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(616) 207-4097Michigan weather doesn’t always give you much warning before strong winds, heavy snow or ice knock out power. A whole-home standby generator can keep critical systems running when the grid goes down, but only if it starts when you need it. Fortunately, a seasonal inspection and a practical generator maintenance checklist can help you prepare before fall windstorms and winter outages arrive.
Why Fall Is a Smart Time for Standby Generator Maintenance
A standby generator may spend most of its time waiting, but a real outage can demand hours or even days of operation. Regular standby generator maintenance helps make sure your system can handle that sudden workload. Cold weather can expose weak batteries, low oil levels and other problems that weren’t obvious during milder weather. Fall also makes a good time to clear leaves and debris from around your generator’s enclosure before snow starts piling up.
Having a whole-home generator during storms gives you backup power, making it especially valuable when winter weather affects the electrical grid. Your generator can help keep heating equipment, refrigerators, sump pumps and other important systems operating until utility power returns.
Generator Maintenance Checklist for Fall
Your exact maintenance requirements depend on the generator model, its run time and the manufacturer’s instructions. However, your seasonal generator maintenance checklist should include several basic areas.
Check the Generator Enclosure
Look around the unit for leaves, grass, nesting material and other debris that could block airflow. Make sure the enclosure isn’t damaged and that landscaping, stored items or accumulating snow won’t interfere with ventilation.
Look for Leaks and Visible Damage
Inspect the area around your generator for signs of oil, fuel or coolant leaks, depending on your system. Cracked hoses, loose connections, corrosion and damaged wiring may indicate the unit needs professional attention.
If you smell gas around a natural gas or propane generator, leave the area immediately and don’t operate electrical devices nearby. From a safe location, call 911 and the appropriate gas utility or propane supplier.
Check the Oil
Engine oil plays an essential role when your generator runs for an extended period. Check the oil level according to the owner’s manual and make sure you’re up to date on scheduled oil and filter changes.
Generac’s maintenance schedule notes maintenance requirements vary by model and operating conditions. Following the schedule for your specific generator is more effective than relying on a one-size-fits-all timetable.
Inspect the Battery
Your standby generator needs a working battery to start when the power goes out. A weak battery can leave you without backup power even when the rest of your system works properly.
Professional home generator maintenance includes checking the battery condition, terminals and charging system. This step becomes especially important before winter because cold weather can put additional strain on a marginal battery.
Check the Air Filter and Spark Plugs
Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, while worn spark plugs may affect starting and performance. Inspect and service these components according to the maintenance schedule for your model.
Don’t Forget the Automatic Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switch, or ATS, allows your standby generator to take over when utility power fails. It detects the outage, transfers your home’s electrical load to your generator and switches your home back to utility power after service returns.
An inspection should verify your generator and transfer switch operate as a complete system. If you’re still considering your backup power options, our comparison of portable vs. standby generators explains the differences between the systems.
How Often Does a Standby Generator Need Maintenance?
Maintenance schedules use both elapsed time and operating hours, so a generator that ran extensively during previous outages may need attention sooner than one that saw little use.
For many current Generac air-cooled home standby models, for example, the manufacturer calls for yearly maintenance and additional service at specific operating-hour or multiyear intervals. Generators that run continuously during extended outages also require more frequent checks.
Always follow the owner’s manual for your specific equipment. If you don’t know when you last serviced your generator, having it inspected before severe weather arrives helps identify problems while you still have time to address them.
When to Schedule Service for a Generac Generator
You may need professional service for a Generac generator if:
- The generator fails its exercise cycle
- The battery is weak or won’t hold a charge
- Warning lights or fault codes appear
- You notice leaks, corrosion or unusual noises
- The generator struggles to start or runs roughly
- Scheduled maintenance is overdue
- The unit recently ran for an extended outage
Paying attention to these warning signs gives you a chance to fix problems before the next storm puts your generator to the test.
When You Need Emergency Generator Service
If the electricity is already out and your standby generator doesn’t start, repeatedly shuts down or displays a fault, you may need emergency generator service.
Don’t repeatedly reset or restart your generator when you don’t know why it stopped. A shutdown may indicate a condition that requires attention before the system can operate safely.
During a prolonged outage, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for continuous operation. Generac recommends additional inspections during extended run times, including checking oil levels, looking for leaks and making sure the enclosure remains clear.
Prepare More Than Your Generator for Storm Season
Your generator protects against losing electrical service, but outages aren’t the only electrical threat severe weather can bring. Lightning and utility disturbances can also cause damaging voltage spikes. Knowing how to protect electronics during thunderstorms adds another layer of protection for your electrical system.
Ready Your Generator Before the Power Goes Out
The best time to discover a generator problem is before the lights go out. A fall inspection lets you address a weak battery, overdue maintenance, blocked enclosure or transfer switch problem before wind, snow and ice test your system.
A generator maintenance checklist and regular home generator maintenance help keep your backup power system ready for Michigan’s unpredictable weather. Service Professor can inspect, maintain and repair your whole-home generator, keeping it ready to step in when utility power goes out.
