Maintaining your generator over the winter season may not seem that important. After all, hurricane season is still months away! But Florida just saw record amounts of snow in the panhandle – and unusual weather can mean power outages.
Give our team a call if you think your portable generator needs a new battery. Our team can also help with things like portable generator repair in Lake City. Keep reading to learn why caring for your generator is so important – whether you have a whole-house model or a smaller portable generator.
Signs Your Generator Battery Needs TLC or Replacement
The battery on your portable generator is its lifeline. Yes, your generator does use gas to provide power during outages, but the battery is equally important. It’s what provides the power boost for the generator to get started initially. Being able to identify the signs of a failing battery can save you from having a generator that doesn’t work during power outages.
Common signs of a failing battery include:
- Difficulty starting up
- Indicator lights that are dim or flickering
- Inconsistent power to items plugged into the generator
- Visible corrosion on the battery terminals or cables
- Leaks around the battery casing
Once each month you can visually inspect your generator to see if you notice obvious signs of problems. You should also start up your generator once each month for around 15 minutes just to be sure it’s working the way it should. This is your opportunity to listen and watch for other signs of problems.
How Long Do Generator Batteries Last?
You can expect the battery on your portable generator to last for anywhere from two to five years. It really depends on how well you care for the unit and how much use it gets during power outages. You also want to take care to store your portable generator somewhere safe – like in your garage or a shed – when it isn’t in use.
Tips for Extending Generator Battery Life
Taking care of your generator can make or break the expected lifespan of the battery. You can’t help how often you need to use your generator due to outages, but you can help by offering consistent care. Even when your generator isn’t in use, it still needs maintenance. Tips for caring for your generator include:
- Wiping away dirt and buildup
- Cleaning away corrosion so it doesn’t block the electrical connection
- Keeping the battery charged even when the generator isn’t in use
- Store the generator in a cool, dry area that is climate-controlled
- Have our team check out the generator once each year for any signs of maintenance needs
These simple steps can help your battery to last for potentially twice as long. Your proactive care also ensures that you don’t get left in the dark during an unexpected power outage. Hurricane season may be nearly half a year away, but when it does arrive you’ll want to have a working generator.
Contact Affinity Gas Services today to schedule an appointment for portable generator repair in Lake City, FL with our professionals. We’re “The Gas Efficiency Experts.”