4 Troubleshooting Tips for your Standby Generator

One of the biggest advantages of doing a regular maintenance routine on your standby generator that includes running the engine with a demand load is that you can address potential issues before you really need backup power. Here are 4 of these potential problems, as well as some troubleshooting ideas that can shed some more light on the issue and define the repair process to get the generator back to peak performance levels as quickly as possible.

·         The generator doesn’t start – This is a fairly common issue when the generator has been sitting idle for an extended period so, if that’s the case, start your troubleshooting process with the issues that are most often associated with months of inactivity. The most likely culprits are the spark plug, a dead battery, and unstabilized gas in the tank that has thickened to the constancy of varnish. If these suspects aren’t the problem, it could be carburetor, which may require professional expertise for a repair.

·         The engine wavers while running – A generator engine that is running rough probably isn’t getting a steady flow of fuel, which points first to the fuel filter. If the engine continues to waver while running after cleaning this filter, the issue may again be related to the carburetor.

·         An engine that starts but then shuts down – If this problem occurs with a relatively light demand load on the generator during a maintenance run, the problem may be a clogged air filter, so check that first. If the problem persists after cleaning the air filter, check to see if the fuel filter needs cleaning.

·         The engine runs and appliances power up briefly, but then shut down – The likely cause of the issue is the circuit breaker on the electrical panel. Flip the breaker back to the “On” position and see if that solves the issue. If the breaker shuts down again, there may be an issue with the demand load being too much for the breaker to handle. The easy solution would be connecting the appliance that consumes the most electricity (the refrigerator for example) to another outlet on a different circuit. If that circuit trips, it may be time to upgrade the panel or install a second one that is dedicated to the most energy-intensive appliances including the air conditioner and the refrigerator.

Regular maintenance is a great way to keep your generator operating at peak efficiency. The second benefit of a regular routine is that troubleshooting and fixing these issues after a maintenance run on your standby generator is far more preferable than trying to figure things out in the minutes following a blackout that has put your home in the dark.

 

Two-Stage Snowblower Repairs after a Rough Winter

In many parts of the country, snowblowers were used more frequently and were tasked with removing deeper snow accumulations than any winter in recent memory. With the snow season coming to a close, now is the time to inspect and repair the components of your snowblower that did some of the heaviest lifting. These components include:

• The skid shoes – The purpose of the skid shoes is to keep the auger blade and the snowblower housing from coming in direct contact with the ground. The skid shoes, which are located on both sides at the front of the housing, can be set at a variety of heights and carry much of the weight of the machine as it runs over the surface being cleared. Whether these surfaces are made of asphalt, cement or frozen ground, after enough time they will wear down the flat surfaces on the bottom of the skid shoes until they look more like rudders. At this point the snowblower will have greater difficulty moving forward and the risk of snapping the skid shoes will increase dramatically. If your skid shoes are getting close to this point, replace them now to avoid far more expensive repairs to the housing and/or the auger.
• The impeller – Two-stage snowblowers separate the snow removal work with the auger collecting snow and the impeller throwing it. This configuration decreases the wear on the two-stage impeller versus single-stage models, but the paddles on this component can still suffer from the wear and tear of throwing rocks, ice and other debris. Cracks, chips and small dents can weaken the structure of the impeller, resulting in less efficient snow removal. Check the impeller for any structural weaknesses and make any necessary repairs in the off-season. 
• The scraper – Much like the steel skid shoes, surface friction will wear down the scraper over a few seasons. Generally speaking, the scraper will wear down and recede fastest at the center, resulting in a curved shape. If your scraper is showing this kind of wear, it’s time for a replacement.

One of the advantages of making these repairs to your snowblower during the off-season is that you have some time to get everything done. On the other hand, waiting until the season starts can add a sense of urgency, especially if using a shovel is the next best option.

3 Maintenance Measures to Ensure Your Generator is Always Ready to Go

Even under the most extreme circumstances, a generator that is purposed for the delivery of backup power will be in use for only a few weeks out of every year. The flip side of occasional use, and one of the biggest ongoing risks for generators, is that the overall reliability of the machine can be affected by long stretches of non-operation.

To make sure that your generator is ready to the next time the power goes down, follow these maintenance measures on a regular basis:

• As per the manual – Generally speaking, generators are extremely durable machines and the required maintenance protocols will be predominantly preventative. By following the specific maintenance routines as put forth in your manual, your generator will be ready for action when the power goes down.
• The battery – Much like a car that hasn’t been driven, the battery on a generator can lose its charge over time as well, especially as the battery ages. In fact, problematic batteries are the most common cause of generators that don’t start. By maintaining a regular schedule of running the generator at a full demand load level, you can either optimize the charge or determine that the battery needs to be replaced prior to the time when you really need the generator to start.
• Put the generator through a full workout on a regular basis – In most instances, a standby generator will go into full power production as soon as power from the grid is interrupted. This instantaneous ramp up can place enormous stress on engine parts, particularly after a long period of inactivity. Putting the generator through a workout at full load demand can ensure that components remain lubricated and that fuel is burned before it becomes stagnant and starts to thicken.

Generators perform at their highest levels with regular maintenance and workouts. By following the regular maintenance as suggested by the owner’s manual, checking the output of the battery and running the generator at full load on a consistent schedule, the backup power you are counting on will be there when electricity from the grid isn’t.

4 Steps to Take as Soon as Your Portable Generator Arrives

Whether your portable generator will be used to supply power during a blackout, for outdoor activities, or both, taking the following steps once it arrives will ensure that your new power source is operated safely and efficiently.

* Select the locations where your generator will be positioned – This is a critical step regardless of how your generator will be used. You’ll want to plan its positioning so that it does not expose people to carbon monoxide emissions while also having it close enough for extension cords to reach the appliances, lighting or equipment that the generator will power. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations as meted out in your operator’s manual to ensure that your generator operates from a safe location.
* If rain is going to be an issue, install a shelter to protect the generator – Electricity and water don’t mix, meaning that if your generator will be running during rainy weather you’ll want to protect it with a well-ventilated shelter. If there is the potential for water to seep in underneath your sheltered generator, elevate it with blocks or a platform to prevent the risk of operation in standing water.
* Buy extension cords rated for heavy loads and exterior use – Determine the items that will be powered by the generator and buy the appropriate number of extension cords. These extension cords will have three prongs and be able to transfer the heavier electrical currents that are produced by the generator. Light duty extension cords can overload quickly, presenting a fire hazard.
* Do a practice run – Before putting your portable generator into action, do a full practice run. If the machine will have to be moved into position, include that task as part of the practice regimen. A dry run can alert you to unforeseen challenges, allowing you to prepare for them in advance.

Taking these steps upon the arrival of your portable generator will allow you to plan for its use. The time spent in preparation can help you avoid the alternative of learning on the fly in the minutes before an event or in the dark after the power goes down.

3 Things to Do with Your Snowblower Now

Removing snow may not be the first thing on your mind at the moment, but taking these steps now will help to ensure that your snowblower tackles the first snowfall with ease and efficiency.

1) Check to see how your snowblower is handling its time in storage – A lot can happen while your snowblower sits in storage, so now is a good time to see how things are going. If you covered the machine when it went into storage, pull the cover off to make sure that moisture hasn’t been trapped. If you smell mildew, check the cover for dampness and look for areas where melting snow may have accumulated. Generally speaking, plastic covers are great moisture traps and if you didn’t do much in the way of cleaning your snowblower at the end of last season, there’s a good chance that you’ll have some water in there. If there is, dry the machine and leave the cover off to allow water to escape.
2) Lubricate the moving parts – This prevents parts from freezing up while in storage. Lubricate the drive gears, the chain, impeller gears, etc.
3) Check belts for signs of drying and cracking – Garages and storage structures can get extremely hot and dry in the summer months, which can dry out and weaken the belts. Drying will take place even faster if your snowblower is being stored in an area that receives direct sunlight. If belts are cracking, switch them out now. If your machine is getting direct sunlight, move it to a space where it will be out of the sun’s reach.

Winter is closer than it may seem now. Taking these actions now will help to keep your snowblower ready when the weather turns cold and your driveway loads up with snow.

Three Steps to Prepare Your Generator When a Big Storm is on the Way

Having either a portable or a standby generator can give you the security of knowing that you’ll be able to keep your lights on and keep your essential appliances running if a big storm interrupts power in your area. Here are three steps to prepare your generator for operation when extreme weather is headed your way:

1) Fuel up – With recent examples such as the damage and extended blackouts that resulted from Hurricane Sandy, you can bet that residents will be out in force the next time a major storm is forecasted to hit an their area. Once a storm warning is issued, get out to buy enough fuel to run your generator for several days. Check your operators’ manual to determine daily fuel requirements for your generator so that you can buy enough fuel to avoid the possibility of needing to head out in rough weather, dealing with blocked roads, fuel shortages, and other challenges that may be present in the days following an extreme weather event.
2) If you have a portable, put it in place before the weather arrives – Having a protective shelter to locate your portable generator will allow you to put it in place ahead of the weather, a much easier task than rolling it out in pouring rain.
3) Give your generator a test run – Putting your generator through its paces in a practice run prior to the actual event can let you know in advance whether your generator is going to function at its highest level of efficiency. An early test run will give you the opportunity to make repairs before you really need your generator.

Buying plenty of fuel, getting your generator in place, and doing a practice run can have it ready to go when you need it. After all, it’s going to be much better to be in the comfort of your home rather than braving the elements to take these steps as the weather is turning nasty.    

Common Mistakes made with Generators During Emergencies

Having a generator to provide backup power during an emergency can make the difference between sitting in a cold quiet house waiting for the return of electricity and being able to function on a relatively normal basis regardless of how long it takes for power from the grid to resume. Having a generator, however, does not automatically ensure that the lights will remain on and that appliances will continue to run, especially if some of the common mistakes are committed.

These mistakes include:

• Not having fuel on hand – This mistake usually occurs after the generator has been sitting idle for a while. Proper maintenance calls for tanks to be emptied prior to extended periods of non-use, which can result in an “out of sight, out of mind” situation where the need for fuel isn’t recognized until someone tries to start the generator.
• Not having a sheltered area for the generator – Generators cannot be run indoors or in a garage due to the emission of carbon monoxide. They also can’t be run with direct exposure to water, meaning that there should be a dedicated shelter to protect the generator from the elements. Without a shelter, a generator can’t be run until rain stops, which can leave a household in the dark until weather passes.
• Forgetting where extension cords are stored – Running a portable generator requires extension cords to be connected to the items that will be powered during an outage. While it may be tempting to use them for other purposes, have extension cords stored in a specific location that will only be used for the generator.  
• Forgetting about maintenance – A generator will require some maintenance, especially if it hasn’t been in operation recently. Follow the maintenance protocols in the operators’ manual to ensure that your Honda generator starts when you need it.

Avoiding these mistakes can make sure that your generator can do exactly what you bought it for. Otherwise, that generator that could be powering your house in an emergency may just sit around until you can get it to work after the storm moves on.