Now is a Good Time to Check Your Home Generator and Do Maintenance if Necessary

With winter storms raging in places they have never raged before and many people living without power for days at a time, it is clear that now is a great time for you to check your home generator to make sure it is ready if needed. Learn how a standby generator can be installed and should be maintained, then contact Sonner Electric at 661-728-0126 to learn how we can help.

The Benefits of a Standby Generator

While it is often commercial properties that have standby generators installed, you can also have one installed at your home. It is designed to provide a secondary source of power to your home if the primary source is not working or if you otherwise do not have access to it. Generators do not actually create energy. Instead, they take chemical or mechanical energy and turn it into electricity. It can then direct electricity throughout the home.

Clean Off the Area Around the Generator

It is important that the area around the generator is kept as clear as possible. Check it once a month or so to find out if there are leaves, branches, or other types of debris around it. Then simply move them or clean off the generator to make it safer.

Check the Oil Level

You should check the oil levels once a month. If it has been much longer since you have done so, then we recommend checking it now. If oil is necessary, make sure to top it off – and use the right type of oil for your particular generator. We also recommend having additional oil, oil filters, and air filters on hand in the event that you end up needing to run your generator for a long period of time.

Consider Alternative Options

Hold old is your generator? If you know that it is likely time for it to be replaced, consider other options like solar panels. They might actually be much more affordable to install than you imagine. Depending on various facts about your home and your energy use, there might also be local or federal programs that offer tax incentives for installing them.

Call the Power Experts for Advice

At Sonner Electric, we know how important power is. We know how to help assure that our customers have access to emergency power when needed. If you do not yet have a generator or solar panels, or you are considering an upgrade, contact us at 661-728-0126 to find out how we can help.