Do Whole-House Generators Require Maintenance?

Maintaining Your Whole-Home Generator for Reliable Performance

When the power goes out in Dallas, your whole-home generator steps in to keep the lights on, the refrigerator running, and your HVAC system functioning. But just like any other major appliance, your generator needs regular care to perform reliably when you need it most.

Skipping generator maintenance can lead to breakdowns during critical moments, often when getting service from providers like Generator Authority is most difficult. With a little attention and the right schedule, you can make sure your generator runs efficiently, safely, and for years to come.

In this blog, we will cover the following maintenance requirements of a whole-home generator:

• Regular Visual Inspections: Check for signs of wear, leaks, or damage to catch small issues before they become major problems.
• Oil and Filter Change: Replace oil and filters on schedule to keep your generator running smoothly and prevent engine damage.
• Battery and Electrical Component Testing: Test the battery and electrical connections to ensure reliable startup and performance.
• Run Routine Exercise Cycles: Program or manually run weekly exercise cycles to keep internal parts lubricated and ready for use.
• Keep Fuel Fresh and Systems Clean: Use stabilizers, check for contamination, and clean components regularly to avoid clogs and fuel-related issues.

Why Generator Maintenance Matters

A standby generator is designed to operate automatically, often without any manual intervention. But just because it runs in the background doesn’t mean you can ignore it.

These systems rely on complex components—like engines, batteries, fuel systems, and electronics—that require upkeep. Routine maintenance not only ensures your generator will turn on during an outage but also helps it run more efficiently and prevents long-term damage.

Think of your whole-home generator like your car. You wouldn’t drive for years without changing the oil or checking the battery; the same principles apply here. Regular generator maintenance helps avoid emergency repairs, extends the life of your equipment, and protects your investment.

What Maintenance Does a Whole-Home Generator Need?

A handful of maintenance tasks are required to keep your standby generator in top operating shape.

Perform Regular Visual Inspections

One of the easiest but most important steps you can take is to inspect your generator regularly. Look for signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks. Check for loose or frayed wires, rust on the casing, puddles under the unit, or animals nesting inside the enclosure.

Make sure the air vents are clear of leaves, snow, or debris that could block airflow. If your generator runs on natural gas or propane, don’t forget to inspect those connections as well.

It’s a good idea to do this at least once a month, especially before a season in Dallas, where outages are more common, like summer storms/hurricanes or winter storm season. If anything looks out of the ordinary, contact Generator Authority before running the generator again.

Change the Oil and Filters on Schedule

Just like your car engine, your generator engine needs fresh oil to function properly. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil after the first 25 hours of use and then every 100–200 hours after that, depending on the model and usage. Even if it hasn’t run much, it’s still smart to replace the oil at least once a year.

Along with the oil, the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter should be checked and replaced on schedule. Clogged filters can restrict airflow or fuel supply, reducing performance and causing the generator to overheat.

Test the Battery and Electrical Components

Your generator won’t start without a strong, reliable battery. Batteries can degrade over time, especially in extreme heat or cold. A weak battery may not show signs of failure until it’s too late, so make sure to test the voltage regularly; most manufacturers suggest once or twice a year. Clean the battery terminals and check for corrosion, which can interfere with performance.

In addition to the battery, have a technician like Generator Authority check the control panel, transfer switch, and other electrical components to make sure everything is responding as it should. Electrical faults are a common cause of generator failure and are often preventable with routine service.

Run Routine Exercise Cycles

Most whole-home generators come with an automatic exercise mode that runs the system for a few minutes each week. This helps keep internal parts lubricated, burns off moisture, and alerts you if something is wrong. Make sure your generator’s exercise timer is enabled and set to a time when you’re likely to notice any issues, like a quiet weekday morning.

You should also listen carefully when it runs. Unusual noises, smoke, or slow starts may indicate it’s time for a service call in Generator Authority. If your generator hasn’t run its weekly test in a while, investigate why—it may be as simple as a tripped breaker or a drained battery.

Keep Fuel Fresh and Systems Clean

Generators that run on diesel or gasoline are especially sensitive to fuel quality. Over time, fuel can break down and clog the system with sludge or varnish. Use stabilizers if your fuel sits unused for long periods, and always top off the tank before storing the unit through a low-usage season.

For propane or natural gas systems, make sure fuel lines are clear and not obstructed by debris or vegetation.

Also, occasionally clean the exterior of your generator. Remove dirt and debris that could interfere with ventilation or attract pests. A clean generator runs cooler and lasts longer.

Can I Perform Generator Maintenance Myself?

While there are several generator maintenance tasks you can do yourself, a full inspection and tune-up from a licensed technician is essential at least once a year. Professional generator maintenance includes checking engine compression, tightening connections, updating software, inspecting fuel pressure, and replacing parts that may not yet show visible signs of wear.

If you rely on your generator heavily or live in an area like Dallas, with frequent outages, you may need semi-annual service. Talk to your installer about a maintenance plan that fits your usage pattern.

Some manufacturers require documented maintenance to keep warranties valid, so keeping up with professional service also protects your long-term coverage.

Whole-Home Generator Maintenance Near Dallas

A whole-home generator is one of the best tools you can have for peace of mind during power outages, but it can only do its job if you take care of it. With a combination of routine inspections, timely oil changes, and professional servicing, you’ll ensure your system works when you need it most in Dallas.

Don’t wait for a blackout to discover something is wrong with your generator—stay ahead with a consistent maintenance routine, and you’ll have reliable backup power all year long.

Call Generator Authority at 817-984-3600 or request service online for professional generator maintenance today.