Tips for Tampa Bay Homeowners on Getting Your Generator Ready for Fall
Will your generator come on when a storm puts the power out? You may want to put it to the test and see. When did you last have it running? If you were in need of it this evening, would it start?
Such are the kinds of questions one should be asking as fall makes its way to the region. We at Integrity Home Solutions are here to assist Tampa Bay homeowners with their generators all year long; give us a ring at (813) 686-9908 whenever you like. Our veteran-founded firm is fully licensed and insured and we serve our neighbors in good standing. Any technician from us who comes to your home has been background-checked, certified and trained.
Do not think the storm risk is gone just because it is fall in Florida. An idle generator can get into trouble over a few months and you will be none the wiser until the lights fail. Here is what we suggest you do to prepare.
The Case for a Fall Check-up
Equipment does not take kindly to the heat and humidity of a Florida summer. Come fall there is a chance your generator has not been put under load for an entire season. Batteries can go weak, fuel degrades and you may find some connections have come loose. A bit of time put in now is well worth it to sidestep a non-starter at the next outage.
For most households the calendar is a little less crowded in the fall, making it an opportune time to put in some maintenance before things get busy again.
Things to Check on Your Own
You will not need any special tools to run through these:
- Examine the unit and its housing for rust or signs of corrosion and pest activity
- Put some space around the generator by ridding it of leaves and other debris
- See how old the fuel is and what the level is; stale fuel will make for a hard start
- Make sure the battery terminals are free of corrosion and cables are tight
- Verify the transfer switch is set for normal use
- Provided the manual allows, put the generator through its paces for a short while and listen to it
Should you spot something amiss, leave the guessing to a pro and do not put a load on the unit.
Leave Some Matters to the Pros
It is where many a homeowner gets in over his head, for a generator can look fine and yet let you down when it counts. Proper care demands training and the proper equipment.
Our inspection will get at the automatic start function, oil and filters, the health of the battery, the fuel system and all electrical work. Since our trucks are well stocked with the parts we need, we can wrap up the job in one visit in most instances and not have you put off to another day. With our trade licenses in order, both general contracting (CBC# 1264564) and electrical (EC# 13011308), we are qualified to deal with every aspect of the setup.
Put It to the Test Now
There is no better time to uncover a problem than during a night-time outage in the rain. Run a test on a dry afternoon when conditions are calm. You will learn more from a load test than you would from the engine turning over.
Make a habit of jotting down the date; it gives you a record for the technician and you can see patterns forming before they become a breakdown.
Year-Round Maintenance Is the Way to Go
One does not simply set a generator and forget it. There is value in tending to it regularly. For many, having someone verify that the unit is in shape takes the anxiety out of storm season.
We do installation, repair and maintenance in all of Tampa Bay, from Clearwater and St. Petersburg to Brandon, Wesley Chapel, Riverview and beyond. Our quotes are straightforward, flat rates with nothing hidden, and we can put together a flexible payment plan with online financing if needed.
Rather than wait for an outage to tell you if you are ready, contact Integrity Home Solutions. We are at (813) 686-9908 to set up your fall check or answer any questions. We are here 24/7 and take pride in what we do for the homeowners of Tampa Bay. Let us put your mind at ease for the coming season.