Backup power systems, such as generators and UPSs, are quite expensive to be bought without proper planning. It’s not always easy to tell when you should repair your power equipment or buy new equipment. But you can’t buy a new piece of equipment at the first sign of a glitch. Sometimes all your generator requires is some thorough maintenance.
How can you decide your generator or UPS is salvageable or not? There are specific tips that can help you determine the future course for your power system. If you are facing the conundrum of deciding whether to repair your power equipment or buy new, here’s a guide for you.
UPS Repair
If you have a UPS installed and it has started malfunctioning, the first step is to determine the underlying issue. Is your unit overheating, making an odd noise, or have an alarm? Sometimes, a loose wire or unfavorable environmental factor can contribute to a UPS not functioning properly.
A UPS is made up of many components such as the batteries, capacitors and circuit boards, etc. Some of those components are sensitive to heat and other environmental factors including dust & grime. If your UPS is not working properly, a trained technician can check to see if it has been exposed to an unsuitable environment.
Exposure to harsh surroundings for longer durations can lead to damaged batteries or other items. If that’s the case and the damage is repairable, then some proper maintenance should see your UPS back to normal operation. Also, there are key internal components of your system that have a set life expectancy from the manufacturer. Odyssey can help you determine if these are due for replacement to help minimize downtime from unexpected repairs.
However, if the damage is beyond repair, or the UPS is at the end of its life cycle, then getting a new device might be the only solution for you.
Generator Repair
With generators, the amount of investment tends to be more significant than that in the case of a UPS. If you are thinking about buying a new generator, you should think long and hard before you do it, because they are pricey.
Before going out to get a new generator, get a professional to take a look at your current generator. They might find some underlying issues, like a loose wire or an obstruction in the circuitry, which are easily fixable. Once the technician tells you that your generator can’t be fixed, then no degree of generator maintenance can bring it back to life.
If your generator is beyond the manufacturer’s life expectancy, then a complete overhaul and bringing it up to the latest air quality standards could cost you more than buying a new one. Hence, it would be best if you went for a new unit instead.
Sometimes the time taken to make an educated diagnosis, is well worth the investment in proper maintenance. For places that rely on generators and UPS, malfunctions mean downtime which means loss of revenue, efficiencies, or worse. Hiring a professional technician is vital. If you need to make a quick decision about the future of your generator/UPS, contact us today.