by Sam Politi
Let’s face it, we rely on electricity for just about everything these days.
From keeping the fridge humming and the lights on to powering our essential medical equipment and home offices, a power outage can throw our lives into chaos. That’s why many homeowners invest in a home standby generator – a reliable safety net that kicks in when power fails. But just like any complex piece of machinery, your generator needs regular TLC to ensure it’s ready when you need it most.
That’s where preventative maintenance comes in.
Think of it like this: your generator is just like a car. If you were to drive your car for miles, miles and miles, but refuse to check the oil, brakes, and plugs, you could end up with a broken down vehicle. Similarly, you don’t want your generator to “break down” when the power goes out.
Why is Preventative Maintenance So Crucial?
Beyond the obvious benefit of ensuring your generator works during a power outage, preventative maintenance offers a host of other advantages:
- Extends the Lifespan: Regular servicing helps prevent premature wear and tear, significantly extending the life of your generator. A well-maintained unit can easily last for decades.
- Improves Reliability: Scheduled maintenance allows you to identify and address potential problems before they escalate into major breakdowns. This minimizes the risk of your generator failing when you need it most.
- Enhances Efficiency: A clean and properly tuned generator runs more efficiently, consuming less fuel and saving you money.
- Maintains Warranty: Many generator manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Neglecting service could void your coverage, leaving you responsible for costly repairs.
- Ensures Safety: Regular inspections can detect potential safety hazards, such as gas leaks or electrical issues, protecting your family and property.
How to handle Preventative Maintenance
Handling preventative maintenance is as easy as calling our office to schedule a service. We do recommend these tasks be left for a professional technician.
Unlike cars, working on a generator can pose lethal risks if proper precautions are not met. Live electrical feeds are open in many of the generator components, especially the transfer switch.
Therefore, we recommend the homeowner DOES NOT undertake ANY maintenance except for visual inspections. If you notice any defects in the exterior of your generator, call your generator maintenance provider IMMEDIATELY so that the problem can be resolved, and the warranty submitted, if applicable.
Brook Field Service also offers regular service packages, visiting your property either annually or semi-annually. You no longer have to call to schedule this service; we can enter your information into our records and reach out as recommended.
Here are some of the tasks our techs perform during regular service visits:
- Oil and Filter Changes
- Air Filter Cleaning/Replacement
- Spark Plug Inspection/Replacement
- Battery Maintenance
- Fuel System Inspection
- Professional Servicing
- Transfer Switch Maintenance
PLUS 50 OTHER POINTS OF INSPECTION
Finding a Factory Certified Technician
When it comes to professional servicing, it’s essential to find a certified technician who is experienced in working with home standby generators. Look for:
- Certification from the manufacturer or a reputable organization.
- Positive reviews and testimonials.
- Experience with your specific generator model.
- Proper insurance and licensing.
Brook Field Service Preventative Maintenance
When you work with Brook Field Service, you guarantee that your technician is factory certified for YOUR generator, is up to date on training, and has multiple years of experience in the field.
Our technicians have an average of 5 years of experience working on generator systems, and we are fully licensed and insured to complete work on ANY part of your power system.
In Conclusion: Call us to set up Preventative Maintenance Plans!
Preventative maintenance is the key to ensuring your home standby generator is a reliable and long-lasting investment. By following these steps and working with a qualified technician from Brook Field Service, you can rest assured that your generator will be ready to keep the lights on when you need it most.
Don’t wait for the next power outage to discover your generator isn’t working. Take the time to invest in preventative maintenance and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re prepared for anything. Call us today at 802-485-6567 or visit brookfieldservice.com for a service plan!
