Remotely Monitor, Test, and Maintain Your Residential Backup Generator
Mobile Link is a powerful tool that can help you monitor and test your Generac residential backup generator remotely. When there’s a power outage, you can be assured that your generator is always ready to provide protection to your family, home, valuables, appliances, and expensive devices.
To monitor the performance of a generator, the control panel must be accessed, which can be a hassle for homeowners. Using wireless monitoring technology, this app audits your generator’s performance and other activities, sending updates to your phone, mobile device, or laptop. You can also receive special alerts about the status of your generator, notifying you when it starts running due to a power outage, when it needs maintenance, or when there’s another problem.
Mobile Link lets you remotely test your Generac generator and check its performance regularly, identifying any potential problems early before they become serious issues. With this tool, you can make sure your generator gets regular usage so it stays in good working condition. You’ll extend the generator’s lifespan and keep it in great shape.
But how does this self-diagnostic test actually work? Essentially, your residential backup generator will run for about 5 – 10 minutes on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis — as directed. While Generac generators are quality-control tested straight off the manufacturing line to ensure they work, you’ll still want to perform your own tests regularly.
The self-diagnostic tests monitor several sensors and functions. Some of them include engine oil pressure, engine temperature, fuel level, battery voltage, alternator output, and transfer switch operations. They’ll also test a generator’s internal components like the control board, circuit breakers, and wiring. If the generator detects any problems, it will shut down and display an error code, letting you take appropriate action based on the code.
Reduce Costs and Improve Reliability of Your Residential Backup Generator
You’ll want to run a diagnostic test on your residential backup generator once a week if possible. By pressing the “test” button on the control panel (or on your remote app), you can initiate a test at any time. Generac generators benefit from regular testing since it maintains readiness during power outages.
Home backup generator technology has changed significantly in recent years, including remote and diagnostic capabilities. Manual monitoring and diagnosis of generators were typical in the past, where you’d have to continually visit your generator’s control panel. As a result, repairing the generator can take a long time. This time can often be costly. As is usually the case, most homeowners were reluctant to physically check their units once a week. As such, this typically results in unnoticed problems or patterns.
The remote-monitoring benefits of home backup generators today include reduced long-term costs, faster response and repair time, and improved reliability. Generator maintenance and repair (and expense) can be more than cut in half, since technicians can oftentimes diagnose problems without even visiting your home. They can fix small problems remotely since you routinely self-tested every week and reported any issues immediately. Over the long term, your generator’s reliability is improved since you’re able to monitor its activity and take immediate action.
For technicians, the mobile monitoring tool allows them to see the same things you see: Run time, fuel level, and error codes. Experts can usually diagnose any issues using remote software. These programs pinpoint any immediate problems and predict potential issues, recommending corrective action future maintenance. Many homeowners don’t need to schedule an onsite service call, which can save everyone involved time and money.
Remote Monitoring and Testing Made Easier with Technology
To monitor and test your residential backup generator remotely with Mobile Link, you’ll need to follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. First, register on the Mobile Link website or app (registration with Mobile Link is required once you create an account).
Next, install the Mobile Link app on your smartphone or tablet. The Mobile Link app is available for both iOS and Android devices. You’ll want to select your type of generator in Mobile Link. The app displays your generator’s current status, including its operating mode, run time, fuel level, and more.
You’ll then need to send a test signal to your generator using the app. Your generator will start and run for a short period of time. You can also use the app to set up a scheduled routine for diagnostic testing. You’ll want to do this immediately so you don’t forget.
There has never been a time when remote accessibility and home backup generator technology have been better than today. This especially goes for convenience and reliability. Modern manufacturers make diagnostic software a top priority for consumers. Not to mention, experts predict future developments will lead to even more sophisticated and innovative solutions. A home backup generator has become more reliable and cost-effective due to remote monitoring and diagnostic technology in more ways than you could ever imagine — whether it’s status alerts, remote starting and stopping, or maintenance diagnostics.
The ‘Home of the Future’ and Your Residential Backup Generator
While these new residential backup generator capabilities are fascinating, a futuristic question remains: Could “smart homes” ever be fully or partially self-sufficient when it comes to energy? Could they be equipped with charging stations that not only power electric vehicles, but also serve as “local backup generators” in case of a power outage?
Experts say the idea of a smart home promises resilience and redundancy, allowing the possibility of weaning ourselves from the power grid by incorporating solar power, storing energy in batteries, and utilizing home standby generators when necessary. Despite their energy efficiency, today’s smart appliances and systems made for your kitchen, entertainment room, heating and air conditioning, and other daily creature comforts are big electricity hogs.
Today, consumers only have access to a limited number of devices that provide “smart” backup power, aside from the home backup generators they purchase in case of electricity blackouts. In the decades to come, customized power-resilience innovations for your home will advance as the technology advances.
A Prime Example
One prime example: In Texas, the successful deployment of more than 100 generators to reduce local power grid strain has demonstrated the potential for residential demand-side energy management programs. With the growing adoption of residential backup power, virtual power plant (VPP) programs can become powerful tools for grid operators. Some local demand-response initiatives use home generators. They do this to provide backup power during peak periods by reducing electricity consumption. In exchange, the body in charge offers certain financial incentives.
Needless to say, home backup generators are becoming more efficient and reliable thanks to today’s smart technology — both locally and in your home. This allows them to start and stop automatically during power outages and be monitored remotely by homeowners and technicians.
As homeowners seek to recalibrate their thinking on increased resilience and redundancy for their properties, today’s residential backup generators are reshaping the home-electrification arena. Home generators and smart technologies revolutionize power generation and consumption one blackout at a time. This applies to not only your neighborhood but the United States as a whole.
W. Danley Electrical
At W. Danley Electrical, we assist you throughout the entire process — from helping you prepare for installation, repair, and maintenance to anything else surrounding a residential backup generator, as well as obtaining permits, inspections, and much more. We help you optimize and fine-tune your situation so you get the most out of your investment, as well as determine the correct generator size.
