A well-maintained standby generator keeps your lights, HVAC system, and home medical equipment running during a power outage. Routine tune-ups keep your system ready to start when the public power grid fails.
At Koch & White Heating and Cooling, we provide professional backup generator service for homeowners throughout Michigan. This article will discuss generator upkeep tips to ensure your generator is ready when you need it the most.
Regular oil changes are an essential part of keeping your standby generator operating reliably during a power outage. Engine oil lubricates moving components, helps reduce friction, and keeps your generator from overheating. Over time, the oil breaks down and can become contaminated, reducing its ability to properly protect the engine.
For a recently installed generator, manufacturers recommend changing the oil after the first 20 to 30 hours of operation. After that, follow the ongoing service schedule outlined for the specific model.
Neglecting oil changes can increase engine wear, reduce efficiency, and shorten the lifespan of your generator. During a standby generator maintenance visit, our technicians will inspect oil levels and check for contamination or leaks. They will also replace the oil and filter if needed.
A generator with a weak or dead battery will let you down when you need it most. Battery issues are one of the most common reasons your generator is not working as expected. Testing the battery regularly and replacing it every two to three years helps eliminate this risk.
Electrical wires should also be inspected for corrosion, loose connections, or signs of wear. These small issues can prevent the system from starting automatically or transferring power correctly to your home.
For propane or natural gas generators, you need to check the fuel supply line and connections periodically for leaks or signs of deterioration. For diesel units, fuel quality matters a great deal. Diesel that sits unused for extended periods can degrade and cause starting issues or fuel system clogs.
A generator should not sit unused for months at a time. Running the unit under load, meaning with actual electrical demand on the system, confirms that it can handle a real outage. Many modern standby generators are programmed to perform a short automatic exercise cycle weekly, but a full load test goes further.
A professional load test evaluates how the generator performs under realistic conditions. It can reveal issues that would not surface during a brief self-test cycle. This is one of the most valuable parts of a thorough backup generator service appointment.
When air filters clog with debris, less oxygen reaches the engine, which interferes with combustion. If spark plugs degrade, ignition failures occur, and your generator may not turn on at all. Routine maintenance keeps these components in good working condition.
Homeowners need to look over their generators periodically to catch obvious issues like corrosion or fuel leaks. However, spotting hidden problems takes experience and proper testing tools. A yearly checkup by a qualified expert identifies issues that could cause a breakdown or poor performance.
For homeowners searching for generator maintenance in MI, professional service is not just a convenience. It is the most reliable way to ensure your system is ready to perform when severe weather or unexpected outages strike.
At Koch & White Heating and Cooling, we have served homeowners in Washtenaw County and the surrounding areas for over 90 years. We are a 100% employee-owned company and a seven-time recipient of the Carrier President’s Award. Our team brings the same level of commitment to excellence to every generator service we perform. Our certified technicians are trained to keep your backup power system running reliably through every season.
Don’t wait until the power goes out to find out your generator needs attention. Contact Koch & White today to schedule your generator maintenance service in MI.
