still, if the repairs are minor, you may decide to stick with the old generator. But as with cars, buying a new generator would give you several years of peace of mind and efficiency with few repairs.
And most importantly, it will decrease the chances of your getting left in the dark.
Do you live in Glocester County and have questions about generator installation or replacement? Call us at 856. 769.3932.