Standby generator maintenance
A generator that sits idle most of the year needs regular care so it starts the one day it matters.
Most standby generators run a short self-test on a weekly or similar schedule, but a self-test doesn't replace hands-on service. Engine oil, filters, spark plugs and the starting battery all wear, and coastal conditions add corrosion and pests to the list.
What does a service visit cover?
- Oil and oil filter change, air filter and spark plugs at the intervals in the owner's manual
- Battery test and terminal cleaning; a weak battery is a common reason a generator won't start
- Checking the controller for stored faults and confirming the exercise schedule
- Inspecting wiring, the fuel line and the transfer switch
- Looking for rust, salt buildup, insect and rodent nests, and vegetation crowding the unit
- Running the generator with the house on it to confirm the transfer switch works under real load
When should it be serviced?
Follow the manufacturer's schedule, which is usually based on hours of run time and months since the last service. Many owners here schedule a visit in late spring, before the June 1 start of hurricane season, and another after a long outage. A generator that ran for days after a storm may be due for an oil change sooner than the calendar says.
Between visits
- Glance at the controller now and then for warnings
- Keep shrubs, mulch and stored items clear of the enclosure
- Rinse salt spray off the enclosure if the manual allows it
- Keep propane tanks topped up before storm season
- Make sure the weekly test still happens; if it goes quiet, call
The installer prices the job after learning about your house, your electrical panel and your fuel supply, and usually after a site visit. We don't quote prices, and any figure given over the phone is only a rough starting point until someone has seen the property.
Where we connect you with help
- Wilmington
- Carolina Beach and Kure Beach
- Leland and northern Brunswick County
- Hampstead and Pender County
Common questions
How often does a standby generator need service?
Follow the owner's manual. Intervals are usually set by run hours and time, and long outages can bring the next oil change due sooner.
Can any installer service my generator?
Many installers service several brands, but ask whether they work on yours and can get parts for it. Warranty terms may require authorized service.
Related services
More background: Wilmington standby generator guide.
Tired of losing power every time a storm rolls up the Cape Fear?
Call and a local installer will talk through what a standby generator would take at your house.