Regular Generator Maintenance: Everything You Need to Know

In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Electric, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about generator maintenance. If you'd rather consult with a certified electrician, then contact Mr. Electric to schedule a face-to-face meeting or onsite visit for as soon as possible.

Why Generator Maintenance Matters

Generators are built to be reliable, but that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free. Neglect can lead to issues such as:

• Hard starting or failure to start
• Fuel system problems
• Battery failure
• Overheating
• Reduced lifespan
• And more...

Regular maintenance prevents small issues from devolving into big problems. More importantly, it ensures your generator will work safely and efficiently when the unexpected hits.

Basic Generator Maintenance Tasks

Whether you're considering some DIY work or hiring a professional, it pays to understand what maintenance involves. Here are the basics:

1. Visual Inspections: Take a quick walk-around inspection of your generator every month. Check for any signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks.
2. Test Runs: Most standby generators have a self-test mode. Otherwise, start it manually to make sure everything is running properly.
3. Oil and Filter Changes: Much like a car engine, your generator needs clean oil and a new filter regularly. Typically, this should be done every 100-200 hours of operation or at least once per year.
4. Air Filter: Check and replace the air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, or more frequently if the unit operates in dusty conditions.
5. Battery Inspection: Check the battery terminals for corrosion and make sure the charge is holding.

This is NOT a comprehensive list of maintenance tasks, but it should give you an understanding of the complexity of generators. There are many moving (and non-moving) parts, and each can break down in their own way.

Professional Generator Maintenance Services

While some tasks are homeowner-friendly, others require the training and tools of a certified electrician. That’s where Mr. Electric comes in. With decades of industry experience, Mr. Electric offers professional generator maintenance services that include:

• Full diagnostic inspections
• Load testing
• Electrical connections and wiring checks
• Fuel system assessments
• Control panel programming and software updates
• Part replacements

Our uniformed and certified electricians will make sure every component of your generator is operating correctly. We're not limited to maintenance. Mr. Electric is proud to offer everything from the initial generator installation to the inevitable replacement.

Signs Your Generator Needs Maintenance

An annual inspection by a trained electrician is key, but property owners should be familiar with warning signs as well. Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Unusual noises or vibrations when the generator is running
• Frequent start failures
• Warning lights or error codes
• Visible leaks or excessive exhaust smoke

Don’t wait for a total breakdown. Preventative maintenance is faster, easier, and less expensive than emergency repairs. Call or message Mr. Electric if you are concerned about your generator.

How Often Should You Service Your Generator?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. As a general rule, however, we recommend you:

• Perform basic checks monthly
• Change oil and filters every 100-200 hours of use, or once a year
• Schedule professional servicing once a year

Businesses with more demanding power needs or critical systems may require more frequent maintenance. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Call Mr. Electric For Your Electrical Needs

Mr. Electric is more than just generator specialists. We offer a full range of general electrical service for both homes and businesses. We have you covered with everything from wiring and electrical panel installations to emergency repairs and periodic inspections.

Call or message Mr. Electric to get in touch with a live member of our team today. Our courteous representatives are on standby to address questions or concerns, schedule a convenient appointment, or arrange urgent assistance.