Generator maintenance

Why maintenance matters

Most generator failures during storms trace back to simple things: a weak battery, old oil, a clogged air filter, a loose connection or a fault code nobody noticed. The weekly self-test catches some of these, but it does not change the oil or test the unit under a real load. A service visit does.

The manufacturer's warranty may also depend on keeping up with the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual. Keep records of every visit.

What a typical service visit covers

Checklists vary by model and installer, but a standard visit usually includes the items below. Ask for a written list so you know what you are paying for.

If the visit turns up a worn part, ask for a written quote before any extra work is done.

• Oil and oil filter change
• Air filter and spark plug check or replacement
• Battery test and terminal cleaning
• Inspection of wiring, fuel connections and the enclosure
• Review of fault history and software settings
• Test run, and on some visits a test under load
• Check of the transfer switch operation

How often

Many owners book a yearly visit, often in late summer or early fall before storm season and winter. After a long outage, when the generator may have run for days, an extra oil change is common. Your owner's manual sets the actual intervals, which are usually based on hours of run time.

What you can do between visits

Look at the unit now and then. Keep leaves, snow, mulch and plants clear of the enclosure and vents. In winter, clear a path to it and keep snow away from the exhaust side. Watch for alerts on the display or app and call the installer about any fault. Leave everything inside the enclosure to a qualified technician, since there is fuel and high voltage in there.

In Croton's wooded neighborhoods, fall leaves pile up fast against anything sitting on the ground. A quick clear-out in November helps airflow and keeps critters from nesting in the enclosure.

A neat, clear space around the generator also makes the technician's next visit quicker.

Portable generators

Portable generators need care too: fresh fuel or a fuel stabilizer, oil changes and an occasional test run outdoors. Never run one inside the house or an attached garage. If you plan to keep using a portable unit, ask an electrician about an inlet and interlock or transfer switch so you can connect it safely without backfeeding.

Keeping records

Keep a simple log with the date of each service visit, the hours on the generator, what was replaced and any fault codes. It helps the technician spot patterns, it supports warranty claims, and it is useful to show a buyer if you ever sell the house. Many installers leave a tag or sticker inside the enclosure, but a copy in your own files is easier to find during an outage.

Questions homeowners ask