Upgrading to a New HVAC System Might Be Easier Than You Think. When storms move through the Lehigh Valley, your power can go out and take down AC, heat, and appliances with it. Having a whole-house generator is only useful if it starts, carries the load, and keeps running when the grid goes down. Waiting for the first outage isn’t the time to realize your generator isn’t working right. You need some maintenance and testing to make sure there’s not an issue with the battery, fuel, or any worn components.
Our team at Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric helps Allentown homeowners keep their generators ready before the severe weather hits. Taking care of these checks before storm season can help you avoid finding a problem during an outage.
How Often Should You Test Your Home Generator?
Test your whole-house or backup generator before storm season and continue checking it regularly. Standby generators usually have an automatic cycle, but that doesn’t mean every part of the system is ready to handle a power outage. Listen for unusual noises, watch for warning lights, and check to see if everything starts up properly.
How Do I Prepare My Generator for Storm Season?
Basic generator maintenance depends on the unit you have, but there are items that usually need attention before severe weather rolls in:
- Check the oil level and condition
- Inspect the air filter
- Look for loose or damaged wiring
- Check the battery and terminals
- Inspect the enclosure for debris
- Confirm the exhaust area is clear
- Review the service schedule in the owner’s manual
Even if your generator starts up, that doesn’t mean it’s ready to power your home. Generator filters, spark plugs, batteries, and other parts can wear down even when the unit hasn’t been used very often.
How Do You Test a Generator Under Load?
Yes, it’s essential to test a generator under load, and it’s a useful check many homeowners overlook. A generator can start and run normally with no load at all before struggling once your home tries to draw power from it. Our professional load tests check to see how your generator performs while supplying electricity. We want to see how it works under load, not just sitting idle in your yard. Our tests can uncover voltage problems, weak components, or capacity issues before a power outage puts your generator under stress.
How Do You Check Generator Fuel Before a Storm?
Fuel problems can vary depending on the type of generator you have. Portable gasoline generators need to be stored according to manufacturer instructions. You also need fresh fuel and enough of it to get through a power outage. Natural gas standby generators don’t need stored fuel, but the fuel supply, regulator, and connections still need to be in good condition. Remember to never run your portable generator in a garage, basement, or enclosed area or you could end up with a carbon monoxide risk.
When Should You Schedule Professional Generator Service?
If your generator is hard to start, flashing a warning code, leaking fluid, or just doesn’t sound right, it’s worth having it checked before you need it during a power outage. Our technicians can go through the battery, transfer switch, fuel system, oil, filters, and electrical connections to make sure everything is ready to run and keep your home comfortable and safe.
Contact Jack Lehr Heating, Cooling & Electric for generator maintenance in Allentown, PA, before the next power outage.
