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Do I Need to Occasionally Turn on My Whole-Home Generator? Explained

Did you know your home’s generator needs to exercise to operate at peak performance? “Exercising” a generator by running it regularly, even when you don’t need it, helps prolong its life and can catch minor problems before they turn into major headaches.

Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure our customers never have the power they need when an outage strikes. Our whole-home generator services include educating homeowners on how to get the most from their equipment. Since 1945, our licensed and certified technicians have provided exceptional heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services that keep their upstate New York homes comfortable and running smoothly.

Yes, Generators Need To Be Run Regularly

Home generators must be run, or “exercised,” regularly to ensure they rise to the occasion when called into action. Like a car, generators can experience issues if idle for too long. Fuel can deteriorate, rubber seals dry out, and components can seize up. If you’ve ever gone long periods without moving or exercising, you know how stiff and rusty you can feel. A generator goes bad, too, if unused for extended periods, which can result in costly repairs or replacement. Regularly starting the generator throughout the year circulates fluids, helps avoid fuel-related problems, and keeps its power at full capacity.

How To Tell if You Need To Occasionally Run Your Generator

Home generators, especially those that don’t see much use, are prone to issues like battery failure, fuel system clogs, and engine wear. Regular exercise helps keep engine parts lubricated, prevents oxidation of electrical contacts, uses up old fuel before it degrades, and helps ensure the generator starts and runs smoothly when needed. Different generator brands and models have different requirements for maintenance and exercise routines. Consult your generator’s manufacturer’s guide for detailed instructions on how often and how long to run the generator. Isaac specializes in Generac and Briggs & Stratton generators, which are equipped with automatic exercise cycles that periodically run for a short time to ensure everything’s in working order. It’s a convenient feature that eliminates manual startups, ensuring your generator’s always ready to go without human intervention.

Importance of Exercising Your Generators

Routine generator exercise is essential for ensuring its reliability and longevity. It helps maintain the engine’s health and:
  • Ensures smooth operation, helping the generator start easily and run smoothly during actual power outages.
  • Prevents fuel problems by using stored fuel before it can degrade, preventing clogs and other fuel-related issues.
  • Lubricates the engine, which reduces the risk of wear and tear.
  • Detects issues early, allowing for timely repairs that avoid more extensive and costly problems later.
Once you move the unit away from your house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or fire hazards, these simple steps are all it takes to exercise your generator and ensure its peak performance:
  1. Check to see that the intake and exhaust are clear.
  2. Connect it to a load of at least 50% of its maximum capacity to ensure its capabilities are fully tested. Consult the generator’s manual for specifics on its maximum load.
  3. Check the generator for fuel and ensure all connections are secure.
  4. Power it up and let it run for at least two hours, which ensures proper lubrication and moisture evaporation.
  5. Listen for unusual sounds and look for signs of problems.

Schedule Generators Services With the Isaac Team Today

The peace of mind and convenience a generator offers during emergencies make keeping it in good operating order well worth the effort. Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning fields a team of factory-trained technicians trained in the maintenance and repair of most generator brands. We offer 24-hour service, flexible financing options, and our exclusive GoldCare Club membership, which provides regular maintenance checks and ongoing service. Do you still have questions about using your whole-home generator? Contact the Isaac team today – we’re here to help!

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