If your home generator has ever failed when you needed it most—during a storm, power outage, or extreme weather—you understand the importance of generator maintenance. Avoiding downtime and dangerous failures doesn’t mean you have to become an engine mechanic overnight. With regular service calls, your generator will always be ready when you need it most. Residential standby generator on a concrete pad next to the deck

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Generators aren’t maintenance-free. Left unchecked, small issues can spiral into big ones—including engine damage, system failure, or even voided warranties. Keeping up with tune-ups will extend your generator’s lifespan, reduce the risk of malfunction during an outage, and keep any warranty valid. Routine service also avoids costly repairs by catching minor problems early—before mold, fuel breakdown, rust, or electrical faults damage the unit beyond repair.

Typical Service Intervals

Not all generators are built the same, so service intervals depend on which type you own. Standby models, which are permanently hooked into your home’s electrical panel, are heavy-duty by design—but they still need attention. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional do a checkup every year or after an extended outage. Portable generators, which you manually start and connect during outages, require more frequent attention after 50–100 hours of use or at the beginning and end of storm seasons. That said, your model’s owner’s manual is the final word—manufacturers may recommend specific maintenance timelines based on your setup.

Routine Maintenance Tasks

Even if you hire a technician, it helps to know what routine work needs to be done. Many components wear at predictable rates, and knowing what’s involved can help you identify problems early or confirm the job was done right. Here are the most common items that come up during a basic service call:

  • Oil and filter changes
  • Air filter and spark plug inspections or replacements
  • Battery condition and charge tests for standby systems
  • Running diagnostics and full test cycles under load
  • Fuel or oil leaks, pest damage, corrosion, and exhaust blockages

These cover everything needed to keep the engine healthy, the electrical system reliable, and the unit ready to start when power goes out.

Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore

You don’t have to wait for your scheduled maintenance if something seems off. Generators often give signs when something isn’t right. Watch for trouble and schedule service immediately if you notice any of these:

  • Hard starts or failure to start at all.
  • Excessive noise, rattles, knocking, or whining.
  • Thick or unusual smoke on startup or during operation.
  • Visible oil, fuel, or coolant leaks.
  • Error codes or warning messages showing on control panels.

Pushing your generator beyond its limits—even once—can cause damage that undermines reliability. When in doubt, shut it down and call for service before it has a chance to give you trouble.

DIY vs. Professional Maintenance

Some homeowners are comfortable changing their portable generator’s oil or filters. These basic tasks are straightforward and safe, with clear instructions and a few handy tools. But as soon as your unit ties into your home’s main panel—or has more complex systems like automatic transfer switches—it’s not a DIY job. Standby generators should undergo at least one professional inspection per year to confirm that electrical connections, load transfer systems, and safety cutoffs are functioning properly. A certified technician can also run fuel system tests and diagnostics tools that home tests don’t check.

Seasonal Prep Makes a Difference

Even with two scheduled services per year, a few simple seasonal efforts can go a long way. It’s not a bad idea to run a full test cycle before your storm season to verify it works as it should under load. It’s also recommended that you drain or replace old fuel if the generator sat unused for weeks, and clean up the area around your generator so it’s free from debris, weeds, and critters. Doing so will ensure good airflow, keep mud daubers and mice out, and give technicians easy access when they need to inspect your system.

Fuel and Battery Care

Fuel degrades over time—and degraded fuel idles poorly and can clog engine systems. Draining old gasoline or diesel from your generator every six months is a reasonable interval, or consider adding a fuel stabilizer if storage is extended. Propane and natural gas standby generators still depend on batteries to start—just like vehicles. Seasonal checks of battery condition, terminals, and voltage will ensure it can fire on command when the power goes out.

Testing Load Transfer and Electrical Integrity

Standby systems rely on transfer switches that switch power from the grid to the generator automatically during outages. These switches need cleaning, testing, and voltage validation. Loose contacts, corrosion, or control faults in the transfer switch or generator panel won’t last long under load. An annual professional check-up confirms that everything remains reliable—not only during an outage but during the periodic load tests you can perform.

Preventing Rodent Damage

Generator enclosures with quiet fans or warm surfaces often attract mice and squirrels. A wildlife intruder can chew through wiring, nest in exhaust outlets, or clog air inlets. During routine service visits, ask your technician to look for gnawed wires or nesting materials (they’ll probably do it anyway, but there’s nothing wrong with making sure). Adding rodent protection or sealing small entry points can prevent expensive damage to your system.

Avoiding Costly Repairs

Minor issues can escalate quickly. Neglecting an oil change can damage cylinders, low coolant may cause heat damage, a dirty filter restricts airflow, and unchecked corrosion or leaks can short-circuit your generator. Replacing a few parts during routine service calls will cost far less than repairing or replacing it later. Especially when you’re preparing for outages or storm seasons, the cost differential between regular service and emergency repairs is substantial.

Peace of Mind During Outages

Service isn’t just about compliance and warranty—it’s about reliability. Knowing someone actively cares for your generator, that it has been run under power load, and that warning signs have been addressed will give you confidence when a blackout hits. It means lights stay on, refrigerators run, communication devices charge, and your family stays safe without interruption.

Stick with a proactive approach and schedule your generator service calls every six months for standby units, annual tech inspections, seasonal checks, and targeted DIY oil/filter care on portable models. Simple steps like this will keep your emergency power reliable.

Is your generator ready for the storm? Oakwood Electric & Generator is here to help. Contact us today to schedule maintenance, ask about our service options, or set up a maintenance plan that gives you peace of mind.