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If you own a standby generator, you know how important it is to invest in an effective emergency power plan—and if you rely on the experts to provide repairs and maintenance, you can ensure your investment will pay off for years to come.

Regardless, no matter what make or model you invest in, no piece of machinery lasts forever—including standby generators. How do you know when it’s time to replace your system?

 

Even with the best expert maintenance, your unit will naturally experience a certain level of wear and tear. After years of repairs and maintenance, it may make more financial sense to replace it altogether.

 

Here are four signs that it’s time to replace your standby generator with a newer, more reliable model.

 

1. Frequent Problems & Constant Repairs

If you’re becoming all too familiar with error codes and maintenance calls, your standby generator may be on its last legs.

Preventive maintenance will ensure that your generator provides consistent, reliable backup power. However, if your unit continuously requires major repair after major repair, you run a high risk of your standby generator failing in an emergency.

When your standby generator becomes increasingly unreliable, you have two choices: spend a significant amount of money in repairs to delay the inevitable or put those funds towards investing in a new, enhanced model.

 

2. Excessive Fuel Consumption

Every generator is different. Each make and model has a different “sweet spot” in their workload-to-fuel consumption ratio, but if you begin to see excessive fuel consumption, it’s time to start researching a replacement unit.

As your standby generator ages, mechanical deterioration is inevitable. It’s bound to become less efficient and less effective over time, and there are only so many times you can repair and replace each moving part in such a sophisticated piece of machinery.

A surefire sign that your standby generator is losing speed is a drastic increase in fuel consumption. If you conduct regular quality checks and fuel polishing as needed, it may be time to find a new standby generator.

Eventually, a newer model will help you save on increasingly frequent repair and maintenance costs—let alone fuel costs.

Replacing your failing generator with a more modern, energy-efficient model also allows you to save money in the long run.

 

3. Inconsistent Power Output

When you invested in your standby generator, you invested in steady, reliable backup power. If your generator begins producing an inconsistent electrical output, it’s a sign your generator is on the decline.

If your standby generator is no longer capable of powering appliances, devices, and other home functions that it has in the past, it’s time to give the experts a call. Power flickers and brownouts indicate that you may need a new standby generator.

 

4. Trouble Starting

Standby generators are designed to automatically start when a power outage occurs. If your generator experiences trouble or delays when starting, it may be time to find a new unit.

Before you assume the worst, make sure you’ve checked all of the possible causes of start-up failure. If you can’t see any obvious issues—especially if your generator is nearing the two-decade lifespan point—it may be time to shop for a new standby generator.

Our best advice? Contact your local standby generator professional to determine if it’s a fixable issue or if you’re better off investing in a replacement unit.

 

Trust the Experts

Replacing your generator doesn’t have to be a hassle. National Standby’s factory-trained technicians are here to help you determine if your generator is beyond repair or not.

If we recommend a replacement, we’ll help you find a right-fit make and model to meet your power needs. We’ll even meet you on-site, free of cost, to assess your situation.

Get in touch today to schedule a free standby generator consultation.

 

 

Kristopher Schwind is the proud owner of National Standby Repair.