Your Guide To Generator Maintenance: What It Involves And Why It’s Important

​With power outages becoming more and more frequent, the decision to purchase a home generator is without a doubt a smart one. However, it’s also wise to avoid making a hasty purchase. 

Not all generators are created equal, and not all generator technicians have proper experience and training. Knee-jerk decisions can lead to issues and added expenses down the road, such as inadequate power supply and unexpected breakdowns. This is why it’s so important to do your research on the front end and choose a reputable generator brand and installer. 

Why Research Matters

Researching before deciding to buy a home generator is a critical step that can save you time, money, and potential headaches in the long run. 

Choosing a reputable brand ensures you get a reliable and durable generator that will meet your specific power needs. Brands with a strong track record often offer better customer support, warranty coverage, and replacement parts availability, which can be crucial in the long-term maintenance of your generator. A well-researched brand selection ensures you invest in a generator that will perform reliably for years to come.

At Northside Power, we sell, install, and service Cummins, Briggs & Stratton, and Generac standby generators. We pride ourselves on being at the forefront of the emergency power industry and are one of the only certified Cummins dealers in the state of Arkansas. 

What to Research and Know:

Here are some key factors to keep in mind while researching:

Your Power Needs 

It’s important that you understand your energy and power needs in your home before you decide on a generator. 

Identify the essential appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. Make a comprehensive list of items like refrigerators, heating and cooling systems, medical equipment, lighting, and communication devices. Consider how long you need these devices to operate continuously during an outage. 

By assessing your specific power requirements, you can determine the generator’s size and capacity needed to support your essential loads. At Northside Power, we provide free quotes with our professional load analysis to ensure that your power needs will be covered, keeping your home comfortable and functional during power interruptions.

Budget considerations 

Customers need to carefully evaluate their budget when deciding on a generator. Generators come in various sizes and types, each with its own cost. 

The initial purchase price is just one part of the financial equation; operating and maintenance expenses should also be considered. 

Portable generators tend to be more budget-friendly upfront but may require more manual effort and ongoing fuel costs. On the other hand, standby generators offer seamless, automatic power but come with a higher initial investment.

It’s essential to weigh the long-term value, including potential savings on spoiled food, temporary housing, or lost work hours during power outages. Setting a realistic budget and considering not only the purchase price but also the operational costs will help customers make a well-informed decision that aligns with their financial capabilities and the benefits of uninterrupted power.

Finding an Expert That Focuses Only on Generators

Last, but definitely not least, it’s important to choose an installer who possesses in-depth knowledge of generators. Choosing the right expert ensures that the unit is installed correctly and meets the local building codes and manufacturer recommendations. 

Equally important is an installer’s commitment to long-term maintenance, service, and monitoring. Regular maintenance is key to the generator’s performance and longevity, and it helps catch issues before they become costly problems. A professional who offers ongoing service and monitoring ensures that your generator is always ready to kick in during an outage, providing peace of mind and uninterrupted power when you need it most. 

At Northside Power, we’re committed to keeping you and your family comfortable and safe during power outages. We provide industry-leading 24/7 monitoring plans as well as regular maintenance and service plans.

Choosing the right generator and the right installer makes buying and owning a home generator a stress-free experience. 

The Dangers of Choosing Wrong

The choice of a generator brand and installer is a decision that can significantly impact the safety, comfort, and convenience of your home, particularly during power outages or emergencies. 

Selecting the wrong generator brand or installer can lead to a host of problems that range from inconvenience and inefficiency to potential safety hazards:

Inadequate Power Supply 

If you accidentally choose a generator with an inadequate power supply, the generator may not have the capacity to support essential appliances and systems, leaving you without heating, cooling, refrigeration, medical equipment, lighting, etc. 

Inadequate power supply can also strain the generator, potentially leading to breakdowns or damage over time. Plus, attempting to overload a generator to compensate for its limitations can be dangerous, posing fire and electrical hazards.

Choosing a generator with insufficient power supply can compromise safety, comfort, and functionality, right when you need reliable backup power the most. At Northside Power, we make sure that the generator you choose aligns with your unique energy needs.

Unexpected Breakdowns and Service Costs

An incorrectly sized or low-quality generator is more prone to malfunctions, which can be not only frustrating but also financially burdensome. Frequent breakdowns not only interrupt the power supply during critical moments but also necessitate costly repairs or replacement parts. 

Service costs can escalate quickly if the selected generator installer and company lacks a reliable customer support system. Choosing the right installer is not just a one-time investment, but a long-term strategy to ensure the reliability of your backup power source.

Lack of Proper Maintenance and Service 

Without regular maintenance and servicing, a generator’s performance may deteriorate over time, rendering it unreliable during power outages. This neglect can result in costly breakdowns or even complete failure when you need the generator most.

Additionally, inadequate maintenance might void warranties, leaving customers responsible for expensive repairs or replacements. 

Choosing a generator without considering long-term maintenance and service can not only diminish its efficiency and lifespan but also leave homeowners vulnerable to extended periods without essential backup power. At Northside Power, we provide customers with ongoing support from day one.

Safety Risks 

An incorrectly installed generator may not adhere to local building codes or manufacturer guidelines, potentially leading to electrical hazards, fuel leaks, and fire risks. Inadequate grounding and ventilation can further compromise safety. 

A generator installed inappropriately might even pose risks to the installer and others working on the property. This is why it’s so important to choose a qualified and experienced installer who understands the intricacies of generator placement, electrical connections, and safety precautions. Ignoring these factors and making the wrong choice in generator and installer can result in potentially life-threatening consequences.

Thorough research makes all the difference when it comes to choosing the proper generator and installer. With a legacy of excellence in backup power solutions since 1978, we have a long history of meeting our customers’ power requirements and ensuring their peace of mind.

The Benefits of Choosing Right 

The old saying, “you get what you pay for,” has stood the test of time for a reason. Often, the rush to attain something quickly, without waiting for quality, can lead to unsatisfactory outcomes and even unforeseen costs down the road. 

Here are some benefits of making informed decisions that stand the test of time:

Increased Satisfaction With Your Purchase (Reducing Buyer’s Remorse)

Choosing the right generator and installer can significantly enhance your satisfaction with your purchase and effectively reduce buyer’s remorse. 

When you choose a generator brand and size, tailored to your energy needs, you’re more likely to experience reliable performance and peace of mind during power outages. Moreover, hiring a skilled installer who provides long-term maintenance and service ensures that your system operates smoothly consistently, further minimizing the chances of unexpected issues. 

Guaranteeing You Get a Top-Quality Brand 

Waiting for the right generator and installer ensures that you’re getting a top-quality brand. 

Cummins, Briggs & Stratton, and Generac generators have earned their reputation for exceptional reliability and performance. By choosing an installer who specializes in these products, you can rest assured that your investment aligns with this exceptional quality. 

The technicians at Northside Power are knowledgeable and skilled, ensuring the correct installation, regular maintenance, and reliable service, all of which are essential for sustaining optimal performance. When you select an installer who specializes in reputable brands, you secure an investment in a generator designed for enduring reliability, providing both peace of mind and enduring satisfaction in the long run.

Finding the Right Dealer Who Provides Ongoing Service and Support 

Selecting the right generator and installer combination ensures that you find the right dealer who offers ongoing service and support. 

Knowledgeable installers understand the importance of continued maintenance and support, and they often have established relationships with dealers who share the same commitment. This guarantees that your generator remains in peak condition, ready to kick in when needed, and that any issues are promptly addressed. 

Proper Installation

Choosing the right generator and installer ensures proper installation, a critical factor in the overall effectiveness and safety of your backup power system.

Skilled and experienced installers understand the intricacies of generator placement, electrical connections, and compliance with local building codes. They ensure that your generator is correctly sized for your specific energy needs and is positioned optimally for efficient performance. 

Proper installation not only guarantees that your system functions seamlessly but also reduces the risk of electrical hazards and fuel leaks, promoting a safe environment for both you and your family. The combination of the right generator and installer safeguards against potential issues that may arise from improper installation, ensuring your peace of mind during power outages and emergencies.

By conducting thorough research and making well-informed choices from the beginning, you can effectively prevent buyer’s remorse and ensure long-term satisfaction. 

Selecting the right generator brand, size, and installer who specializes in well-known brands provides not just value for your investment, but also reliability and peace of mind. This way, you can rest assured that you have chosen a solution that stands the test of time, offering enduring performance and security. 

Secure Your Family’s Comfort, Safety, and Peace of Mind During Power Outages

At Northside Power, we prioritize quality, reliability, and your long-term satisfaction. Your investment with Northside Power is an investment in peace of mind, ensuring that you have a trustworthy partner by your side, ready to deliver top-tier service and support for years to come.

We recognize the importance of making informed choices for your family’s backup power needs. If you have any questions about choosing a home generator or guidance on where to start, don’t hesitate to call our office at 501-315-7213. We can’t wait to meet you and help you find the perfect backup generator for your home!