The Importance of Regular Generator Maintenance

A standby generator is designed to automatically handle the electrical load of your home or business during a power outage. The unit will sense the loss of power, and thanks to the generator transfer switch, it will start up in seconds. But to ensure that it does what it’s supposed to do, some upkeep is required. Just as any other tool, machinery, or equipment requires regular maintenance to ensure it is working properly and will support you when you need it most, standby GENERAC generators also need to be maintained. Professional generator maintenance allows you to have full peace of mind, knowing that your investment is there to protect you and your family, workforce, and customers. 

Why Generator Maintenance Matters

Here’s the simple truth–your generator is only reliable if it's maintained. This should be reason enough to opt for routine generator maintenance, but it certainly isn’t the only reason. 

Additional benefits of generator maintenance include:

• Improved reliability during outages
• Early detection of potential problems
• Better overall performance and fuel efficiency
• Reduced risk of unexpected breakdowns
• Longer equipment life and fewer unforeseen repairs
• Warranty compliance and a documented maintenance program

On the other hand, what do you risk if you opt out of generator maintenance? Neglecting your generator or not choosing professional services could lead to:

• Battery failure
• Fuel system problems
• Oil degradation
• Corrosion
• Worn components
• Failure to start during an outage
• Voided warranties

It’s easy to say that when problems arise, you’ll be quick to get them handled by a generator professional. However, more often than not, without regular maintenance, minor issues go unnoticed until the unit is under pressure to perform. When backup power is needed during an outage, small problems can quickly lead to compromised operation and even breakdown. This is the opposite outcome you’re hoping for, but it could become your reality without regular generator maintenance. Getting a professional, experienced, expert set of eyes on your generator means that even very small repairs, replacements, or adjustments can be made well before the unit shows signs of an issue. Put simply, generator maintenance is a must if you want to be able to rely on it when you need it most. 

What Generator Maintenance Involves

At Generator Pros, we’re serious about generator maintenance and preventive care. We know that our clients depend on us to fully assess and evaluate their GENERAC generators and rely on our evaluation to feel safe. So when we handle routine generator maintenance, we are very thorough, testing all systems and components, and ensuring that every unit runs as it should. When we leave your home or business, you can trust that when the next power outage strikes, you won’t even notice. Here’s what’s involved in our comprehensive generator maintenance program.

Battery & Battery Charging System:

• Check battery charger functions
• Cable connections, termination cleanliness, and security
• Check electrolyte level, vent caps of all cells in the starting batteries
• Battery conductance test

Fuel System:

• Inspect/test main tank/day tank fuel level, tank controls, and pumps
• Inspect all fuel hoses, clamps, pipes, components, and fittings
• Inspect governor linkage
• Visually inspect the rupture/containment basin

Operational & Functional Review of Generator Critical Components:

• Inspect engine cooling fan and fan drives for excessive wear or shaft wobble
• Check all pulleys, belt tensioners, slack adjusters, and idler pulleys for travel, wear, and overall condition
• Inspect/lubricate drive bearings, gear or belt drives, and other shaft connecting hardware

Engine Cooling System:

• Inspect all hoses and clamps for leaks, coolant level, and condition
• Inspect the radiator cap and filler neck condition
• Inspect drive belts, observe alignment and deflection
• Observe coolant heater operations
• Utilize a DCA test strip to record coolant properties
• Inspect radiator surfaces, shrouds, and barriers for obstruction
• Visually inspect the low-temperature after-cooler coolant

Engine & Lubrication System:

• Inspect the lubrication system (visually check the oil level)
• Inspect crankcase ventilation system
• Inspect spark-ignited ignition system

Lubrication, Oil & Filtration Service:

• Change engine lubrication oil
• Change primary lubrication and bypass filters
• Change fuel filters
• Post lube service operation of genset (unloaded) at regular temperature

Intake/Exhaust System:

• Inspect the air cleaner element and the entire intake system
• Inspect the exhaust system and rain cap
• Inspect louver operations

Generator Controls & Power Connections:

• Visually inspect all engine-mounted wiring, senders, and devices
• Visually inspect all control-mounted components and wiring
• Lamp test lights and indicators
• Visually inspect the breaker and power connections
• Manually operate generator breaker(s), opened and closed

Generator Operations:

• Start and observe generator and equipment operations
• Verify engine and generator safeties for proper operation
• System test with or without load

Automatic Transfer Switch:

• Visually inspect all power and control wiring
• Visually inspect the switch mechanism and enclosure
• Visually inspect controls and time delay settings
• Verify the function of the exercise clock

Thorough routine inspections to this level of detail help to verify that your home’s electrical system is communicating properly with the generator. After an inspection and any needed maintenance, you can be assured that your unit will handle safe switching and offer reliable operation during power outages.

At-Home Generator Maintenance

Apart from professional generator maintenance, there are some simple steps that owners of GENERAC generators should also do to keep it in good shape. This can include running exercise cycles on a regular basis. They don’t replace professional maintenance, but exercise cycles can clue owners in to anything unusual (sounds, smells, etc.) that could mean repairs or professional maintenance are required.

Many test or exercise cycles are automatic, and the unit may power on for several minutes every week or month or so to ensure that all components are working properly. Testing under load simulates a real power outage and can let you know whether or not the generator will be able to support a true outage. If you can be present for the test, you can make notes to share with the technicians who handle your routine generator maintenance. It’s also a good idea to check fuel connections and levels and ensure there are no leaks on a regular basis.

One of the most important things that owners of GENERAC generators can do is to keep the area around the generator clean. This could involve removing leaves and other debris that accumulate seasonally or after storms. You’ll also want to maintain an adequate clearance around the unit to prevent blocked airflow. Pests can also be an issue, so regular inspection for rodent or insect infestation or damage is a good idea. 

How Often Should You Service Your Generator?

The short answer is that standby GENERAC generators should definitely be professionally serviced once a year, at minimum. However, the reality is that if your unit gets more use due to frequent power outages, then more regular maintenance could be needed to keep it in good working order. Units that are used regularly would benefit from a thorough inspection every six months or so and should have their oil changed as well, along with other key tasks that your maintenance technician is aware of.

Beyond frequency of use, total operating hours and specific manufacturer recommendations for GENERAC generators will dictate the ideal frequency for generator maintenance for your specific unit. If you have had extended power outages in your area, it is also a good idea to schedule additional service once the outage is over. Signs to look for that could indicate that your generator is in need of service could be:

• Warning lights or alarms
• Difficulty starting
• Unusual noises
• Fluid leaks
• Visible corrosion
• Excessive vibration
• Failure during self-test

Contact the team at Generator Pros if you experience any of these signs, and we will be happy to schedule an inspection along with any needed maintenance. 

Professional Generator Installation and Maintenance

Whether you rely on a generator for your home or business, the professional team at Generator Pros is here to help. We have been servicing residential and commercial generators for decades. A standby generator represents a significant investment in your safety and comfort, so it is definitely worth the required regular maintenance. When done routinely, generator maintenance helps to preserve the equipment’s value, extend its service life, and improve its long-term reliability. All in all, generator maintenance is completely worth it. And in some cases, it’s required to remain compliant with warranties.

Ensure that your backup power system is prepared to operate when unexpected outages occur. A proactive generator maintenance plan from Generator Pros can provide greater peace of mind during severe weather and power interruptions. Contact us today to learn more and get started.