Generator service and maintenance

Why generators need tune-ups

A standby generator is an engine. It has oil, filters, spark plugs and a starting battery, all of which wear or age even when the unit hardly runs. The weekly exercise keeps parts moving and catches some faults, but it runs briefly and often without load. A proper service visit checks the things the self-test cannot.

Many manufacturers also tie warranty coverage to following the maintenance schedule, so keeping up with service protects you in two ways.

Think of it like a car that sits in the garage most of the year. It still needs fresh oil and a good battery to start on the day you need it.

A typical service visit

Exact checklists differ by brand and installer. A standard visit often includes:

• Changing the oil and oil filter
• Checking or replacing the air filter and spark plugs
• Testing the battery and charger
• Looking over wiring, fuel connections, hoses and the enclosure
• Reading fault logs and updating settings or software
• Running the generator and checking the transfer switch
• Clearing nests, leaves and debris from inside the enclosure

How often to book it

Once a year is typical for home units, often in late summer or early fall so the generator is ready for both hurricane season and winter. If your generator runs for a long outage, it may need an oil change sooner. The owner's manual gives intervals in hours of run time, and your technician can tell you where you stand.

Some owners with older units book a second check before winter.

Your part between visits

Glance at the status light or app now and then and call about any warning. Keep the enclosure clear of leaves, mulch, shrubs and snow, and keep a path to it in winter. In Ossining's wooded neighborhoods, fall leaves and small animals are the usual culprits for clogged vents. Do not open the enclosure or touch the wiring or fuel line yourself. There is fuel and high voltage inside.

A tidy, open area around the unit also makes each service visit quicker and keeps animals from nesting inside.

Service plans

Many installers offer yearly plans that book the visit for you. Before you sign up, compare what each plan includes, such as parts, priority scheduling or extra visits after long outages. A plan is only good value if it covers the work your generator actually needs.

Also ask whether the plan includes a reminder system, since forgetting is the most common reason service gets skipped.

Keeping a service log

Write down each service date, the hour meter reading, the parts replaced and any fault codes. A simple log helps the technician spot patterns, supports warranty claims and is handy if you sell the house. Keep a copy of the installer's paperwork and the owner's manual with it, somewhere you can find quickly during an outage.

Questions homeowners ask