What do you do when you lose power? If you’re like most homeowners, you rummage around the junk drawer or garage for your trusty flashlight and set to work either finding the other flashlights (and perhaps some candles) and possibly your portable generator (hopefully you have some spare gas). But more and more homeowners are considering whole-house generators for their homes. To many, this seems like an obvious home improvement. Few things are as convenient as being able to fire up your whole-house generator to run not only your lights, but also major appliances. Here’s why you need one for your home.
ServiceMax Blog: Archive for the ‘Generators’ Category
3 Reasons to Consider a Whole-House Generator
Monday, July 27th, 2015Is It Time to Repair Your Generator?
Friday, January 30th, 2015The main reason to own a whole-home generator is to be able to power your home should a power outage occur; if this help isn’t available from your generator when you need it, there isn’t much point in having a generator. Unfortunately, because generators aren’t used constantly, it may not be clear whether or not a problem exists with your generator until you need to use it. However, there are some steps you can take to determine whether or not you may need generator repair for your home in Wilmette.
Common Generator Repairs
Here are some of the more common problems that can develop with your whole-home generator:
- Loss of lubrication – all the moving parts on your generator need adequate lubrication to operate correctly; without proper lubrication, these parts will grind and can eventually break.
- Electrical problems – wiring and spark plugs inside the generator can corrode over time, which will affect the operation of the generator.
- Blown generator fuses – your generator has its own fuse box that helps it to run; blown fuses will hamper its operation and require replacement in order for the generator to be operational.
- Problems with the fuel line – the fuel line is integral to your generator’s operation. If it is bent or kinked, or has developed an air bubble, the fuel feed may be impeded.
Signs of Problems
So how can you know about some of these problems? Here are a few tips:
- Leaking – if you see any kind of leaking or puddling around your generator, there is a good chance is has sprung a leak.
- Visible wear on electrical components – some corrosion of the electrical components may be visible, so if you see frayed wiring or rust around terminals, call for an expert.
- Burning smell – if you smell a burning odor while testing your generator (or using it), shut it off immediately and schedule an appointment with a repair person.
Test on Your Own
One of the best ways to assess whether or not a problem has developed is to test your generator every 3 months. Simply turn it on and let it run for 10-15; while it’s running, inspect the outside and stay aware of any strange noises or odors.
And if you’re in need of professional generator service in the Wilmette area, give Malek Heating & Cooling a call today.
Protection for Your Home with Whole-House Surge Protectors
Thursday, July 31st, 2014Power outages can pose serious problems for your home and family, especially if they last for an extended period of time. Some of the reasons for loss of power from the grid include trees falling on power lines, severe wind conditions, lightning strikes, floods and heavy rainstorms, accumulation of ice and snow, accidents due to construction digging, and even interference from wildlife. Using a whole-house generator to shield your home from a long-term outage is wise planning and will provide you with peace of mind during the times of the year when the frequency of outages begins to rise.
Here is something else to consider: many of the above causes of power outages are also sources of massive power surges. You probably already connect the idea of power surges with lightning strikes and downed lines, but any event that could cause an overload of the power grid or a loss of power could also send a huge power surge into your home that could cause damage to appliances, especially precision equipment like laptops and home entertainment systems. A small power strip at an outlet can offer some protection from this, but not always.
At Malek Heating & Cooling, we advise that homeowners look into whole house surge protectors in Skokie, IL as an adjunct to their new generator installation. These systems installed into your electrical panel will guard your electrical system from both outside power surges as well as any malfunction that might occur with the generator. It will also help with the smaller surges that can occur without you realizing it, and which contribute to slow wear and tear on appliances.
These smaller surges are worth looking at a little closer, because many homes suffer from them. Whenever a large appliance in your home (such as a refrigerator or air conditioning system) makes too large a demand on the electrical circuits, it causes a momentary imbalance that sends a power surge through the lines. If you notice lights flickering whenever a powerful appliance turns on, then you are dealing with a power surge.
Worry about power surges is another reason that you must have professionals install your whole-house generator. If an amateur picks the wrong size unit of generator for your needs, the generator could cause a dangerous power surge in your home when it comes on, knocking out your lights and other appliances and possibly damaging them so that even when the power is restored, they won’t come back on.
Keep Malek Heating & Cooling in mind when you are thinking about whole house surge protectors and generator installation in Chicago, IL. Let our trained technicians know about your generator needs: we will keep your family out of the dark. Give us a call today.
What Are The Benefits of an Automatic Standby Generator?
Monday, June 30th, 2014There are a lot of factors which will inform the overall comfort and convenience of your home. Needless to say, the quality of your electrical system is a major player in this respect. Of course, when the electricity supply from your local utility is cut off, it really isn’t going to matter how outstanding your electrical system is. Or so you’d think. In truth, though, there is a way in which you can keep the lights on and your fridge humming away, even in the event of a power outage. Just call Malek Heating & Cooling to learn more about the ways in which a whole house generator can benefit you. When you allow us to handle your generator services in Chicago, IL, you won’t have to worry about the power going out in your neighborhood.
A standby automatic generator differs in a few key ways from the portable generators that you may have seen in campgrounds or out in the driveway. Rather than plugging a few chosen devices directly into the generator, for example, an automatic standby model features a permanent installment on your property. This generator is wired directly into your electrical system, meaning that you don’t need to worry about running extension cords outside during a dark, stormy night. The generator will monitor voltage 24/7, and is able to detect a power outage on its own. Herein lies the greatest benefit of an automatic standby generator.
Not only will the system power far more devices and appliances than a portable model, but it will also kick on automatically in the event of a power outage. An automatic transfer switch makes this possible, allowing your system to spring into action even if you are not at home. This is a great way to ensure that you don’t come back to an uncomfortable environment or a refrigerator full of spoiled food.
In order to get the most from your automatic standby generator in Skokie, IL, of course, you must work with a skilled, trained technician. It is important that the device is wired into your home’s electrical system carefully, and that it is appropriately sized for your home. They can run on either natural gas or an LP system, and we will help you determine which is right for you. Just call us with any questions you may have regarding your generator installation or service needs.