Tips on Getting Your Generator in Shape for the Fall: A Guide for Lansing Homeowners

One has to wonder if your generator is up to the task when the season’s first major storm rolls in. On an October night with the power down, will you be left in the cold and dark? For that matter, can you put a date on the last time the unit was given a proper once over?

Should any of that give you cause for concern, then you have come to the right place. We are Wire Works, Inc., an official Generac dealer that has been at the service of homeowners in the Lansing area since 2004. We know what is required to have a home generator prepared for a Mid Michigan autumn. Give us a ring at (517) 333-WIRE, (517) 333-9473, and we will see you are all set before the weather does.

The greater Lansing region has its share of fall obstacles; a bit of wind or rain and an early snowfall can have the power out with little notice. But a generator is of no use unless it fires up when you need it, and some forethought will spare you from having to make do later on.

The Case for Preparing in the Fall

There is no better way to discover a fault in your generator than in the thick of a storm. Fall affords you the opportunity to put it to the test and deal with any issues while demand is still low. Not that you have long for it here in Michigan, as the cold puts an end to that window quickly enough.

Homeowners are apt to turn their attention to the matter in autumn for good reason:

• The drop in temperature means more storms
• Your furnace and heating system require a constant supply of power
• Minor mechanical matters have a tendency to be exacerbated by the cold
• An early test means you have time to put in an order for parts
• It is good to have peace of mind ahead of winter travel and the holidays

A Few Checks of Your Own Making

Any homeowner can run through this short list without the need for special equipment. It is not a substitute for a professional to have a look, but it will put any glaring trouble in evidence.

Before the first cold snap comes around:

• Put to rights any leaves or debris about the unit and vents
• Make sure the ground around the generator is dry and drains properly
• See if there is any rust or a panel out of place, or the housing is cracked
• Verify your propane or natural gas is clean and connected
• Put the unit through its paces and listen for anything amiss
• Keep an eye on the control panel for error codes or warning lights

If the unit is uncooperative or you spot something you are not sure of, call in a pro. What might be a small sign in the fall can amount to an outage in the winter.

When to Have a Professional Look

You cannot tell everything by looking at it. Our electricians are trained to check the transfer switch and wiring, test the load and make sure the generator is producing as it should. Being a Generac dealer, Wire Works is well acquainted with these systems.

We do routine work and the odd larger repair. Having installed our share of generators, we can also tell you when a fix will have you in business for another few seasons and when the unit is done with its useful life. Expect a professional to cover:

• An inspection of the generator and all its connections
• The automatic transfer switch put to the test
• Fuel lines and fittings
• Output under demand via a load test
• Any recommendations for repairs or a new one

In the Market for a New One?

Or perhaps the one you have has had its day. There is no better time than fall to make plans for an installation so you are in good shape for winter. From East Lansing and Grand Ledge to St. Johns, DeWitt, Okemos, Meridian Township, Holt, Mason and throughout most of Mid Michigan, we are there for the homeowner.

Tom Mullaney founded Wire Works in Lansing with his Master Electrician license and OSHA-30 certification to back up his 30 years in the trade. We are a family operation, licensed and proud to have put more than 7,000 customers in the greater Lansing area in good hands. You will find no hidden fees with us; we provide a free estimate and you can approve the cost before we start. We also like to extend a 10 per cent discount to our veteran and senior citizen clients.

Rather than wait for the lights to fail to consider your generator, let the team at Wire Works, Inc. put your mind at ease. Call (517) 333-WIRE, (517) 333-9473. We are open 8 to 4 Monday to Friday and would be happy to put you on our schedule.