Keeping Your Home Generator Reliable With Preventive Maintenance

Are you prepared for the next big storm? A Power outage can happen at any time, especially during severe weather. In fact, 25% of U.S. households experience at least one power outage each year. To ensure your generator is always ready when you need it most, consider investing in a Preventive Maintenance Agreement (PMA). This article will explore how PMAs can keep your home generator in top shape, providing peace of mind during power outages.

What is a Preventive Maintenance Agreement?

A Preventive Maintenance Agreement (PMA) provides homeowners with regular generator care to ensure reliable performance, especially during stormy weather. Here’s what you can expect from a comprehensive PMA:

• Priority Service Calls: Receive top priority when you need assistance during an outage.
• Discounted Service Rates: Enjoy reduced rates for service calls and maintenance.
• Maintenance Schedule Tracking: We track your maintenance schedule so you never miss a visit.
• Fully Stocked Service Trucks: Our technicians are always prepared with the necessary parts and tools.
• 24 HR Service Available: Round-the-clock emergency assistance when you need it most.
• Top Manufacturer Dealer: Access to expert service from authorized dealers for leading generator brands.
• OEM PM Parts: We use Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure optimal performance.
• Free Software Updates: Keep your generator running smoothly with the latest software updates.

Unlike reactive maintenance, which occurs after a problem arises, a PMA features a scheduled maintenance calendar that includes regular inspections, performance testing, and necessary repairs.

Why Preventive Maintenance is Critical for Generator Reliability

Without regular maintenance, generators can degrade quickly and fail when power is most critical. Here are the most common failure points that proper maintenance helps prevent:



• Battery Issues: Weak or dead batteries are a primary reason generators fail to start during an outage.
• Fuel System Malfunctions: Neglecting to maintain the fuel system can lead to clogs and operational failures. 
• Degraded Components: Regular inspections catch signs of wear and tear before they become large problems, prolonging the life of the generator. 

Generators that are not properly maintained can lead to significant downtime, especially during storms when reliable power is essential. Regular preventive maintenance ensures your generator is ready for whatever the weather may bring.

The Real Costs of Skipping Maintenance

Skipping generator maintenance can lead to disastrous outcomes when a storm hits. Consider these potential costs:

• Loss of Food: Spoiled food from a powerless fridge can cost homeowners between $200 and $400 to replace. In the case of a power outage, make sure to keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help maintain cold temperatures. 
• Emergency Lodging: Power outages may force families to find temporary housing, which can cost hundreds of dollars per night.
• Water Damage: In the colder months, a power outage can cause pipes to freeze and burst. This may cost $10,000 or more to fix.

The investment in a PMA is minimal compared to these potential losses. By ensuring your generator remains in optimal condition.

 Our Preventive Maintenance Process Explained

At Mid-Atlantic Generators, our preventive maintenance process is designed to ensure reliability and peace of mind. Here’s what you can expect during a maintenance visit:

1. Thorough Inspections: We conduct detailed visual inspections of your generator for any signs of wear, leaks, or damage.
2. Testing Procedures: Each generator undergoes load bank testing to ensure it operates correctly under actual power demands.
3. Fuel System Check: We monitor fuel levels and inspect lines to ensure a steady fuel supply.
4. Battery Check: Regular checks of battery condition, ensuring they hold a charge and are ready for emergencies.

This comprehensive process guarantees that your generator will be ready to perform when you need it most.

Benefits Beyond Reliability

Having a PMA not only ensures reliability but also offers several additional benefits:

• Insurance Premium Discounts: Some insurance companies provide discounts (around 5-10%) for homes with properly maintained generators.
• Increased Home Value: A well-maintained generator can increase property value by up to 5%.
• Extended Lifespan: Regular maintenance significantly extends the life of your generator.
• Consistent Performance: PMAs ensure your generator runs smoothly when it matters most, providing uninterrupted power during outages.
• Documentation for Resale: Detailed records of maintenance can aid in home sales or insurance assessments.

PMA Options to Fit Your Needs

At Mid-Atlantic Generators, we recognize that every homeowner has unique needs when it comes to generator maintenance. That’s why we offer various service tiers to meet your requirements:

• Standard PMA: This includes a routine, comprehensive inspection of the entire generator system to ensure that both your generator and automatic transfer switch are in good condition. A Standard PMA includes one Primary visit and one Basic inspection.
• Custom PMA: Tailored specifically for your generator type and usage, ensuring it receives the optimal care it needs. A Custom PMA can include any of the following: load bank testing, oil analysis, coolant analysis, and fuel lab testing.
• All of our PMAs are available on a bi-annual, quarterly, or monthly basis.

Choosing the right PMA ensures maximum protection and readiness for any storm.

Conclusion

Preventive maintenance keeps your home generator ready for any weather. A PMA is a commitment to reliability that can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Don't wait until a storm hits to realize your generator isn't ready.

Contact Mid-Atlantic Generators today to explore our Preventive Maintenance Agreements and ensure your home is storm-ready. 

Let us help you protect your investment and provide peace of mind, so you never have to worry about power outages again!