Winter Care for Your Generator: Essential Tips to Keep It Running Smoothly

Christmas lights are undoubtedly one of the best parts of the holiday season. However, they can sometimes be challenging to manage. Theres also the aspect of making sure theyre used safely. Keeping in mind indoor and outdoor Christmas lighting tips can help limit stressful situations while boosting the chances of establishing beautiful displays. Buy More Lights Than You Need It can be frustrating when youre on a decorating roll, only to realize your Christmas lights have run out or they dont work. Buy more Christmas lights than you need. If you require extra, you already have them on hand and won’t have to put the rest of your decorating on hold. Use Light Clips Light clips are a great way to affix strands of lights to roofs and other surfaces without damaging the decor or surfaces to which youre attaching them. Theyre easy to use and remove. However, to increase the chances of success and limit damage, read the accompanying instructions before using them. Test Lights Before Decorating Before putting up any Christmas lights, use a light tester to ensure theyre properly working. You dont want to get every strand perfectly set in place only to flip the switch and find that some bulbs or entire strands of lights dont work. Use a Light Net for Outdoor and Indoor Use Consider using Christmas light nets rather than continuously wrapping strands of lights all over your indoor Christmas tree and outdoor shrubs and trees. Using netting creates a consistent look, and it’s easy to apply. However, its important to strategically place the netting and adjust it so it stays on and the wires arent visible. Make sure the lights you choose are ideal for the purpose for which you want to use them. For example, ensure they can be used outdoors on shrubs or indoors on the Christmas tree. Use Different Light Styles Using various styles of lights can result in beautiful displays if you plan properly and check that the light styles and colors complement each other. However, the holiday season is all about joy, so whats most important is using what makes you happy. Focus on Entryways Entryways, such as the front of the home, the back entrance, and indoor doorways are ideal focal points. This is where you can use garland, string lights, and small Christmas decor items to make each one spectacular and personalized. Make Your Christmas Lights Decorating Plan A great display of Christmas lights often starts with a plan while keeping decorating tips in mind. It gives you an idea of how the lights will look so you can change up your ideas before having to switch things up after youve already put the lights in place. It will also give you an idea of how many strands of lights you need. Start establishing your plan now and buying what you need to implement it. Contact ESSCO Electric in Pasco, Washington, if you need any assistance with any indoor or outdoor lighting installation needs.

As a homeowner, the last thing you need during an emergency is a faulty generator. Fortunately, it’s possible to troubleshoot many generator issues yourself. As long as you understand the basics of common problems and their solutions, it’s possible to get a stalled generator up and running again. Here are five of the most common generator problems and ways you can troubleshoot them. 1. Failure to Start If your generator fails to start, check the fuel level to ensure there’s enough gas. Inspect the sparkplug for signs of wear or fouling, and replace it if necessary. Additionally, examine the air filter for clogs, and clean or replace it. Finally, confirm that the oil level is sufficient, as many generators have a low oil sensor that prevents them from starting if the oil is too low. 2. Overloading “Overloading” is the term for a household’s electrical needs exceeding the wattage capabilities of the generator. Symptoms of overloading include flickering lights, overheating, and strange noises coming from your generator. An overloaded generator may also trip your circuit breaker after being turned on. To counteract this, reduce the load by unplugging nonessential appliances and devices. Check the generator’s wattage capacity, and make sure it’s not being exceeded. If necessary, prioritize essential appliances, and stagger their use to prevent overloading. If your generator is frequently getting overloaded, you will probably need a second generator of the same size or an entirely new one with a higher wattage capacity. 3. Low Power Output If the generator is running, but appliances aren’t receiving sufficient power, you may have a faulty voltage regulator. This device automatically regulates how much power flows out of your generator to your home. Consult the generator manual to locate and inspect the voltage regulator. If it appears to be damaged or malfunctioning, consider replacing it. 4. Fuel System Issues A common issue is fuel system problems, such as clogged fuel lines or a dirty carburetor. Make sure the fuel valve is open, inspect the fuel lines for blockages, and clean the carburetor if needed. To help prevent this type of issue, make a habit of checking fuel levels every time you use your generator, and replace old, stale fuel regularly. 5. Unusual Noises or Vibrations Unusual noises or excessive vibrations can be signs of loose or damaged components. Check for loose bolts, nuts, or parts in the generator assembly. Tighten any loose connections, and inspect the muffler for damage. Excessive vibrations may indicate an issue with the engine, so it’s crucial to address these concerns promptly to prevent further damage. Get Professional Help Regular maintenance goes a long way toward maximizing the life and efficiency of your generator. However, if troubleshooting at home doesn’t resolve your generator issues, it’s time to seek professional assistance. Reach out to our experts at ESSCO Electric for all your generator servicing needs in the Pasco, WA area.