How Often Should a Whole-Home Generator Be Serviced?
If you have put in a whole-home standby generator, you did it so the house keeps running when a storm or hurricane takes the power out. A generator sits idle until that day, so it only works if it has been kept ready. The short answer on how often to service one is: at least once a year.
What the manufacturer says
Generac's general guidance is to service a standby generator at least once a year. Your owner's manual lists the exact intervals for your model, so treat the manual as the final word and use this page as a plain-language guide.
Annual or bi-annual
GenServ recommends bi-annual or annual service. A common setup is a full service every 12 months with a checkup at the 6-month mark. Quarterly service is also offered, but it is not the lead recommendation.
- Annual: one full maintenance visit every 12 months.
- Bi-annual: the full service every 12 months plus a checkup at the 6-month mark.
- Quarterly: offered for owners who want it.
Plans are listed on the pricing page.
Who should lean toward bi-annual
Older units, generators that have shown an alert code before, and homes where a long outage would be a real problem are all reasons to add the mid-year checkup. If you are not sure, call us and describe your generator.
Before storm and hurricane season
Whether you are in Benders Landing, Carlton Woods or Creekside Park, the best time for a service is before the weather turns, not after the first outage. A unit serviced in spring or early summer goes into hurricane season with fresh oil, a tested battery and the controller reset.
Do not skip the year
The weekly self-test the generator runs on its own is helpful, but it is not service. Oil, filters, spark plugs and the battery wear out whether or not the unit runs, and a weak battery is one of the most common reasons a standby generator fails to start.
Common questions
How often should a whole-home generator be serviced?
At least once a year, following the intervals in your owner's manual. GenServ recommends bi-annual or annual service; a common setup is a full service every 12 months with a checkup at the 6-month mark.
Is annual or bi-annual generator service better?
Annual service meets the manufacturer's general minimum. Bi-annual adds a checkup at the 6-month mark, which is worth considering for older units or homes where a long outage would be a serious problem.
Does GenServ offer quarterly generator service?
Yes, quarterly service is offered but is not the lead recommendation.
Where can I see GenServ plans?
On the pricing page at genserv.co/pricing.
Learn more on our Generac maintenance page or see plans and pricing.
We service the whole area, including: Benders Landing, Carlton Woods, Creekside Park, Northampton, Villages of Northgate Crossing, Jacob's Reserve, Highland Pines, Champions, Spring, The Woodlands, Klein, North Houston.
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