Solving an Electrical Problem

Calm storm seasons often lead to neglected storm supplies and equipment. If that's happened to you, and you realize your portable generator has been sitting for a long time in less-than-perfect circumstances, you're not alone. But you still have to get the generator back up into working condition so that, if a severe storm hits, the generator will be ready to use.

Take It In For A Rebuild

People often store portable generators with some fuel in them. The fuel should be stabilized, and the generator should be started up on a regular basis. But if you haven't been doing that, you're going to have to take the generator in for maintenance, especially a carburetor rebuild. And if you haven't used the generator at all in a few years, take it in for a checkup, even if you haven't stored fuel in it.

Test It Monthly

Once the generator has been given the all-clear by the maintenance people, if you are planning to store it with fuel in it, test the generator frequently, such as monthly or every couple of months. That ensures that the generator will be ready for use should a power outage hit, and it lets you monitor the generator for signs that something might be wrong.

Remember Annual Maintenance

Do remember to put the generator through annual maintenance like oil changes, even if you had no reason to use the generator in the past year. Engine components can still degrade over time, even if they aren't used.

Maintain The Space

Don't forget to keep the space where you would place the generator if you were going to use it in good shape. Don't let it become overgrown with weeds or strewn with leaves. If a power outage hits, the last thing you're going to want to have to do is yard maintenance. During a storm, you may have to contend with leaves blowing around, but you don't want to have to remove large piles or try to mow an overgrown lawn.

Maintain Your Supplies

Remember to keep your generator supplies like fuel well stocked. A working generator is useless if you can't run it due to lack of fuel.

When you take the generator in for that initial maintenance and rebuild, you'll be able to find out about additional ways to keep the generator ready to go. You can also check out newer models that might be more efficient.

Contact a company like Powell's Electric Service, Inc. for more advice.