As we know, maintenance is the key factor in prolonging the life of every machine. To maximize the performance and longevity of power generators and air conditioning units, you should maintain them regularly. Both systems ensure comfort and safety in residential and commercial settings.
Generators are functional appliances that supply electrical power during a power outage, while air conditioners are helpful during extreme weather conditions. So, regular maintenance of these systems is essential to optimize their efficiency and minimize the risk of unexpected failures.
Let’s discuss maintenance strategies for these systems.
Maintenance Methods for Power Generators
Maintain Cleanliness of the Power Generator and Its Surroundings
Maintaining the cleanliness of the generator and its surroundings might seem obvious. But it’s the simplest and easiest method to ensure a full life for your diesel or gas-powered generator.
Visually examine the area at least once every month. Before and after storage, clean the generator’s outside and inside. If your generator operates outside, maintaining its cleanliness and dryness is crucial for its efficiency and longevity.
Furthermore, using a generator cover to keep dust and dirt off is a smart addition to your Power Generator Maintenance strategy, especially when not used.
Lubricate the Moving Components of Generator
Engine oil is essential to lubricate the moving parts of a power generator and cool the engine. Over time, however, the extreme temperature changes and constant shear force that it is exposed to during operation cause the oil to degrade, diminish, and lose its viscosity. Particulate matter and water also pollute the oil.
In these circumstances, engine failure results from the oil’s loss of functionality. To prevent this, check the oil level regularly and top it if required. According to manufacturer recommendations, the oil and oil filter should also be changed at intervals. Make sure you use an oil brand that matches the classification and viscosity recommended by the generator manufacturer.
Inspect the Cooling System Monthly
A well-maintained cooling system prevents overheating, which can severely damage the generator. Monthly cooling system inspections help maintain coolant quality and increase the lifespan of your backup generator.
Regularly examining your cooling system includes checking the radiator and coolant levels and looking for any indications of leakage, obstruction, or general wear-and-tear. In addition, clean any accumulation of debris or dirt from the cooling fans and ensure the system is operating correctly.
Maintenance Methods for Air Conditioning Units
Change Or Clean the Air Filter
Regularly changing the AC filter is crucial for the optimal functioning of your AC units. Air conditioner filters accumulate dust, furs, and small debris, lowering the units’ overall efficiency.
To guarantee optimal performance, clean the air filters every two weeks and replace them once a month. Filter cleaning is easy, and you can get rid of dust using plain water.
If your location experiences excessive dust or fur, change the filters every 20 days or twice a month.
Clean and Inspect the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
A central air conditioner’s evaporator and condenser coils must be clean to function properly and generate cool air. Examine each coil once a year to remove dust and other debris. You can find the evaporator coil near the air handler in the indoor and outdoor condenser units.
Moreover, clean the coils with AC solvent, a soft bristle brush, or mild detergent and allow them to dry completely before reinstalling them into the unit. Cleaning these coils can improve the cooling efficiency of your AC unit and save energy costs. The U.S. Department of Energy states that a dirty evaporator or condenser coil can increase energy usage by 30%.
Schedule Annual Air Conditioning Service
An air conditioning service refers to annual maintenance performed by a licensed HVAC specialist. This service ensures optimal HVAC system performance and efficiency, prevents breakdowns, and increases longevity, saving utility bills and preventing system breakdowns.
During an AC tune-up, an HVAC technician can identify minor issues that may become big problems later. HVAC specialists perform various maintenance tasks, including:
- Conducting a multi-port test
- Identifying and repairing typical maintenance problems (clogged condensate drains, filthy coils, and clogged air filters)
- Lubricating mechanical components
- Refrigerant recharging
- Detecting the need for repair
