Home & Auto Maintenance Archives - Page 5 of 35

How to Replace a Grill Igniter

How to Replace a Gas Grill Igniter

Nothing beats using a gas grill to make a quick, delicious dinner! However, when the electric igniter no longer works, you may be tempted to throw up your hands and buy a new grill (or cook inside forever more.) WHOA! Before you go to extremes, I’ll show you how easy it is to Replace a Grill Igniter.

Recently I’ve been ordering parts from SearsPartsDirect.com to fix all our broken appliances. When Sears Parts Direct approached me about writing this sponsored post, I naturally replied “Yes, of course I’d love to share my source for appliance parts!” And, I want you all to know my secret for saving money on appliance fixes. With this legal explanation out of the way, let me show you how easy it is to replace that grill igniter that is no longer working.

(Note: The grill I’ll be repairing is the Weber Genesis 310 model. But, Sears Parts Direct sells parts for all major grill manufacturers and the instructions are similar for replacing the igniter on other models. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for accurate replacement instructions.)

Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
5/16″ nut driver
AA Battery
Rubber gloves
Newspapers or plastic (to rest greasy racks onto)
Igniter replacement wires and/or Ignition Module (Parts for Weber Genesis Grill from Sears Parts Direct)

Optional:

Drill

How to Replace a Grill Igniter Instructions:

Make sure the gas is turned off, your grill is turned off, and it is cool before proceeding.

Before you go to the effort of replacing the igniter module and wires, check the battery inside the igniter button. Remove the igniter button by turning the cover counter-clockwise.

Lift off the igniter button cover to expose the battery.

Pull out the AA battery. Replace with a brand new AA battery and replace the cover. Check to see if your grill will light. If yes, great! If no, keep reading.

Put on your rubber gloves and remove the cooking grates and place them on newspaper or plastic to protect the surface from grease.

Remove the heat deflectors.

Remove the igniter retention nut by turning it counter-clockwise.

Set the retention nut aside where you won’t lose it.

Remove the screws for the wind deflector that are underneath the control panel. There are two screws that need to be removed, one on the far right and one on the far left.

Remove the wind deflector. You’ll need to tilt the back of it down and then slide it out toward the back to remove.

Remove the igniter module by reaching underneath the control panel and gently lowering module.

There are wires connected to the back of the igniter module. Make a note of where each wire goes so you will be able to connect the new module properly when the time comes. Let the module hang to the side while you remove the control panel.

Remove the screws underneath the control panel that are holding it on. These are inside a bracket just above the door hinge.

Unplug the wires from the back of the igniter module.

Remove the control knobs on the front of the control panel by firmly lifting them straight off.

Remove all three control knobs from the control panel.

Lift the control panel off the grill and set aside.

Remove the igniter wires from the wire clips.

Remove the two screws on either side of the manifold that hold the heat shield in place.

Lift the heat shield up and set it aside.

Remove the old ceramic igniter assemblies from each burner.

Replace with the new ceramic igniter assembly (pay attention to the length of the wires, installing the longest wire igniter on the right side.) Make sure you hear an audible click when inserting the assembly onto the burner tube.

Replace the heat shield and screws you removed.

Gently press the wires into the clips on the heat shield.

Plug the igniter wires into the igniter module.

Replace the control panel.

Replace the screws to secure the control panel.

Replace all three control knobs.

Lift the igniter module back in place.

Reattach the igniter button retention nut to hold the module in place.

Insert a brand new AA battery.

Replace the igniter button cover.

Replace the wind deflector and the screws to hold it in place.

Replace the heat deflectors and the grates.

Fire up that grill to make sure it lights. Then make some amazing grilled corn pesto pizza. . .

. . . some grilled fruit kabobs,

. . . or a variety of other grilling favorite recipes!

Is there something else on your grill that needs repairing? Check out Sear’s Parts Direct to find help with your most common grill repair issues.

What appliance have you been putting off fixing? You really need to check out SearsPartsDirect.com to find that part to make it work again! Also, be sure to follow Sears Parts Direct on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube to see a variety of repair articles and videos.

Share with a friend, pin this image:

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Sears Parts Direct. I was not told what to write. All opinions are my own. I was compensated for my time and efforts to create this tutorial. I am very particular about the brands I represent. Because I value your trust, you will always be notified when you are reading a sponsored post on PrettyHandyGirl.com.

October 13, 2017/8 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance

How to Replace Refrigerator Water Filters

You just got a new refrigerator (or maybe you’ve owned this one for several months.) Is it time to replace your refrigerator water filter? Great, all you need is a new water filter and two minutes and I’ll show you How to Replace Your Refrigerator Water Filter.

Recently I’ve been ordering all my appliance parts from SearsPartsDirect.com to fix broken appliances. When Sears Parts Direct approached me about writing this sponsored post, I naturally replied “Yes, of course I’d love to share my source for appliance parts!” But, I was also surprised to learn that I could purchase air and water filters from Sears Parts Direct as well.

Ordering Replacement Water Filters for Refrigerators:

Ordering water filters for your fridge is super easy at SearsPartsDirect.com:

Navigate to the “Air & Water Filter” tab and enter either your refrigerator model number or the water filter part number. If you get stuck, use the live chat to reach someone who can help you find the exact filter for your fridge.

Did you know you can have filters shipped to you so you never run out? Plus you can earn $10 in Shop Your Way points just for joining the Automatic Reorder Program (look for the reorder buttons after you place the filter in your cart.)

Once your filter arrives, you can get started replacing your old refrigerator water filter.

Replacing Refrigerator Water Filters:

Replacing your water filter regularly will help keep drinking water clean and ready to drink.

Materials:

Water Filter
Washcloth

Instructions:

Locate your water filter cartridge. It could be between the drawers; in a corner inside your refrigerator, or in the baseboard on the exterior of your refrigerator.

Place a washcloth or rag under the filter. This will catch any water drips making clean up easier. Turn the water filter counter clockwise. Some water filters will come out in a quarter turn, others may come out in a half turn.

Pull the old water filter out.

Remove the cap on your new water filter.

Press it firmly back into your refrigerator . . .

. . . and turn clockwise to install the new filter.

Make sure to line up the arrows with the lock symbol (if you have one on your refrigerator.)

Be sure to reset the water filter alert on your refrigerator and enjoy several more months of clean drinking water and ice.

That was easy wasn’t it? If you want to see a video tutorial, Sears Parts Direct has a few videos showing how to replace three popular water filter types.

If you haven’t already, you need to check out Sears Parts Direct’s YouTube channel. With over 500 videos, this is the most comprehensive appliance repair resource I’ve ever seen! You can also get more tutorials in the Repair Center. Have a question? You can also talk to Sears Parts Direct on Facebook and Twitter.

Want more appliance maintenance tips? You’re going to want to learn How to Keep Your HE Clothes Washer from getting smelly.

Or Learn How to Refinish Your Scratched Appliances!

September 30, 2017/0 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance

How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter

How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you’re probably enjoying the crisp fall weather before winter brings cold, snow and ice. Will you be ready when it arrives? More importantly, will your car be ready for winter? With a few simple checks and supplies your car will perform at its best and keep you (and your passengers) safe.

A long, long time ago, I bought a little two seater Honda CRX as my first car. It was cute, sporty and had great gas mileage. But, it was definitely lightweight. My Dad, the brilliant guy he is, told me to buy two bags of sand to store in the hatchback. This would provide a little more weight to keep the car from fishtailing in snow and ice. (Plus, I could use the sand for traction if I got stuck.) He also recommended I keep a sleeping bag in the car for warmth in case of emergency.

I dutifully put those bags of sand and a sleeping bag in the trunk in case I got stranded. Back then, that was the extent of my emergency kit and preparation for winter. Today, I have a lot more than my own life riding on my car’s wheels. Therefore, I’ve upped the requirements for preparing my car for winter. Prestone and I are partnering on this article to keep you safe this winter. I know you’ve heard of Prestone because they’ve been protecting drivers and their vehicles with cutting-edge products since 1927. You can recognize their products by the iconic yellow and black logo.

Let’s get your car ready for winter, shall we? And don’t forget to scroll down to get your downloadable Emergency Kit Checklist before you leave!

Maintenance Tips to Get Your Car Winter Ready:

Check the Tires:
- Check the tire pressure and add or release air as needed. (Look for a sticker inside your car door to get the recommended tire pressure.)
- Inspect the tires for any screws, nails or bulges.
- Check the tread using the Lincoln Tire Tread Test (Rest a penny upside down inside the tread. If you can see the top of Abe’s head you need to replace your tires.)
Check the Battery:
- Turn your car lights on. Start the engine and if the lights get brighter you might need a new battery.
- Or have a service technician check your battery strength.
Engine Oil:
- Check your owner’s manual to find out if your car requires a different grade oil in cold weather. Some manufacturers will recommend a winter oil that is thinner (i.e. 5W30 instead of 10W30.)
- Stay on top of regular oil changes.
Fill up Your Gas Tank:
- Keep your gas tank at least 1/4- 1/3 full to prevent condensation from forming inside the tank.
- This will also give you more fuel should you get stranded and add weight to your vehicle.
Wiper Fluid:
- Check your wiper fluid level.
- Add Prestone All Season 3-in-1 Wiper Fluid (All wiper fluids are not created equal! Buy one that won’t freeze during cold weather.)
Check Your Antifreeze/Coolant Mix and Levels
- Antifreeze/Coolant keeps your car from overheating or from freezing
- Antifreeze/Coolant usually needs replacing after five years

How to Check and Add Antifreeze/Coolant:

Make sure your car’s engine and radiator cap have cooled (especially if the car was driven recently.)

Remove the radiator cap with a clean rag (the rag protects your hands and can be used to wipe up any drips.)

Insert the Antifreeze Tester into the radiator. Squeeze the bulb on top and fill the reservoir.

Hold the tester up to eye level. Line up the top arrow up with the vertical plumb line. Then locate the second arrow and read the temperature rating.

The antifreeze/coolant should be rated for -34˚F or colder.

Check the appearance of the antifreeze/coolant. The color should NOT be red or brown. Furthermore, the presence of any dirt or debris means you need to flush your radiator and replace the antifreeze/coolant.

If the temperature rating and color looks good, replace the antifreeze into the radiator.

Wipe up any drips with a rag.

Check the antifreeze level, does it rest within the maximum and minimum lines (this will vary depending on the temperature of your car’s engine.)

If the level is low, add Prestone 50/50 Prediluted Antifreeze/Coolant using a clean funnel.

Emergency Kit for your Car:

Create an emergency kit for your car and you’ll be prepared for almost any emergency. You can store the items in a tub or box for convenience. This will also allow you to remove the kit in the summer when you won’t need most of the items (be sure to keep non-weather pertinent items in your car.)

[amazon_textlink asin=’B00UZJX5H6′ text=’Rain Boots’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7a6012eb-8eb9-11e7-a583-e39bc4d24107′] (suitable for walking long distance in)
[amazon_textlink asin=’B00363X1DQ’ text=’Sleeping Bag’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’bd25e314-8eb9-11e7-8b4c-ad9a0b192716′] and/or Warm Blankets
[amazon_textlink asin=’B00SAT6Y08′ text=’Jumper Cables’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’19a0a11e-8ebd-11e7-a5f3-a5d86764ddf3′]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01M7X6YP8′ text=’Flashlight’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’21652866-8ebd-11e7-b6dc-c55db69b308d’] with extra batteries
Sand or Non-Clumping Kitty Litter
High Energy Snacks (granola bars, trail mix, apple sauce and water or juice)
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01L8Q5NXS’ text=’Extra pairs of gloves’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’3d01ca11-8ebd-11e7-b52a-9d2fa59fca2c’]/work gloves
[amazon_textlink asin=’B019DBCBNA’ text=’Flares’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’4ab1d1eb-8ebd-11e7-b42c-c95171ae2e8c’]
Extra set of clothes and [amazon_textlink asin=’B01MQG7MQ3′ text=’socks’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8a4d57e3-904f-11e7-9d33-85a4353d42ae’]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01BOGG502′ text=’Baby wipes’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’55fe9491-8ebd-11e7-9053-c5fe188bb60f’]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B000BQWNRQ’ text=’Ice Scraper’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’60f5bd94-8ebd-11e7-a97b-d7221099d859′] (with snow brush)
De-Icer with Scraper
[amazon_textlink asin=’B001E1RVKQ’ text=’Windshield Wiper Fluid’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’76a09d14-8ebd-11e7-9d40-0152fae5cd0a’]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B000GKTYNI’ text=’AntiFreeze’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7e7fb128-8ebd-11e7-b34a-7d62a5406a7d’]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01G45DWOK’ text=’First Aid Kit’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’85c8c618-8ebd-11e7-b89e-29fb83a8d4b7′]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B016ZFZ54E’ text=’Solar Powered Charger’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’8c80220c-8ebd-11e7-96cb-75e954f957dd’]
[amazon_textlink asin=’B01MFCFKG5′ text=’Weather Radio’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’prett-wp-001-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’a0bd8f7a-8ebd-11e7-bb99-87574c67ad7c’]
Bin to store the emergency supplies in

Emergency Kit Checklist:

For your convenience, here’s a printable version of the Emergency Kit checklist for you to download and print. Use it to purchase items for your kit and then keep in your car in case of emergency.

Congratulations! Your car is ready for winter. Now go outside and have fun. And don’t forget to thank Prestone for caring about your safety this winter! You can tweet them, leave a comment on their Facebook page, or tag them in a photo on Instagram.

Definitely pin this post or share it with your friends. Let’s all stay safe this winter.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Prestone. I was compensated for my time and efforts. I was not told what to write, all opinions are my own. As always, I’m very particular about the brands I represent. I will always let you know when you are reading a sponsored post.

Now that your car is ready for winter, let’s tackle a disaster preparedness kit for your home!

September 18, 2017/10 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance

21 Tips to Make Your Home Winter Ready

21 Tips to Make Your Home Winter Ready

Are you ready for winter? I know, I know, fall just arrived. But, there’s no time like fall to get your home ready for the cold of winter. The seasons seem to pass us by in a flash. The warm nights making s’mores and catching fireflies are over and the chill starts to set it. It’s pumpkin spice everything and warm fuzzy socks. Before you can cozy up to the fire here are 21 useful tips to make your home ready for winter.

1. Having pipes freeze and burst is the absolute worst, make sure to Protect Pipes from Freezing.

2. Hire a chimney sweep to inspect and clean your chimney.

3. Make sure that your outdoor furniture will survive the cold winter months. Here’s how to Clean and Cover your furniture for storage.

4. If you haven’t worn it all summer then you most likely won’t wear it next summer. Clean out the closets and reduce the clutter.

5. Clean up your yard before winter and trim trees and branches on your property.

6. You don’t want your heat to escape your home. Make sure your insulation isn’t missing or coming down. Replace insulation where needed.

7. If you are feeling a chill in your home your fireplace may be drafty and need to be weather sealed. Put an end to fireplace drafts to prepare for cool winter nights.

8. Don’t let the heat escape from your home. Add weatherstripping to doors and windows.

9. Protect your home from fire and make sure to clean the dryer vent duct before winter.

10. Prepare for the coming winter by checking your smoke detector and following these smoke detector maintenance tips.

11. Keep water and cold air from getting in. Check your home and caulk cracks and gaps in siding and trim.

12. Make sure your fans are turned the right way to heat your home more efficiently.

13. Know when your crawlspace vents should be open or closed.

14. Check your roof condition and make repairs or replace before winter.

15. Make your water heater more efficient this winter.

16. Clean your gutters and downspouts to avoid damaging ice build up.

17. Check around your crawlspace and under sinks to seal all gaps and cracks around pipes, vents and voids.

18. Don’t let your garage steal any more heating and cooling costs. Install weatherstripping on garage doors to raise the temperature.

19. Protect your spigots from bursting. Cover spigots with these insulated covers.

20. Change your air filters to keep your heating system in top form.

21. Clear any vegetation around your HVAC system to keep it from choking.

Are you prepared for the cold of winter? Take some time to follow all 21 of these useful tips to make your home ready for winter?

September 8, 2017/2 Comments/by Brittany Bailey

Home & Auto Maintenance

How to Safely Use and Store a Generator

When storms threaten your power, do you have a generator to keep you comfortable and save your food from spoiling? I’ve contemplated buying a generator before each major storm threat, but they are usually sold out by the time I make it to the store. When Briggs & Stratton asked if I wanted to test out their new Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower™ Series Inverter Generator, I said “YES!” But, between us, I was a little nervous about using one. I didn’t have the faintest idea How to Safely Use and Store a Generator. Luckily, my friend Scott offered to give me a few tips. Plus, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 came with a fantastic manual that made me feel more at ease using it for the first time.

Why You Might Need a Generator:

Our town has been hit by a few hurricanes, ice storms and a tornado over the past few years. Several of these events left us without power for multiple days. It was that first ice storm that introduced me to what a generator can provide.

As my husband and I suffered in silence, several neighbors had their generators humming outside. The homeowners that had a generator were able to keep their food cold in the refrigerator while the rest of us had to throw away all the food that had spoiled. (If your ice has melted in the freezer it is no longer safe to consume that food.) Our neighbors with a generator were able to keep their families warm with electric heaters. We tried to burn a fire in our wood burning fireplace, but most of the heat went up the chimney. Plus, we couldn’t stay up all night adding wood to the fire. In the morning, we woke up to a house that was 45F. Even our dog (who was not a snuggler) decided to curl up with us on our makeshift bed in the living room. The homes with generators had electricity to run lamps and radios. We had to use candles, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio until they ran low. The hardest part of living without the assistance of a generator was having our communication cut off. We couldn’t call our families and the power company because our cell phone batteries died by the end of the first day. Sadly our land line phones were cordless and lost their charge too.

**Some other things you can power with a generator*:**

Individual water well pump
Sump pump
Medical device that needs power (portable generators are not intended for life support, a standby generator is required)
Power for contractors for temporary outages for small projects

*If connecting a portable generator into your home electrical system, have a licensed electrician install an Emergency Manual Power Transfer System.

Finally, in addition to providing backup power for essential home appliances, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower generator Quiet Power Series can also run power to your campsite or picnic. The noise is 60% quieter† than standard generators (†As tested per ISO2744 sound power standard when compared to standard generator 30607.)

How to Check and Fill Your Generator with Oil:

Locate the oil dipstick on your generator. The Briggs & Stratton Q6500’s oil dipstick is located behind the side panel. Remove the screws holding the side panel in place (place screws in a bowl to prevent from losing them.)

Remove the panel and set aside.

Locate the side of the engine and remove the yellow-capped dipstick.

Wipe off the dipstick with a clean dry rag or paper towel. Reinsert it into the oil tank. Remove the dipstick and check the oil level. The tank is full when the oil level is between the two indicators or even with the top indicator (small hole in the dipstick on the Briggs & Stratton Q6500.)

To add oil, insert the funnel into oil fill opening.

Carefully empty engine oil into the funnel (most generators use small engine oil, but check your manual to be certain.)

Continue to check the oil level by inserting the wiped clean dipstick into the engine. When the engine is full, replace the dipstick and replace the panel you removed from the side of the generator.

What Type of Gas Does a Generator Use?

Most generators require low or ethanol free gasoline. Check your generator’s manual for specifics. The Briggs & Stratton manual stated that gas with an ethanol content of 10% or lower was acceptable. Our friend recommended I use ethanol-free gasoline to avoid damaging the generator after storage. (Ethanol gas separates during storage and can put the engine at risk when starting up.)

He also recommended I purchase a fuel stabilizer like this Briggs & Stratton Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer (affiliate link) and add it with the fuel (following the amounts suggested on the stabilizer bottle.)

To fill the generator with fuel, unscrew the gas cap from the top of the generator.

Pour gasoline into the tank.

You can view the fuel gauge for approximation, but best practice is to fill the tank to the bottom lip.

Be sure not to overfill your generator. The fuel needs some room for expansion. Wipe up any spilled gas from around the tank opening. Firmly twist the gas cap back onto the generator.

How to Safely Use a Generator:

Make sure to locate your generator on a flat level surface far away from your house (especially away from doors, windows and vents.) The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 has a telescoping handle that makes it easy to roll around. The generator weighs 128 pounds, so lifting it is much easier when you have a helper (look for grips on the bottom of the unit for convenient hand hold locations.)

The generator must be located outside the home. Never use a generator inside your home, garage or basement. Turn the generator so the muffler is pointed away from dwellings. Make sure you have Carbon Monoxide Detectors (affiliate link) installed inside your home. Keep combustibles at least 5 feet from the generator. Overhanging trees and structures also need to be at least 5 feet away from the generator. (This diagram from the Briggs & Stratton manual is a good visual to show you proper placement.)

To start the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 generator, make sure the QuietPower Technology switch is turned off.

Pull the choke out on the generator.

Turn the engine switch to the on position.

Firmly pull on the starter handle. You may need to pull a few times for the fuel pump to initially fill the carburetor. Luckily, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 started right up for me on the first pull! (This was a huge relief because normally I have to fight with the lawn mower.)

Once the generator has started, press the choke back in.

To begin using the outlets on the generator, you must turn on the main breaker.

The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower™ Series Inverter Generator has four standard 120 volt AC, 20 amp outlets, plus two USB ports for charging USB devices (per the manual, Apple devices are recommended to use the bottom USB port.)

In addition, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 generator has one 120/240 AC, 30 Amp, locking receptacle. If powering indoor items such as an air conditioner, heater, lights or sump pump, the recommended way to do so is by installing a transfer switch (must be installed by a licensed electrician.)

Connect extension cords to your generator and run them into your home to supply power to several appliances.

Be sure to shut doors and windows behind you and seal any cracks to prevent any exhaust fumes from entering the home.

Use the following chart to gauge the capacity your generator can handle. This will allow you to calculate how many and which appliances you can safely run with your generator. The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 can provide 6,500 watts of starting power and 5,000 watts of running power.

For added convenience, the Briggs & Stratton Q6500 will show the percentage of power usage on the panel as you connect appliances. Keep an eye on these indicators and remove an appliance if you reach 100% capacity.

To reduce the noise on this Briggs & Stratton generator, you can switch the Quiet Power Technology on after your devices are powered.

How to Safely Store a Generator:

First remove all extension cords and powered devices. Let the generator run for one minute. Shut down the generator by turning the switch to the off position. Turn off the QuietPower Technology switch so you won’t forget to next time you start up the generator.

When you are finished using your generator, check the oil level and add more as needed. Before storing the generator, it is a good idea to run the gas to empty in the generator. Alternatively, using a fuel stabilizer will allow you to store the generator with gasoline in it.

Check the hoses, fuel tank, spark plug, and spark arrest (screen over muffler) on your generator and replace any parts that show signs of wear and tear. Otherwise, change the air filter and spark plug yearly. Wipe off any debris or dirt from the generator.

Refer to your generator’s manual to determine the maintenance schedule. The Briggs & Stratton Q6500 generator needs its first oil change after the first 5 hours of use. Consecutive changes are yearly or after 100 hours of use (whichever comes first.) Other generators may need oil changes more frequently. Family Handyman has a great article on maintaining and storing your generator.

Be sure to store excess gasoline in an approved gas container (affiliate link.) The gasoline will keep best if the container is filled and a fuel stabilizer is added. Your generator and excess fuel should be stored in a well ventilated area away from your home. A shed or detached garage are the safest options. If neither of those are available, you can build a small generator “dog house” to cover the engine when not in use.

I hope this guide for How to Safely Use and Store a Generator helps you take the plunge to buy a generator or maintain the one you already own. Stay safe!

Giveaway Time

Briggs & Stratton wants to give one lucky winner a $500 Home Depot Gift Card! You could use it toward the purchase of a Briggs & Stratton Q6500 QuietPower™ Series Inverter Generator on HomeDepot.com or toward any home improvement project you’re wanting to take on. Here’s how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions: Winners will be selected at random using Rafflecopter. Briggs & Stratton and Pretty Handy Girl do not personally select winners. Entries must be received by Monday, July 24th, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. Contest open to adults aged 18 and older living within the Continental US. Winner will be notified by Wednesday, July 26th, 2017 via email. Winner must reply to email within 2 days of receiving the notice or an alternate winner will be selected. Please be sure you have [email protected] as an acceptable email address.

Prize will be fulfilled by Briggs & Stratton. Pretty Handy Girl cannot be held responsible for prizes that are not fulfilled by third party companies.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Briggs & Stratton. I was not told what to write or what to say. All opinions are my own. I am very particular about the brands that I partner with. If I don’t love them, I don’t promote them. I will also always disclose when you are reading a sponsored post.

July 17, 2017/246 Comments/by Brittany Bailey