Preparing for Calamities: Preserving Your Generator's Functionality

In the face of increasingly frequent power outages, portable generators have become essential equipment for many households. Whether you're preparing for hurricane seasons on the East Coast, wildfire seasons in the west, or tornadoes, understanding how to maintain your generator is crucial. Here are some tips to help you keep your generator running smoothly during power outages.

Maintenance is Key

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure your generator works properly during power outages. This includes checking the air filter, oil, and fuel levels, and performing annual services as recommended by the manufacturer.

Air Filters

During annual service, check the air filter and replace it if it's obviously dirty. Air filters should be replaced every 300 to 400 hours. A clean air filter helps to improve the efficiency and lifespan of your generator.

Oil Changes

If your generator has an hour meter, replace the oil every 100 to 200 hours during annual service. Consult the owner's manual for the recommended service intervals. During annual service, also check the oil and add some if it's low, or replace it if it's dirty or black.

Fuel Considerations

Most portable generators run on gasoline, which can pose issues due to infrequent use, such as gas stations struggling to meet demand during major storms. To avoid this, keep a full gas can of stabilized fuel on hand during peak disaster season.

For those opting for propane generators, keep a full 20- to 40-pound propane tank on hand during peak disaster season. Propane generators will run a little quieter than those that run on gasoline. Additionally, propane fuel won't go stale and runs cleaner, but delivers slightly less energy overall compared to gasoline.

Dual-Fuel Generators

Dual-fuel generators can run on gasoline or propane, offering flexibility and ease of switching between fuels. They can be advantageous for homes that already use propane for other purposes, as they may have large storage tanks on the premises.

Fuel Stabilizers

Starting a generator regularly and treating fuel with a stabilizer can help prevent issues with gasoline degradation. This is particularly important for gas generators, as gasoline stored in a carburetor can evaporate over time, leaving behind gummy deposits that can clog fuel passages, making it difficult to start the generator.

Regular Testing

Set a reminder to start/test your generator every 1 to 3 months and let it run for 15-20 minutes with a load plugged into it. This will help ensure your generator is ready to go when you need it most.

Brand Options

Companies like Caterpillar, Cummins, and Generac offer generators that can run on or be converted to run on natural gas. Dual-fuel generators can be a practical choice for those who want the flexibility to switch between fuels.

In conclusion, regular maintenance, proper fuel storage, and regular testing are key to ensuring your generator works properly during power outages. By following these tips, you can rest assured that your generator will be ready to provide the power you need when you need it most.