Q: What kind of maintenance does my standby generator need?
Whole home generators are a big investment but can offer a lot of peace of mind in the event the power is out. Like any other home system, your generator requires maintenance. Make sure you are properly maintaining your whole home generator so that it is there when you need it but also to protect the investment you have made.
For most homes, generator maintenance should be done once a year. If you are using the generator frequently or for long periods of time you may want to service it semi-annually based on usage hours.
A maintenance visit generally includes:
Change oil & oil filter
Change air filter
Change spark plug
Flush and change coolant (if liquid cooled model)
Battery test for correct voltage and charge
Frequency test
Fuel pressure test
Load transfer test of system
Visual check of exterior for leaks, any rust & correct clearances etc.
Visual inspection of fuel lines & connections for wear
Visual inspection of AC/DC electrical connections
Check for any additional maintenance issues or service recommendations.
We do not recommend homeowners perform the maintenance on their standby generators because of the multiple systems involved. (generator itself, transfer switch to the home electrical panel, propane or natural gas fuel systems etc.) Look for a factory trained technician for your generator brand. A factory technician will also able to assist with any other repairs or any warranty issues that arise.
Portable Generators:
Portable gas powered generators require maintenance as well, in fact they can require more frequent maintenance than larger whole home systems. Unfortunately we do not do maintenance or repairs on gasoline powered generators but many small engine shops are happy to work on these or often homeowners will perform this maintenance themselves.
Dynamic Electric offers an easy maintenance program to help customers keep up with their maintenance needs. You can enroll in our generator maintenance plan free of charge.
Ask the Electrician is a column we publish with our advertising partner WCHL/Chapelboro. In “Ask The Electrician,” Scott answers common questions about electrical work, from switches and outlets to safety issues and preventative maintenance. If you have a suggested question for us to answer – or need an electrician – please reach out to our office.
