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How to Keep Your Generator in Top Shape for Power Outages

20. June 2024 Adrian Nita (0)

Heavy storms, hurricanes, or simply an unexpected blackout can leave you quite literally powerless. Now that we rely on electricity to power everything from our home appliances to even keeping our work flowing from our home offices, a power outage can mean more than just a missed episode of your favorite TV show.

So, what can save you from stumbling in the dark? A power generator. But the generator isn’t going to fire up right when you need it the most if you have neglected it in your garage all year.

Here is a guide to the care and maintenance your power generator needs to remain in its optimum state when you most need it.

Where are Generators Stored?

You might already have thought about that dry, air-conditioned basement. Or maybe that dusty garage? Those aren't bad ideas, but not quite right either. Just like figuring out ways to stay cool when your AC is broken, knowing where to place a generator needs some strategic thinking.

Generators are best kept in places where they’re protected from harsh weather. But more importantly, they need ventilation. When running, engines stored in enclosed spaces like basements or garages can lead to a carbon monoxide buildup.

Find a well-ventilated location protected from the elements and easily accessible for refueling and operation. A good solution could be the use of a good portable generator.

How Often Should I Run My Generator?

To keep your generator in good working condition and ready to start at a moment’s notice, ensure it has a little run-out once in a while. Ideally, you should run the generator for about 30 minutes every three months to ensure all parts stay lubricated and batteries are fully charged. You can write down these check-up dates on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss them.

Generator Inspection: What Should You Look Out For?

To make sure your generator is in prime working condition, conduct regular inspections on several key components:

Generator Fuel: The first thing you’ll want to check is the fuel. Old and stale fuel can damage your generator’s engine. So, it's important not to let the fuel sit in the tank for too long. If you don’t use the fuel regularly, remember to drain it out and replace it with fresh fuel later.
Check for Leaks: Periodically give a once-over around your generator for any signs of oil or coolant leaks, which could signal some issues. Minor leaks might seem harmless, but if you leave them unattended over time, they’ll cause quite a bit of damage and create a potential fire hazard.
Filters and Oil Change: You should change the engine oil and filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean oil ensures smooth operation and also prolongs the lifespan of the engine by preventing dirt buildup, which can wear down your generator’s internal components.

This is usually done after the first 25 hours of use when it’s new and then after every 50 to 60 hours of running time. Keep in mind that this depends on the specific model.
Examine Fuel Lines: Fuel lines are critical to your generator’s operation as they transport the fuel from the tank to the engine. Over time, these lines could become clogged or damaged, leading to inefficient performance or even failures during use. Check for cracks, breaks, and debris that could hamper its function.
Take Care of the Battery: Batteries can lose their charge or become damaged over time. It’s important to check your generator’s battery for corrosion and also conduct occasional load testing to ensure it’s still packing a punch.
Check Coolant Levels: Keeping your generator cool is as critical to its performance as the fuel. A well-maintained cooling system helps prevent overheating during continuous operation. Regularly check coolant levels and top it off whenever needed.

How Can I Clean My Generator?

Generators aren’t high maintenance, but they do need a bit of attention from time to time. You want to focus more on dusting it off rather than giving it a deep clean. Dust accumulation could block air filters, which could cause overheating issues.

Gently brush or use compressed air cans to blow away dirt or any cobwebs that might have formed during storage. Pay special attention to the ventilation areas and exhaust outlets. However, if you face heavy soot residue build-ups around the exhaust system, consider getting professional help.

Extreme weather can cause rust to form on the generator's metal parts. Periodic checks can help you catch any signs early enough before they cause significant damage.

Also, remember: Keep water away when cleaning! Water exposure may cause short circuits and severe damage if it comes into contact with electrical components inside your generator.

What about Generator Repair and Troubleshooting?

Even with all this regular maintenance, sometimes hiccups happen. So, how do you troubleshoot and repair your generator?

First things first: always refer to the user manual. Your manufacturer’s booklet will prove to be indispensable for troubleshooting common issues specific to your model. If you cannot find that old booklet (since we rarely keep track of them), most companies offer their manuals online.

But let's give you some pointers:

Generator not starting: This could often be caused by a lousy battery connection or low fuel level. Ensure your battery is charged and has sufficient power before attempting a start-up.
Poor output or power surges: This could potentially indicate an issue with the alternator or possibly broken capacitors/resistors, requiring professional attention.
Overheating risk: If your engine overheats, it might signal insufficient coolant, blockages in airflow around the unit, or clogged filters hampering efficient cooling.
Loud operation noise: If your generator is making too much noise that it normally doesn't make, this can indicate things like loose components, so you may have to check screws and bolts around engine mounts and other fittings for looseness. Overly worn-out parts would need to be replaced in this case.

Keeping the Lights On

While we tend to think of generators as a backup plan and put them away for months on end, giving them a little attention from time to time can make all the difference.

From periodic inspections and fuel checks to catching any leaks in advance, keeping your generator in optimum shape will ensure you won’t be left in the dark when a power outage occurs.

Adrian Nita is a former marine navigation officer turned writer with more than 3 years of experience in the field. He loves writing about anything and everything but specializes in covering smart technology and gardening. When he's not writing, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family and friends or hiking in the great outdoors.

Header Image By: Anastasia Shuraeva - Pexels

Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Your Lawn and Garden Tools

3. June 2024 Adrian Nita General Industry News, How To Articles, Lawn Care Tips (0)

Hedge trimmers, pruning shears, lawn mowers, rakes … the list of lawn and garden tools can be a yard long (pun intended!). But sometimes, it’s often the smaller, less noticeable accessories that make the most difference.

Here are five must-have accessories that can make gardening and lawn care more comfortable, efficient, and maybe a bit more satisfying.

1. Hedge Trimmer Catcher Plate

Do you have a hedge trimmer handy for easily trimming shrubs? That’s great –– but the aftermath of your work can prove to be a mess. Clippings are strewn everywhere, and picking them up is a pain. You may not have it on your radar, but a hedge trimmer catcher plate can be really helpful in this kind of situation and save you from the tedious cleanup.

The catcher plate is fixed to the blade of the hedge trimmer and collects most of your trimmings as you go. Once you’re done shaping your hedges, you can simply empty the catcher into your compost or waste bin. It’s a little addition to your tool, but it certainly saves you loads of time and spares you any unwanted backache.

2. Garden Kneeler Seat

Speaking of backaches… The constant kneeling to plant those tulip bulbs or get rid of those weeds can take its toll on your back and knees. A garden kneeler seat can really make a difference. It provides comfort and ease for those who need to bend down often during their gardening chores.

Flip it over, and it doubles as a seat for when you want to rest, do tasks that require you to be seated, or when you just want to savor a cold one after a hard day’s work. Some models also come with pockets on the side for tools.

3. Outdoor Insect Traps

Who said it's just the weeds you have to combat while gardening? Certain insects, besides being irritating and pesky little distractions, can also potentially harm your plants and flowers. While you can go ahead and buy some pesticides and bug sprays at the nearest big box store, these can often harm your plants and are dangerously toxic.

While there are numerous natural mosquito predators in your lawn, like spiders, bats, dragonflies, and certain bird species, sometimes they need a little help.

Outdoor insect traps can be extremely beneficia. These devices draw insects away from you and your plants, trapping them in a container where they can be disposed of later. Some models are selective and eco-friendly and don’t affect any beneficial insects like pollinators, only the harmful ones like mosquitoes, aphids, and beetles.

4. Extension Handle for Tools

While long-handled tools like rakes and hoes can save you from bending too much, there’s always some corner or spot that’s just out of reach. An extension handle for your tools ensures that you don’t have to take any leaps of faith or risky stretches while tending to your garden.

Extension handles are easily attachable and adjustable, and they can add the extra length you need to comfortably reach any area of your garden, whether it’s a high tree branch or a far corner of the flower bed. They come in different sizes with different grips, and can be attached to almost any gardening tool.

5. Pop-Up Garden Bin

This accessory sounds fun, right? It’s also incredibly helpful. A pop-up garden bin is a freestanding container that does exactly what it says: It pops up when you need it. Once you’ve finished pruning your roses or clearing up that pile of leaves, rather than leaving everything in a heap to be cleared later, simply toss the debris into the bin as you work.

Pop-up garden bins are generally lightweight and have easy-to-carry handles, so moving them around as needed won’t be an issue. Once your gardening session is done, they can easily be folded and stored away neatly until next time, saving a good amount of space in your shed.

Accessorize to Maximize

While we don’t need all these accessories to carry out our garden work, they can certainly make some things easier, more efficient, and just maybe a bit more fun. And that isn’t a bad thing.

Your toolkit might be complete with all the big ticket items like lawn mowers, trimmers, and shears, but it’s the smaller additions that bring the biggest changes. Investing in some accessories isn’t really about making your lawn care sessions less of a chore. It’s also about taking care of yourself as well.

Header Image From:Pexels from Pixabay

The Ultimate Guide to DIY Lawn Mower Maintenance

21. May 2024 Adrian Nita General Industry News, How To Articles, Lawn Care Tips, Quick Tips (0)

Like any hardworking utility gear in the shed, lawn mowers need regular TLC. This goes beyond dumping fuel and pulling the cord once a week. It’s all about understanding that your lawn mower, much like a car, has its own set of vital parts and systems that require regular maintenance checks.

From replacing worn-out spark plugs to keeping blades sharp and efficient, here's everything you need to know for your DIY lawn mower maintenance routine.

Pre-Maintenance Checklist

Before jumping headfirst into lawn mower maintenance, take time to ensure everything is in order and you’ve gathered all the necessary tools and equipment. Here's your pre-maintenance checklist:

Check the owner’s manual: Think manuals are just random bulky papers bundled with appliances? Think again! Before performing any maintenance tasks on your lawn mower, check the owner's manual for instructions, information, maintenance schedules, and tips for your exact model.

Clear your workspace: Where there's mending, mess could follow. Pick a space that provides enough light for you to see what goes where free from clutter, and, if possible, away from curious pets' and kids’ reach.

Prepare your tools and materials: With your workspace sorted and manual memorized (or at least skimmed), gather your tools and materials:

Work gloves
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Wrench set (you usually need different sizes)
A drain pan for oil changes
New spark plug
Engine oil
Proper cleaning equipment like cloth rags or mild soap
A blade sharpening kit or replacement mower blade (if needed)

Disconnect the power source: Your safety should always be your number one priority. For gas-powered mowers, disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starting while you're tinkering with the mower. If you’re working with an electric mower, unplug it or remove its battery.

Wait for it to cool down (if applicable): No one wants to deal with accidental burns when working on their lawn mower. So, make sure you allow your equipment to cool off after use before attempting any maintenance tasks.

Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance Steps

With pre-maintenance essentials out of the way, let's head straight into your DIY lawn mower maintenance routine.

Keep It Clean

As elementary as it sounds, keeping your lawn mower clean is rule number one. Clumps of grass stuck around the blade or caked-on dirt on your mower deck can reduce its efficiency and cause unnecessary wear and tear. It also promotes moisture retention, leading to a rusty deck in no time at all.

Start by gently wiping debris off moving parts so nothing interferes with locomotion or clogs any essential parts. Here are a few steps to follow:

Remove grass clippings: Use a brush or a cloth to remove the cuttings from the mower deck, blades, and other parts. If you have stubborn clumps, you can use a putty knife to scrape them off.
Clean the undercarriage: With your mower tilted on its side, start cleaning the undercarriage using a brush. Be careful not to damage any components.
Wipe down the engine: Wipe down the engine with a cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris, but again, be careful not to damage any parts or loose wiring.

Regular Oil Changes

Just like cars, lawnmowers rely on clean oil to keep their engines running smoothly. After around 25 hours of usage or at least once per season, it's time for an oil change.

Use the drain plug if your mower has one, and allow all the old oil to run out before refilling it with fresh, clean oil. Always check your manufacturer's guide for exact specifications.

Clean and Replace the Air Filter

Air filters are essential for controlling what does and doesn’t enter a machine’s engine. For filters that appear clogged or look a bit worse for wear after inspection, throw them away and replace them with new ones. Cleanable paper filters could be tapped to shake off the dust before wiping them with a cloth, while foam filters can be washed with soapy water.

Here’s how to replace an air filter:

Remove your mower's air filter cover: On most models, this is usually on the side of the engine and requires either a screwdriver or wrench to remove.
Remove your old air filter: Carefully slide out the old air filter.
Install a new one: Put your new air filter into its slot right where you found the old one and ensure it fits snugly.
Put the cover back onto your lawn mower: Replace the cover and screw back every bolt just as they were.

Check the Spark Plug

Engine trouble? It may just be due to an old spark plug needing replacement. Change the spark plug at least once a year, or every 25 to 50 hours of operation, to prevent any ignition issues, sputtering engines, or just not starting up at all. Here’s how to change a spark plug:

Disconnect the spark plug wire: Be sure your mower has cooled down if you’ve recently used it.
Carefully remove the old spark plug: Turn a spark plug wrench counter-clockwise to gently remove the spark plug, ensuring you don’t accidentally damage any nearby parts.
Install your new spark plug: Start by putting it in by hand to ensure proper alignment, and then tighten it with a wrench, being careful not to over-tighten it.
Reconnect the spark plug wire: Now that everything’s as good as new with your brand new spark plug installed, return every piece or cover you might have previously removed.

Inspect and Sharpen the Blade

Your lawn mower’s blade sees a lot of action over the cutting season. It’s only natural that it progressively becomes blunt over time due to frequent clippings, lumps of soil, hidden debris, and basically everything in its path that isn’t grass.

A dull blade can damage your grass instead of neatly trimming it and make it prone to diseases. Plus, maintaining sharp blades can help you save money this mosquito season. Mosquitoes often hide in tall grass and weeds, providing them with perfect breeding grounds, so keeping your lawn mower blades sharp will keep your lawn neatly trimmed and less attractive to insects.

your lawn mower blades sharp will keep your lawn neatly trimmed and less attractive to insects. Here's how to keep that blade sharp:

Remove the blade: For safety, start by removing the spark plug wire. Then, put on heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands, and use a wrench or socket to loosen the nut holding the blade in place. You can use a block to jam the blade and stop it from spinning.
Inspect the blade: Look for signs of serious wear, such as cracks, large chips, dents, and obviously blunt edges. If any of these flaws are noticeable, replace it with a new blade.
Sharpen if necessary: If you don’t have major damage but notice that the blade seems duller than when it was new, you can sharpen the lawn mower blade using a grinder or file.
Re-attach the blade: Once sharpened or replaced, securely tighten the blade back into position without twisting or misaligning the entire setup.

Check and Replace the Belt

Most self-propelled lawn mowers work on a drive belt system. Over time, due to constant wear, the belts start showing signs of aging like cracks or fraying threads. When you notice these signs, you should replace the belt immediately.

Store Your Lawn Mower Properly During Off-Season

Unless you live somewhere that the grass grows year-round, chances are good that there’ll be a substantial time frame where your lawn mower will lie unused during winter. Even if only for a few months, proper care needs to be taken while storing outdoor equipment for extended periods.

If ignored, a few months of improper winter storage can be enough to ruin your equipment.

With a bit of elbow grease and thoughtful checking of your gear, you can extend the lifespan of your lawn mower and keep it in great shape. Regular maintenance ensures not only a neat lawn, but can also help with delaying repairs or even lawn mower replacement.

Remember that while DIY methods are great for keeping on top of routine maintenance, major issues should be left to service professionals.

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

Professional Lawn Care vs. Do It Yourself – Which Is Better?

10. August 2023 Adrian Nita Lawn Care Tips, Your Yard and The Earth (0)

Landscaping and gardening tools on a table

DIY culture isn't going away anytime soon. After all, there's something very satisfying about fixing a problem yourself. When you take a look at your lawn, it can seem like something achievable – mow it once a week, water and fertilize it a few times, and you'll have a beautiful, healthy lawn … right?

Actually, there's much more to it than that. Caring for a lawn is not something to be taken lightly. From the mowing process to all the treatments in between, a lot can go wrong. That's why it's important to understand exactly what it takes to maintain a healthy and appealing lawn and decide if professional help is worth the extra cost.

To Mow or Not To Mow?

Mowing might be the simplest chore of all, but many homeowners mistakenly believe that cutting the grass as short as possible and skipping mows will make their lawn look better. Wrong! All this does is weaken the grass, leaving it more vulnerable to diseases and bugs.

Pros know better: They never shorten the grass blades more than a third when cutting, which encourages deeper root growth and ensures your lawn looks fuller in between mows. Plus, pros keep their blades sharp at all times to ensure they make a nice clean cut.

What About Fertilizing?

Heading into the fertilizing aisle of your local store can feel like entering a minefield because sometimes, doing it yourself means doing it wrong. Putting on too much fertilizer or using the wrong kind can be disastrous for your grass.

Too much nitrogen is particularly dangerous because it can burn your lawn. Over-fertilizing also has an environmental impact, as the excess fertilizer can run off and contaminate groundwater. Professional lawn care companies know exactly how much should be applied and when to get the best results without putting your lawn in danger.

Equipment Maintenance

Many homeowners don't realize the cost of maintaining their tools and equipment. Professionals, on the other hand, have a fleet of professional-grade tools and machinery that are routinely serviced to always perform at their best. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding space in your garage for all the storage.

Lawn Care Products

Amateur gardeners will find it difficult to buy special products that a professional company has access to. For instance, when it comes to weed control and pest control, only experts will know which product is better for your lawn and how to apply it safely.

Beautify Your Backyard

Let nature take its course, and you’re sure to run into things you never expected. Creating a beautiful and healthy landscape requires more than just mowing and watering. Polishing off the perfect yard means providing that extra oomph to the design.

Installing the right backyard fence can provide definition and give it an upgrade, while carefully chosen plants can add softness to the hard lines. Some lawn care services offer both fence and landscaping services, so you don’t have to hire someone else. It's a great way to guarantee that it all comes together perfectly.

Environmental Aspects

If something isn’t done right, an amateur could cause all sorts of environmental damage to the lawn and surroundings. Unfortunately, pesticides aren’t something that just anyone can be trusted with; pros have a full understanding of when and how they should use these products so they won't harm the environment.

Time Is Money

As they say, time is money, and most of us have precious little of it to spare. Doing lawn care yourself might be enjoyable once in a while but doing it regularly can take up your entire weekend. And don’t forget all the trips to and from the store for products, endless hours of application, and inevitably, costly mistakes.

Hiring a professional lawn care service, on the other hand, will take away this pressure, as pros know exactly what needs to be done and can just come to your home at pre-arranged times.

What About the Pros of DIY Lawn Care?

So far, we've mostly been looking at DIY in a bad light – but the truth is, there are still some good reasons why you might look to taking care of your yard yourself. Here are a few:

Save Money (initially): Tackling your own lawn care might indeed seem to make financial sense at first. Just bear in mind, though, as time passes, you may realize it has cost you more than what you had originally bargained for.

It's a Solid Workout: Spending time in your garden can be a great way to give your body an effective workout. It's also a chance to be one with nature and enjoy the beauty of your garden from a different perspective.

DIY Pride: There is something exciting about being able to do things yourself, and there's a nice feeling of pride that follows when you see the results of your work unfold before your eyes. But this is also something that can be short-lived, especially if the results don't turn out as expected.

Professional Lawn Care vs. DIY – Is It Worth Paying Professionals?

Ultimately, it's up to you –– but if you're wondering which option is the better choice out of professional lawn care and DIY, most of us will point to the former. Professional teams know exactly what they are doing when it comes to caring for turf, from mowing to fertilizing and everything in between.

If you don’t have the time and would appreciate the peace of mind of knowing that your lawn is being taken care of properly –– without any hidden costs or last-minute surprises –– then you might find investing in professional services could be worth the extra cost in the end.

Photo Credit:Pexels

How to Keep Your Generator in Top Shape for Power Outages

Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Your Lawn and Garden Tools

The Ultimate Guide to DIY Lawn Mower Maintenance

Professional Lawn Care vs. Do It Yourself – Which Is Better?

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