Does servicing a generator regularly make financial sense?

The short answer to this question is a resounding YES, at least from the perspective of generator specialists. We’ve been working with diesel generators since long before “load shedding” was even a thing, and we’ve seen some scary things happen to generators that haven’t seen a spanner since their time on the factory assembly line. Is the cost of replacement higher than the cost of planned maintenance? This article takes a look at why generators need maintenance, why it’s better to prevent catastrophe instead of quelling it, and whether or not servicing a generator can actually save you money:

Why do generators need servicing?

FUNCTIONALITY

In order to make sure that your generator kicks in when load shedding kicks in and the lights go off, generator technicians check on the gen set’s fluid & oil levels, oil filters, belts & hoses, connectors, lines, control panel, and exhaust system.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Generators that miss their important maintenance intervals are prone to producing carbon monoxide, which is lethal when breathed in by humans. Depending on where your generator is located, this could be a serious issue during times of prolonged operation.

FUEL PROBLEMS

During times of zero power outage threats, generators are often forgotten. If they aren’t used for long periods of time, generators suffer fuel issues as the internal fuel deteriorates over time. For this reason, it is recommended that generators have the fuel supply changed twice a year.

Prevention is better than cure

With planned generator maintenance, critical gen set issues – that might cause complete breakdown if left unattended to – can be picked up and rectified earlier.
Regular maintenance, as applicable to any mechanical device really, will greatly extend the lifespan of the generator and its individual components.
The warm, snug inside of a generator set is an ideal home for all sorts of critters – including mice & rats (who love eating through wires and hoses), snakes, and other creepy crawlies.

Can generator servicing save money?

Once-off generator repairs are going to cost you, especially if the generator technician is being called out in the wee hours of the morning. Even more expensive is the cost of replacing an entire generator set. When you engage generator specialists about planned maintenance, where technicians come around on pre-defined dates to service your generator, you can save costs by committing to planned maintenance – thereby catering for generator maintenance instead of having to scramble for funds to repair or replace the generator when the worst happens.

Get generator maintenance in KwaZulu-Natal

S&A Generators has been providing exceptional generator repairs, generator maintenance, generator fuel refills, and generator installations in KZN for over 25 years. We are generator specialists on call 24/7, and travel the length and breadth of the KwaZulu-Natal province throughout the year – seeing to all manner of generator-related matters. Get in touch with us for any of your generator installation, repair, or maintenance needs.