Testing Your Generator This Fall in the Face of Winter Ice Storms
It is worth considering if your generator has what it takes to see you through the season’s first major ice storm. When was the last time you put some run time on it? And are you confident it will come on at the drop of a hat when the power goes?
If you have your reservations, you are not alone. We at Pioneer Generators would be the first to tell you that fall is the ideal time to test your standby power before winter arrives; we have been applying our know how for the good of Tennessee homes and businesses since 1981. For any queries, (615) 551-4487 is our number.
You do not need to make an art form of testing the generator in the fall, but being methodical and having a checklist at hand is the way to go so nothing is missed. The tips below are what we would offer to our neighbors from Nashville and Murfreesboro all the way to Franklin and Clarksville.
The Case for Testing in the Fall
Here in Middle Tennessee one does not have to look far for an ice storm to knock out the power. Freezing rain will find its way onto the lines and tree limbs, and when those break the electricity goes with them. You may be without for days.
We see too many people having to contend with a generator that is not up to snuff in the worst of circumstances, with the cold in and the lights off. A bit of testing in the milder fall weather is a good way to remedy any problems.
A Visual Inspection is a Good Start
Before you apply any power, make it a point to get outside and have a good look at the unit. A quiet visual check can be revealing.
When you are doing your fall inspection, be on the lookout for:
- Any debris, nests or leaves about the housing
- Insects or rodents that have made themselves comfortable over the warmer months
- Rust or corrosion, a loose panel on the enclosure
- Worn or cracked hoses and belts
- Oil or coolant puddles beneath the unit
- Warning lights or error codes on the control panel
And if something does not appear as it should, hold off on the test and let one of our technicians have a look at it.
Run a Full Cycle
The weekly self-test your standby performs is fine, but it is not the same as a full load test to confirm the generator can handle the electrical demands of your home in an outage.
Start it up and let it run for 20 to 30 minutes. Observe the transfer of power and listen for anything amiss or smoke. If after you have cut the utility power the unit will not switch over by itself, the transfer switch probably needs some attention.
Fuel and Fluids
Do not wait until an ice storm to discover the generator is wanting in the essentials. Get on top of things this fall.
In the run up to winter:
- Check that the natural gas line or propane tank is in order
- Put in an oil change where due
- A new air filter in place of a dirty one
- Have the battery tested, the cold is no friend to a weak one
- Look over the fuel lines for a crack or leak
We can see to your gas or propane line service at the same time.
Real-Time Monitoring
How are you to know the generator is not performing while you are away? Real-time monitoring will have your phone put you in the picture of any trouble instead of you finding out in the aftermath. We will set you up with that.
Let a Pro Handle Some of It
There is only so much a homeowner can do in the way of fall testing. Our maintenance is more in depth; our men will get inside the components and run their diagnostics to forestall the kind of expensive failure a storm can cause.
For the people of Hendersonville, Smyrna, Spring Hill, Columbia, Gallatin, Lebanon and throughout the rest of the Nashville area we are available 24/7. All our services come with free estimates and financing through our partners.
Call us at (615) 551-4487 or (615) 908-4853 to arrange your fall maintenance with Pioneer Generators rather than let an ice storm inform you of a problem. We will make sure you have your power for the winter.