Just like any other major home system, generators require routine maintenance to operate efficiently and effectively. Regular generator maintenance helps ensure that your unit provides dependable backup power when you need it.
Routine servicing also helps prevent unexpected breakdowns during outages requiring emergency repairs. But how often does a generator need routine maintenance? We’re going to discuss why generator maintenance is essential, how often generators should bs serviced, and what factors impact servicing frequency.
Why Regular Generator Maintenance Matters
Before we dive into how often you should schedule routine maintenance for your generator, let’s explore why maintenance matters. Routine maintenance is a critical part of owning a standby generator. Here are the benefits of staying on top of regular generator maintenance:
- Ensures reliable operation: Routine maintenance helps ensure that your generator will automatically kick on during power outages and provide reliable backup power.
- Extends unit lifespan: Regular generator maintenance prevents metal-on-metal friction through lubrication, removes dangerous debris that can cause overheating, and stops stale fuel from corroding the system.
- Improves fuel efficiency and overall performance: Staying on top of generator maintenance improves fuel efficiency and performance by minimizing friction and optimizing combustion.
- Reduces the risk of costly repairs: When issues are left unidentified and unaddressed, they can lead to costly repairs.
- Helps maintain warranty coverage: Most manufacturer warranties require documented professional generator servicing to keep the warranty active.
- Identifies small issues: Routine inspections help you catch minor issues before they become major problems requiring costly repairs.
How Often Should a Generator Be Serviced?
Generally, an annual professional maintenance visit and inspection is recommended. Generators should be serviced at least annually, even if they ran very little throughout the year.
Annual preventative maintenance keeps your generator operating reliably and efficiently. This way, it’s ready when you need it.
Sometimes, annual generator maintenance isn’t enough. Depending on manufacturer guidelines, a generator should be professionally serviced after every 200-400 operating hours.
If you experienced several extended outages recently, it may be time for maintenance. You should increase service frequency if outages are frequent or prolonged in your local area.
What Factors Affect How Often Should I Service a Generator?
There are a number of factors that can impact how often you should service a generator. Let’s delve into each factor and how it affects the cadence of routine maintenance.
Usage
Usage is one of the biggest factors to consider when scheduling routine generator maintenance. As mentioned, most manufacturers recommend servicing a generator after every 200-400 hours of runtime.
If you have surpassed this range in under a year, you should schedule a maintenance visit as soon as possible. Don’t wait for the one-year mark.
Environmental conditions
Environmental conditions can also play a role in how frequently a generator requires service. Areas with high humidity, extreme temperatures, freezing weather, or excessive dust may need more frequent generator maintenance.
Fuel type
The type of fuel your generator uses also impacts how frequently you need to schedule maintenance visits. If your generator runs on diesel, service is recommended every six months to prevent fuel degradation.
If your generator uses natural gas, it may only need an annual inspection and maintenance visit. Gasoline generators need preventative care every six months or so.
Age of the generator
Newer generators often only require annual servicing to stay functional. If you have an aging unit that’s over 20 years old, you may need to have it serviced twice a year. Standby generators typically last around 25-40 years with proper maintenance.
Professional Generator Service vs. DIY
You may be wondering, “Can I do routine generator maintenance myself?” The answer? Yes and no. There are a few basic tasks that you may be able to take care of, but a trained technician should handle professional generator service.
What a homeowner can do:
- Inspect the generator for debris, leaves, or overgrown vegetation and clear the area
- Check for signs of damage, pest nests, and corrosion on unit
- Run self-cycle tests and listen for unusual sounds
- Confirm indicator lights show normal status
What a professional can do:
- Change oil, oil filter, and air filter
- Inspect and replace spark plugs
- Test batteries and replace when needed
- Check and adjust fuel supply
- Clean cooling system components to prevent overheating
- Run full load-bank tests
- Calibrate automatic transfer switch
- Identify warning signs of generator issues needing repair
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Generator
To extend the lifespan of your generator, be sure to schedule routine maintenance at least annually, keep the unit free of debris, run self-test cycles regularly, and address warning signs immediately.
- Schedule routine maintenance: The best way to extend the lifespan of your generator is to have your generator serviced at least annually.
- Keep the unit free of debris and vegetation: Keeping your generator free and clear of debris helps prevent issues with airflow.
- Run self-test cycles regularly: Self-test cycles help generators stay in top shape by keeping internal components lubricated.
- Address warning signs promptly: If you see indicator warning lights or notice unusual sounds of strain, call a professional for service.
Contact Us Today
If you need generator maintenance in Tacoma, WA, Mercurio’s has you covered. Our team of professional generator technicians and electricians specialize in performing routine inspections and maintenance. Give us a call today at (360) 499-2980 or book an appointment online!
