Generator maintenance

Why a generator that rarely runs still needs service

Oil breaks down with time, batteries lose strength, filters collect dust and pollen, and small animals like the warm, sheltered space inside an enclosure. The weekly self-test keeps the engine turning over and flags some faults, but it is short and usually runs without load. A technician's visit catches what the self-test misses.

Many manufacturer warranties also depend on following the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Keep every receipt.

Small problems found on a calm day are cheaper and quicker to fix than a no-start during a storm, when every technician is booked.

What a service visit usually covers

Exact checklists vary by brand and installer. Ask for a written list before the visit. A typical one includes:

• Oil and filter change
• Air filter and spark plug inspection or replacement
• Battery load test, plus a check of the battery charger
• Inspection of wiring, fuel lines, hoses and the enclosure
• Review of the fault log and any software updates
• A test run, and on some visits a test under load
• A check that the transfer switch operates correctly

Timing

Most home units need service once a year. Late summer or early fall works well, so the generator is ready for both tropical storms and winter. After a long outage, when the unit may have run for days, an extra oil change is common. The owner's manual sets intervals by hours of runtime, and your technician can read the hour meter.

If your unit is older or runs often, ask the technician whether a second visit each year makes sense.

What owners can do

Look at the status light or app from time to time and call about any warning. Keep a clear area around the enclosure, free of leaves, mulch, shrubs and snow, and shovel a path to it in winter. On a steep lot, make sure runoff is not washing soil or debris against the base. Do not open the enclosure or handle the wiring or fuel line yourself. Leave all of that to a trained technician.

In fall, check again after the leaves come down, since a pile against the vents can block airflow.

Maintenance plans

Many installers sell yearly plans that schedule the visit for you and may include parts or priority booking during storms. Compare what each plan covers before signing. A plan is worth it if it gets the work done on time and includes what your model needs.

Ask too whether the plan sends a reminder, since a missed visit is the most common gap.

Keep a record

Note the date of each visit, the hour meter reading, any parts replaced and any fault codes. A short log helps the technician spot trends, supports a warranty claim and is useful to hand to a buyer if you sell the house.

Questions homeowners ask