Does Your Home or Business Have a Working Generator?
When it comes to generators, many home and business owners do not have one. Or maybe they have an old one from when they moved in that was never used and is probably obsolete. Our question to you: What will you do when there is an extreme power outage?
Consumer Reports found in 2020 that the average household will lose power for at least three hours twice a year. To prepare for an outage, having a generator is essential. As we move into summer, rain and wind can become more prominent. Thunderstorms may bring these high winds and lightning, which could leave you without power for hours or even days! Keep your home or business safe with regular generator maintenance or replace an old one with a newer model.
This month we’re returning to the importance of whole-home generators and how to keep them running. It’s important to know when to have routine maintenance and when it’s time for a replacement.
Whole-Home Generators Will Always Keep the Lights On
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric offers whole-home generators to our customers. Whole-home generators are not portable and will stay at your home or business. If you’re considering moving, we recommend a portable generator or another option.
A whole-home generator can run on gas or propane and remains outside. This means that you won’t have to sacrifice any needed space in your basement or garage. They are weather-proof and can hold up in wind, rain, and snow. If you live in a high-flood area, a whole-home generator may not be for you.
These generator options do not require much maintenance or attention. With regular professional maintenance, you may find that your generator lasts for many years with few problems.
How to Know if a Whole-Home Generator is Right for You
You may read this and wonder if a whole-home generator is really what you need. Say you’ve lived in your home or owned your business for decades, and you rarely lose power. While we suggest a whole-home generator to stay protected, we know that many home or business owners may want additional options.
If you do lose power frequently, consider a whole-home generator. Most models can provide up to 20,000 watts – meaning that they can power just about any appliance. This may be essential for commercial kitchen appliances, life-saving medical equipment, and necessary HVAC equipment, like heating and cooling. The right technician can discuss your appliance usage and help determine the proper size.
Routine Maintenance for Whole-Home Generators
Like all equipment, whole-home generators do need routine maintenance to keep them running. Routine maintenance will catch any issues before they become major repairs or need for replacement. When you choose Childers Air Plumbing & Electric for your generator maintenance, our technicians will complete the following tasks:
- Air Filter Change
- Check Exhaust System
- Inspect Flex Connector
- Oil Change
- Remove All Dirt & Debris from Control Box
- Simulated Power Failure Check
- Spark Plug Change
- Tighten Electrical Connections
- Verify Safety Devices
- Voltage & Hertz Check
If you have an existing whole-home generator that has not had any maintenance recently, call Childers Air Plumbing & Electric in Beckley. Our team can quickly look over your generator and find any existing problems. If there is a problem, we can repair it or discuss replacement options.
When to Schedule Routine Maintenance
Now that you know what types of maintenance are necessary, do you know when to schedule it? There are a few prime times to schedule maintenance, such as when the seasons change and after a lot of use. As we’ve mentioned, spring and summer can be common times for power outages. As temperatures rise and storms fill the forecast, consider a quick call to Childers Air Plumbing & Electric.
Some technicians and manufacturers offer annual maintenance agreements. Following this schedule can make sure that there is little time for repairs to become a big problem. For any issues, like the generator not turning on or not providing enough power, you may need a service call.
Signs It’s Time for Generator Replacement at Your Home or Business
As generators age, they may fall victim to frequent repairs and other issues. If you’re unsure of when it is time to make a replacement, consider the following:
Has more than 30,000 hours of use. Generators can produce up to 30,000 hours of use in their lifetime. If your generator has been around for years, or it has frequent use, it may be time for a replacement.
Frequent shutoffs or not as powerful. Do you notice appliances do not work as well, or maybe not at all when using the generator? You may need to upgrade to a stronger or newer model.
Burning through fuel. As we mentioned, whole-home generators use gas or propane. If you are constantly filling up the generator, it may be time for maintenance or replacement.
Producing carbon dioxide. Is your generator emitting carbon dioxide? If so, turn it off immediately and start looking for a replacement. We suggest using a carbon monoxide detector if it gets into your home or business.
If you have noticed any of these issues, talk to a Childers Air Plumbing & Electric. Our team will be here to help and look over replacement options for your home or business.
Call Childers Air Plumbing & Electric for Generator Replacement and Maintenance
Childers Air Plumbing & Electric in Beckley, WV, offers generator replacement and maintenance throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley and Virginia. We work with homes, businesses, and churches throughout the area to keep their power on. Talk to our friendly staff today for more information about our generator services. We will listen to your needs and determine the right size of generator for your space. Childers Air Plumbing & Electric uses products from fantastic brands, including Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler.
Are you in need of HVAC maintenance, installation, or repair in the Mid-Ohio Valley? Call Childers Air Plumbing & Electric in Beckley, WV, at 304-407-6880, or follow us on Facebook. Check out our site for more information on our whole-home generators.
