Signs It’s Time To Replace My Standby Generator
Standby generators are essential items to have during power outages. But like all other mechanical equipment, standby generators will encounter wear and tear. Generators are repairable, but in some instances, they may be too far gone.
How do you know if it’s time to replace your generator? Here are 5 signs that a standby generator replacement may be needed.
You’ve Owned It For A Long Time
A standby generator’s lifespan depends on several factors. These include build quality, usage, and general maintenance habits. Because generators are mechanical, they will eventually need to be replaced.
Manufacturers estimate a generator’s life at anywhere from 10,000 – 30,000 hours of running time. On average, this means your generator will last you anywhere between 25-40 years.
Consistent generator maintenance is the key to getting your generator to the 40-year mark. But even with ongoing maintenance, the internals will wear down. You want to avoid a critical failure, as this will leave you with no standby power. It’s best to get your generator checked out regularly.
It’s the Wrong Size For Your Needs
Every home or business has different energy requirements. A growing family needs more power than a person living alone. The standby generator you purchased a few years ago may not be adequate for your current power needs.
It’s not wise to overload a small generator as this will put a strain on the motor. This can decrease your generator’s life and cause it to overheat. If your generator is too big for your power demand, it will build up carbon deposits without you knowing.
Investing in the right size standby generator will ensure you don’t waste resources or money. How do you decide on the right size standby generator? It’s best to have a generator expert conduct an energy requirement assessment. They’ll be able to advise you on the perfect size for your home or business. Replacing your aging generator with a correctly sized one is always a wise move.
Trouble Starting Up
Standby generators should automatically start up when there’s a power outage. If your generator isn’t self-starting, this could highlight a fault. Your generator might also be delayed in its starting. This can serve as a warning sign of a potential issue.
The first port of call is to get an expert in to check out your generator. They will check all the possible causes behind the start-up fault. If you still have no success, it may well be time to consider a standby generator replacement.
Excessive Fuel Consumption
Every generator model will consume fuel differently. After running your standby generator for a while, you’ll begin to have a good idea about how much fuel it consumes. If your fuel consumption is spiking, this should be cause for concern. It could indicate that your generator is losing running speed. Or that your mechanical parts aren’t running well. The impressive range of Generac generators is fuel-efficient and versatile. With the volatile fuel price, we could all do with some savings here.
Frequent Repairs
Generators shouldn’t require constant repairs. Caring for your generator is important, but if yours is still failing, it might be time for a replacement. The problem with ongoing maintenance is the cost factor. You could be putting repair costs into the price of a new generator, which won’t repair many repairs.
You need to weigh up if the repairs are worth it in the long run. If you’re going over and above your preventative maintenance plan to keep your generator running, then it’s time for a replacement.
Standby Generator Replacement In Coral Springs
Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric offer the full range of Generac generators. Art enjoys Select Dealer status, which means they’re the Generac range experts.
Give us a call at 1-800-475-1504 and you’ll be able to schedule one of our experienced team members to conduct a full standby generator assessment.
