Generator maintenance

Why it matters

Generators spend most of their lives idle and then work hard for days at a time. Without service, small things go wrong: the battery weakens, oil breaks down, filters clog and connections loosen. In a Harrison outage, the worst time to discover a dead battery is the first hour of a storm.

What a technician checks

Service steps vary by manufacturer. A typical visit includes:

• Battery load test, terminal cleaning and replacement when weak
• Oil and filter change at the interval the manufacturer sets
• Air filter and spark plugs checked or replaced
• Transfer switch test under load
• Controller fault history and self-test schedule
• Fuel connections and regulator inspected by a qualified technician
• Enclosure cleaned and vents cleared

Near the Sound

Homes close to the water may see more corrosion on metal parts and connections over time. A technician can look for rust on the enclosure, terminals and fasteners during each visit. If the unit was exposed to flooding, have it inspected before you run it again.

How often

Most home standby units need service at least once a year or after a set number of run hours. After a long outage, the generator may have used a big share of that interval, so book a check soon after. Your owner's manual has the exact schedule.

Simple checks between visits

You do not need tools for the useful part. Keep snow, leaves and mulch away from the unit, watch for warning lights, and notice whether the weekly test runs. Leave anything involving the engine, fuel or wiring to a technician. If you smell gas, move away and call 911 or the gas utility.

Keeping records

Keep a simple log of each service visit, the date the battery was replaced, and how many hours the unit ran during each long outage. Many controllers show total run hours. That record helps a technician decide what needs attention, supports warranty claims, and is useful to a buyer if you sell the house. Ask the technician to note any parts that are close to the end of their life so you can plan for them before storm season instead of during it.

Questions homeowners ask