With over 70 years of experience, we deeply understand the importance of regular home generator maintenance. Our skilled team has helped countless customers keep their backup power systems ready to perform when needed most. From routine inspections and tune-ups to emergency repairs after a storm, we’ve seen firsthand how proactive maintenance can be the difference between a generator automatically kicking on during an outage versus unexpectedly failing to start.
Benefits Of Preventative Home Generator Maintenance
Some of the key advantages of scheduling an annual home generator maintenance service include:
1. Be Prepared For an Emergency
Regular generator maintenance ensures your system will be ready to provide backup power during an outage. You don’t want to discover your generator has issues when your family is already in the dark without electricity.
2. Ensure You and Your Family’s Safety
A malfunctioning generator poses safety risks from electric shock, fire, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Annual service helps identify and fix any hazardous issues.
3. Keep Your Home Generator Running Smoothly
Just like a car, your generator needs routine upkeep to run its best. Neglecting regular service can lead to decreased performance and reliability.
4. Save Money / Cost Savings
Preventative maintenance is much more affordable than major repairs or early replacement of your generator. A small upfront investment in annual service can provide significant cost savings over the life of your system.
5. Increased Efficiency and Longer Lifespan / Extended Longevity
Well-maintained generators run more efficiently, using less fuel and putting less strain on the engine. This translates to a longer useful life for your generator, maximizing your return on investment.
6. Greater Efficiency
When your home generator receives regular tune-ups, it will operate more efficiently overall. An optimized system consumes less fuel and experiences reduced wear and tear.
7. Hurricane & Storms Peace of Mind
Here in Florida, tropical storms or hurricanes can knock out power for days. With a generator that’s serviced and ready to go, you can ride out extended outages with greater peace of mind and comfort.
8. Fewer Blockages
Over time, dust, debris and contaminants can clog up your generator’s filters and fuel lines. Annual cleaning and inspection help prevent blockages that can hinder performance.
Whole Home Generators Maintenance Tasks After Install
So what actually happens during a Home Generator Maintenance visit? Here are some of the key tasks our technicians perform:
a. Inspect the generator for Water Intrusion
We carefully examine your generator and transfer switch for any signs of water infiltration, which can cause corrosion and electrical hazards. Catching leaks early can prevent bigger problems down the road.
How do I inspect a home standby generator water Intrusion?
To inspect a Generac air-cooled Guardian Series generator for water intrusion:
- Check that potential water sources like sprinklers and downspouts are directed away from the unit.
- Open the generator housing and inspect the interior and surrounding area for signs of water intrusion such as pooling water, erosion, or stains on the enclosure.
- Consider inspecting after heavy rainstorms when signs of intrusion may be more apparent.
- Always refer to your model’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance guidance.
b. Inspect the Generator Battery
The battery is critical for starting your generator automatically. We test the voltage and overall health of the battery, replacing it if necessary based on its age and condition.
How do I inspect the battery on a home standby generator?
To inspect the battery on a Generac air-cooled Guardian Series (10-26kW) generator manufactured after 2017:
- Turn the generator OFF and remove the front panel and 7.5A fuse.
- Disconnect the battery cables and charger, clean terminals, and check cable tightness.
- For unsealed batteries, check fluid levels and top off with distilled water if needed.
- Reconnect the battery, charger, panels, and fuse, then clear any maintenance alarms.
Refer to your owner’s manual and consider having a Generac dealer inspect the battery if unsure.
C. Perform a Generator Fuel System Leak Test
Fuel leaks are a serious fire hazard. Our technicians pressure test the fuel system and repair any leaks to keep your generator safe and code-compliant.
How to perform a fuel system leak test in a home standby generator?
To perform a fuel system leak test on an air-cooled Generac Guardian Series 10-26kW (2017 to present) home standby generator:
- Inspect every fuel system connection point from the generator to the supply source.
- Spray all connection points with a non-corrosive gas leak detection fluid.
- Check that the solution does not blow away or form bubbles, which would indicate a leak.
For safety, consider having a certified Generac service dealer perform the test.
d. Inspect the generator for corrosion
Corrosion can eat away at your generator’s sensitive components. We look for any signs of rust or deterioration and apply protective measures as needed.
How to inspect a home standby generator for corrosion?
To inspect and protect a Generac air-cooled Guardian Series generator against corrosion:
- During annual maintenance, inspect all metal generator components for any signs of corrosion.
- Replace corroded parts as needed.
- Wash and wax the enclosure regularly with automotive products, using warm soapy water. Do not power wash.
- Spray engine linkages with light oil like WD-40.
- Take extra care in coastal areas within 100 miles of saltwater. Always consult your generator’s manual for model-specific anti-corrosion guidance.
e. Change the Generator’s Oil and Oil Filter
Just like an engine, your generator needs fresh oil to lubricate moving parts and disperse heat.
How Do I Change the Oil and Oil Filter in a Generac Air-Cooled Home Standby Generator?
To change the oil and oil filter in a Generac air-cooled home standby generator:
- Run the generator for 3-5 minutes to warm it up, then shut it off.
- Drain the oil into a suitable container using the oil drain hose.
- Remove the old oil filter and replace with a new one, tightening 3/4 to 1 full turn.
- Refill with the recommended type and amount of oil. Do not overfill.
- Run the generator for 1 minute and check for leaks.
- Recheck oil level, top off if needed, and return the generator to AUTO mode.
* Always consult your generator’s owner’s manual for model-specific instructions and safety precautions before performing any maintenance tasks. Consider having scheduled maintenance done by a certified Generac service dealer if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
Home Generator Service FAQ’s
What Is the Recommended Maintenance for a Generator?
Refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. At minimum, generators should receive annual service including oil change, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve engine adjustment, gasoline pipe inspection, generator cleaning, idle engine inspection, and running the generator set for about 30 minutes to observe voltage readings.
What Is the Average Cost of Annual Generator Maintenance?
The precise cost will vary based on your generator type/size and local service rates. As an approximate range, annual maintenance typically costs between $200-400 for portable generators and $400-1000+ for large standby units.
How Much Does It Cost to Service My Generator?
As your Home Generator Maintenance company in Orlando, Palmer Electric offers Generac maintenance packages starting at $399. This covers a multi-point inspection, oil/filter change, and more. Call us for a quote tailored to your specific generator.
How Often Does a Whole House Generator Need Maintenance?
Whole house generators should receive professional servicing at least once per year. You can perform additional monthly visual inspections and test runs on your own as well.
How Often Should a Generator Be Serviced?
The industry recommendation for all generator types is to have them professionally serviced at least annually.
How Long Does It Take to Service a Generator?
A typical generator maintenance appointment takes between 1-2 hours, assuming no major issues are found that require additional repairs.
How Often Should I Test My Generator?
You should test run your generator at least once per month to verify it will start and operate smoothly when needed. Let it run for about 30 minutes under load to fully warm up the engine.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Generator?
Well-maintained generators often last 20-30 years. However, runtime is a better metric than age. Standby generators are typically rated for 3000 hours, which equates to 30 years if used for 100 hours annually. Lifespan can be significantly reduced without proper upkeep.
How Often Should Generator Oil Be Changed?
Generator engine oil and filter should be changed after the first 25 hours of operation, then at least once per year or every 100 hours of use after that. Very dusty conditions may necessitate more frequent changes.
How Do I Service My Generator?
Homeowners can handle basic generator upkeep tasks like checking the oil level, inspecting for leaks or damage, cleaning plant growth from around the unit, and ensuring the generator starts and runs properly. For more involved annual service, it’s best to call a professional generator maintenance company like Palmer Electric.
How To Choose A Generator Maintenance Company In Orlando & Central Florida?
When shopping for a generator maintenance company to trust with your backup power system, look for:
a. Experience
Choose a well-established company with many years of experience specifically servicing standby generators. As an electrical contractor operating since 1951, Palmer Electric has unrivaled experience.
b. Professional Inspection
Your technician should perform a thorough, professional evaluation of your entire generator system and provide a detailed inspection report.
c. In-House Manufacturer Certified Technicians
Factory-certified technicians have the specialized training to service your generator make/model, especially if you have a air-cooled or liquid-cooled Generac.
d. Certified Generac Parts
Ensure your contractor uses genuine OEM parts for any repairs or replacements to uphold your warranty and reliability.
e. Easy Scheduling
Look for a responsive company that makes it convenient to schedule service, with options like phone, email, online portal, and prompt appointments.
f. Honor All Manufacturer’s Warranties
Your service provider should honor and facilitate any applicable manufacturer’s warranties on your generator to save you money on repairs.
g. Excellent Customer Service
Read reviews and ask for references to gauge the company’s customer service. Are they friendly, communicative and attentive? Do they take the time to explain service details and answer questions?
Generator Maintenance Companies Near Me
As the longest continuously operating electrical services company in Central Florida since 1951, Palmer Electric is your trusted generator installation company serving the Orlando and Central Florida area. Our expert technicians provide comprehensive generator services including installation, maintenance, and repair.
As an Official Generac dealer in Orlando, we offer the most comprehensive generator maintenance services delivered by our in-house certified technicians. We provide upfront pricing, flexible scheduling, and unmatched experience with whole house generators. Most importantly, we treat our customers like family, taking pride in keeping your backup power ready to protect your home whenever the grid goes down.
For a free generator service estimate, call Palmer Electric at 407-646-8700 today. We look forward to giving you peace of mind that your generator is in the very best hands!
