Does A Generator Need To Be Serviced?

The short answer is yes, a generator does need to be serviced, preferably once a year. If you have a whole-home generator, it sits outside and remains dormant most of the time. Every now and then, it will kick on if the power goes out, but for the most part, it’s not used unless it’s needed. For this reason, it can often go overlooked when it comes to scheduling regular maintenance.

Just like your HVAC system should be serviced once a year, a generator should also be maintained regularly. We have been installing and servicing generators in Southwest Virginia for 15 years, and know the ins and outs of the systems. If you are looking for a reliable, family-owned and operated company that specializes in generators, look no further than Complete Comfort.

In this article, we’re going to go over why you should have your generator serviced, and when the best time of year to schedule it is. If you have a generator and need service, or you want to see if a generator would be a good addition to your home, give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online!

Why Does A Generator Need Service?

Most major appliances or machines need some sort of service. Your car needs service every so many miles. Your HVAC system needs services once a year. It’s not uncommon for these more complex systems to need a professional service every now and then. Your generator is in that same category.

The difference between some of these other systems that need service and a generator is the amount of usage. With a car or a heating/cooling system, they are going to be used very frequently and can experience normal wear and tear. A generator, on the other hand, isn’t used as often. It doesn’t go through the same rigors that these other systems do.

BUT, the infrequent use of this system is one of the reasons why you will want to check on it before you put it to use. Ensuring that the system is working properly when you need it is crucial. The last thing you want to go through is a power outage, and the generator that hasn’t been checked on in a year doesn’t work.

Now, there are some tasks you can perform on your own to keep the generator maintained without having to call in a professional. Generac has a few lists in this article that go over some of the key steps you can take to DIY generator maintenance.

Cleaning Around Your Generator

One step to generator maintenance is cleaning around the unit. If there are bushes growing around it or branches from a tree falling into it, make sure that there is ample space for airflow. If the generator is running, dirt and debris, bushes, leaves, etc. can disrupt how well the unit is running.

Inspect For Fuel Or Oil Leaks

Before you use your generator, make sure it’s not leaking. Check the connections and make sure there is no oil or fuel leaking out. This could cause performance issues, and also be a dangerous hazard. If you notice a leak, call a professional to fix it before you use your generator.

Change Oil And Filters Once A Year

Your oil and filters should be changed out at least once a year. If you are handy and know how to do it, you may be able to perform this on your own. We recommend letting a professional handle this situation. We perform these tasks every week here at Complete Comfort, and we know our way around these generators. It’s a simple task for us that we are happy to do!

Check Electrical Connections, Fuel Levels, Spark Plugs, And Sediment Trap

These are a few more tasks for the pros to take care of. Not all of these have to be done every year, either. In fact, Generac recommends checking the spark plugs and sediment trap once every 4 years, or after 400 hours of use.

If you schedule routine yearly maintenance, all of these things will be checked regularly, and when the time comes to use your generator, the system will be ready!

When Is The Best Time Of Year For Generator Service?

Before storm season is typically the best time of year for generator service. This could mean a few different times of year. The fall, before winter snow is upon us, is a good time to schedule generator maintenance. Another time would be in the early summer, before hurricane season starts up. You are going to want your generator to be ready for these very snowy/rainy seasons, because that’s usually when you lose power. Make sure your system is ready for the bad weather!

Generator Service In Southwest Virginia

If you have a generator and live in Southwest Virginia, Complete Comfort can help you out with routine maintenance, generator repairs, or a generator installation. We have been working with generators since we opened in 2011, and know how important they are for homes in our area. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us right here on our website. We look forward to helping you out!

How Often Should You Have Your AC Serviced?

We recommend that you have your AC serviced once a year, preferably before the really hot weather sets in for the summer. Taking care of your air conditioning system is important for its efficiency, performance, and lifespan. Depending on the age of your system and how much you use it, you may want to have it serviced twice a year, but as for most homes, once is enough and very beneficial.

I’ve been working in Southwest Virginia and North Eastern Tennessee for 15 years now, and I know how brutal the summers can be here. If your air conditioning system isn’t working properly, it could cause big issues, and create a very uncomfortable space to live in. Luckily, I’ve serviced, repaired, and installed hundreds of air conditioners, and know all the ins and outs.

In this article, we’ll tell you a little more about the benefits of AC service, and why you want to schedule it at least once a year. If you would like to have the experts here at Complete Comfort come service your air conditioning system, just give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or contact us online. One of our air conditioning specialists will be happy to inspect and service your cooling system!

Why Should You Have Your AC System Serviced Once A Year?

Do you ever take your car into the shop for an oil change? Do you ever go to the doctor’s office for an annual checkup? Well, this is the same concept as having your air conditioner serviced yearly as well. Scheduling professional air conditioning service at least once a year will help you get the most out of your system, and keep your home cool.

We’ve seen systems last 20 years with annual service. We’ve also seen systems that die very prematurely because they are never serviced. The point is, having a professional inspect and maintain your HVAC system is how you get the very most out of it.

Here are a few of the most common reasons people schedule annual maintenance for their air conditioning system:

Improved Energy Efficiency

When you have your AC system serviced, it comes along with cleaning the parts, replacing the filter, and making sure the components are working smoothly and properly. This smooth operation and ensuring that all the parts are working well is what helps the system run more efficiently.

Improved efficiency usually results in two things:

Your system uses less energy, leading to lower energy bills
Your system runs better, leading to a cooler, more comfortable home

Reduced Chance Of Breakdowns

During annual maintenance, the technician is going to inspect your system and make sure the components are working properly. They will test your connections, replace any broken parts, and ensure the system is going to work properly when it’s needed.

If you go for years without this service, it could lead to problems building up, and the result is your air conditioner breaking down. This is more likely to happen during the hottest times of the summer, when the AC is working extra hard.

Dealing with a breakdown can be expensive, and also leave your home hot and uncomfortable until it can be fixed. Getting ahead and preventing these breakdowns is the best and most cost-effective way to take care of your AC.

You may also want to consider signing up for a preventative maintenance package. We offer them at a few different levels to match your system to the maintenance package that fits best. These packages help you stay on top of your service schedule, as well as save you money in the long run. Over the lifespan of your AC, investing in a maintenance plan should help you extend its life, and keep it running as efficiently as possible so you don’t have to worry about high energy bills or hot spots in the home.

Lengthen System Lifespan

Your air conditioner should last anywhere between 12-20 years. We’ve seen some that go the full 20, but it’s usually because they are well taken care of. We’ve also seen some that die prior to 10 years, which is also a result of not taking care of the system at all. In order to have your system last as long as it possibly could, having a professional take care of it is the best way to a long AC lifespan!

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Air passes through your HVAC system constantly. With that passing air comes airborne dirt and debris that pushes throughout the system, and into your home. When you have your AC system serviced, that comes with a wiping and cleaning of the components, as well as a filter change. This is going to improve the air quality of your home, and make it a healthier environment.

We still recommend that you change your air filter on your own every few months. This is a simple, inexpensive task that helps keep the air flowing properly, and maintains a healthier living space.

When Should You Have Your System Serviced?

Now that you know a bit more about why you should have your AC system serviced, you should also know the best time of year to have the task performed. We recommend you have your AC serviced in the spring, before the summer heat sets in.

For one, you want your home ready for the heat, rather than having a hot day your AC can’t handle, and having to call in a professional. Having your AC serviced in the spring helps you get ahead of any problems or repairs that may be needed. You also want to make sure that this system isn’t using too much energy to keep the space cool.

For example, if you are running your AC, but the efficiency is below the level it should be, that’s going to lead to you spending more money on energy bills than necessary. If you have your service performed at the beginning of the warm season, you are going to be saving by cutting out the unnecessary energy usage.

The other reason it’s better to have your AC system serviced in the spring is the availability of HVAC contractors. During the summer, HVAC businesses get very busy with people needing repairs and replacements. It’s not so easy to schedule service when it’s convenient for you, and it may take longer for the technician to come out and perform service. During the offseason, there is more availability, and it makes it easier to have your system serviced on your time.

Scheduling Service For Your AC In Southwest Virginia

If you haven’t had your annual AC service performed yet, now is the time to act. Give us a call at (276) 690-9222, or reach out to us online. One of our trained AC experts will be able to inspect your system, perform routine maintenance, and make sure your home is ready for the hot weather.

No matter if it’s the beginning of spring or the middle of the summer, an AC service is going to help improve the performance of your HVAC system. Stay cool and enjoy your summer!

Call to our Experts: (276) 690-9222

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