According to industry estimates, the average home EV charger lasts less than 10 years. With proper maintenance, residential EV charging stations can last 15 years or more. Let’s consider what you should be doing to get as much life out of your charger as possible.
Stay Up to Date
Many modern EV chargers have firmware and often software that their manufacturers continue to update. If your EV charger supports such a feature, you can set it for automatic updates. Otherwise, check your system at least once a month and update it as needed. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, an electrician can do it for you, along with performing other maintenance.
Keep Your EV Charger Clean and Dry
Check your EV charger once a week and clean it as needed. Clean it with a dry cloth, and if there’s stubborn grime, use a mild detergent, such as dish soap, mixed with water. Remove any dust, dirt, and oils, and look for signs of corrosion. Have an electrician replace any corroded parts as soon as you notice them.
Protect It From Extreme Weather
Most home EV chargers are installed in garages and don’t have the weatherproofing needed for outdoor use. Keep your garage door closed as much as possible to protect the charger from the elements. If your garage gets very cold in winter and very hot in summer, you may need better insulation. Often, insulating the garage door is enough to avoid extreme temperatures.
Inspect Your Cables and Practice Good Cable Management Practices
While replacing worn cables can extend the life of your EV charger, it can be an expensive proposition. With care, your cables can last as long as the EV charger itself. Make sure the cable is the optimal length, and avoid it touching the ground and other surfaces when in use. When not in use, coil the cable so that it’s free of kinks, friction, and other stress. There are cable organizers available that can make cable management much easier.
Safeguard Your EV Charge Against Surges
If you have a hardwired charger, you likely have a panel-integrated surge protection device. Check it regularly, and contact your electrician if you notice a warning indicator. If you have a mobile charger, use a Type 3 surge protector. Replace it if there’s ever an activation or any signs of damage, or replace proactively every several years.
Avoid Excessive Operating Temperatures
Avoid overheating by eliminating airflow restrictions and not overworking the charger. Don’t charge two vehicles back to back for long periods, for instance. Allow for a cooling-down period as recommended by the manufacturer in your owner’s manual.
Schedule an EV charger inspection and maintenance at least once a year. To make a EV charger maintenance appointment in Athens, GA, call Jordan Air today or contact us online.
