Is Your Generator Past Its Prime? Signs It’s Time for an Upgrade

Aging generator units can become unreliable, costly, and even a liability for businesses that rely on emergency power systems (EPS). While regular maintenance can extend the life of your generator, there comes a point where continued servicing is no longer practical or cost-effective.

If your generator has been in service for over a decade, it’s time to ask yourself: Is it still providing reliable backup power, or is it becoming a risk to your operations?

In this post, we’ll explore the challenges of maintaining aging generators, the hidden costs of keeping them in service, and how you can ensure uninterrupted power with a free generator assessment from Electro-Motion.

The Risks of Relying on an Aging Generator

1. Obsolete Parts & Lack of OEM Support

Most generator manufacturers provide parts and support for a limited time, typically 10-15 years after production. As your generator ages, critical components may become obsolete, forcing you to rely on aftermarket parts or expensive custom solutions.

This means:

• • Longer repair times when sourcing hard-to-find components.
  • Higher maintenance costs due to expensive or unavailable parts.
  • Increased risk of failure when outdated components wear out.

If your generator is no longer supported by its original equipment manufacturer (OEM), it may be time to consider an upgrade rather than continue struggling with discontinued parts.

2. Increased Downtime & Unreliable Performance

Generators are built to be durable, but like any mechanical system, they wear down over time. As your unit ages, you may notice:

• • Slower startup times during power outages.
  • Frequent service calls due to recurring issues.
  • Voltage fluctuations that could damage sensitive equipment.

A power failure at a critical moment—whether in a data center, hospital, or commercial facility—can lead to devastating consequences. An aging generator is far more likely to fail, leaving you vulnerable when you need power the most.

3. Rising Maintenance & Repair Costs

Older generators often require more frequent repairs, driving up annual maintenance costs. What may seem like small, routine expenses can quickly add up, making it more expensive to maintain an aging unit than to replace it.

Consider this scenario:

• • Your generator’s fuel system begins to fail, leading to inefficient operation and higher fuel costs.
  • You need to replace multiple components, but OEM support is no longer available, leading to custom repair solutions that are costly and time-consuming.
  • Emergency repair visits increase, putting a strain on your budget and causing operational disruptions.

By evaluating your aging generator now, you can avoid excessive maintenance costs and determine if investing in a new unit makes more financial sense.

4. Compliance & Safety Risks

Depending on your industry, your generator may need to meet strict regulatory standards, such as:

• • NFPA 110 (for emergency and standby power systems).
  • EPA emissions standards.
  • Local safety codes and inspections.

Older generators may no longer meet these requirements, exposing your business to fines, penalties, or even operational shutdowns. Upgrading to a newer, compliant system can protect you from these risks while improving reliability.

How to Know If It’s Time to Replace Your Generator

If you’re unsure whether your generator is past its prime, ask yourself these key questions:

• • Is your generator more than 10-15 years old?
  • Are parts becoming difficult or expensive to source?
  • Has your unit required frequent repairs in the last 12 months?
  • Does your generator struggle to start or maintain consistent power?
  • Does it meet current safety and emissions standards?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to consider your next steps.

Get a Free Generator Assessment from Electro-Motion

At Electro-Motion, we specialize in generator maintenance, upgrades, and replacements for businesses throughout Fremont, CA, and the surrounding areas.

Our expert team can evaluate your existing EPS system, identify potential risks, and recommend the best course of action—whether that means continued maintenance or an upgrade.

Our FREE generator analysis includes:

• • A full inspection of your current unit to assess its performance and condition.
  • Evaluation of obsolete components and potential future risks.
  • Cost-benefit analysis to determine whether repairing or replacing is the better financial decision.
  • Customized recommendations for improving reliability and efficiency.

Don’t wait until your generator fails—schedule your free assessment today.

Final Thoughts

An aging generator doesn’t just mean higher maintenance costs—it could mean unreliable power when you need it most.

Whether your generator is struggling with obsolete parts, performance issues, or rising repair costs, now is the time to take action.

Let Electro-Motion help you determine the best path forward with a free evaluation of your EPS 

Electro-Motion is here to help you by providing regular maintenance visits at an affordable cost. Regardless of your budget, give us a call at (650) 321-6169 to help avoid costly downtime, protect your operations, and ensure the safety and reliability of your emergency power system.