How to Prepare Your Generator for Storm Season in Florida

Florida homeowners know that a generator is a key part of getting through storm season. Keeping your equipment in working condition is critical, though. Fortunately, you can take a handful of steps to prepare your generator for storm season in Florida.

Pre-Season Inspection

Our electricians check generators before every storm season. They begin the process with visual inspections, looking for signs of damage, corrosion, and wear. We also test the various electrical connections that allow your generator to detect a loss of power and send energy to the electrical panel. It is also a good idea to inspect the panel and any connected subpanels, verifying that the breakers are in good shape.

Engine Maintenance

This is also the right time to perform engine maintenance on the generator. Inspecting the sparkplug and replacing it if necessary ensures proper operation and efficiency. Cleaning or replacing the air filter keeps the airflow into the engine clean. An oil change is also a good idea, although you need to be sure that you're using the right grade of oil for your generator in this region's climate.

If your generator uses a battery for electric start mode, this is the time to test that it's still holding the right voltage. If the battery isn't fully charging anymore, you will want to replace it before storm season begins rolling.

Electrical Load Testing

Generators use multiple electrical systems to ensure safe interaction with your home's electrical system and the grid. We can confirm that the generator's output load isn't running too high or low, protecting your investment in your home. The transfer switch needs to be in good condition, too, ensuring that the generator properly comes on when the power goes out and turns off when the grid is restored. Similarly, you will want to check the breakers to make sure they still work and carry sufficient load for the job.

This is also an excellent time to check the electrical wiring from the generator to your panel and even to the rest of your house. If electrical repairs are necessary, our electricians can make sure the wiring is ready to go.

Weather Protection

You will want to be sure that your generator has sufficient weather protection. Many people enclose their generator's main outdoor components with a chain link fence or other system to prevent debris from potentially hitting it. This may go as far as caging the generator, providing protection from debris that might fly in from above.

If there is existing protection, visually confirm that it's still in good shape. Also, you may want to look into eliminating nearby features like bushes and trees that could become debris sources during a storm.

Many homeowners place their generator on cement blocks or a concrete slab. This is a good time to visually confirm that the supporting structure under the generator is still in good shape.

Fuel Supply Check

If your system uses natural gas, it is important to check the integrity of the lines. Likewise, you will want to be confident that the shutoff valve still works properly.

Many Florida homeowners use systems that require propane. Foremost, you need to confirm that the fuel tank is still in good condition, including inspecting the interior of the tank. If you have a fuel tank, you will also want to make sure your fuel supplier tops it off before storm season fires up.

Spare Parts

It never hurts to have extra spare parts around for your generator. A few basic things like spare sparkplugs, oil, filters, and fuses can go a long way toward keeping your generator running. Even if you're not inclined to work on a generator, having spare parts on hand during or after a storm can also make it easier for our electricians to repair the system if something happens.

Hoffman Electrical is a trusted name in Tampa, FL and the surrounding communities. We offer same-day service on most projects, and our electricians always provide upfront pricing. We even have financing available upon credit approval for installation projects. Our electricians are available for a wide range of electrical work in addition to setting up generators. We perform installations and repairs of everything from lights to surge protection. Our business is a proud Generac dealer, too.

To work with a local expert from Tampa to ensure your generator is ready for the season, contact Hoffman today.