JASMA

When the neighborhood goes dark and everyone’s frantically hunting for flashlights, a well-maintained home generator turns you into the calm, smug captain of your own little power ship. But just like a boat, your backup power system only stays seaworthy if you take care of it. Ignore maintenance and your generator might decide to “mutiny” the moment you actually need it.

Whether you rely on a whole-house standby generator that kicks on automatically or a portable unit you roll out for storms, a simple, consistent maintenance routine can dramatically improve reliability, reduce repair costs, and extend the life of your equipment. This guide walks through practical home generator maintenance tips, explains why they matter, and gives real-world examples so your backup power stays truly “shipshape.”

Know Your Generator Before You Grab the Wrench

Before doing any maintenance, get familiar with what you actually own. There’s a big difference between a permanently installed natural gas standby generator and a gasoline-powered portable model:

• Standby generators are hardwired into your home and usually connected to natural gas or propane. They start automatically during an outage and often run weekly “exercise” cycles on their own.
• Portable generators are smaller, manually started units that typically run on gasoline or diesel. You bring them out during an emergency and plug in appliances or a transfer switch.

Your owner’s manual is not optional readingit’s your generator’s instruction diary. It tells you the correct oil type, fuel recommendations, maintenance intervals, and safety warnings specific to your model. If you’ve lost the physical booklet, you can usually download a PDF from the manufacturer’s website using the model number on the data plate.

Build a Simple Generator Maintenance Schedule

Trying to remember “everything I should do someday” is a great way to do nothing at all. Instead, break generator maintenance into a few simple time-based categories: quick weekly checks, monthly tasks, and yearly or hour-based service.

Weekly or Biweekly Checks

For standby generators, many manufacturers recommend short weekly exercise cycles to keep the engine lubricated and verify that the system starts normally. Some models even run these tests automatically at a scheduled time. For portable generators, a monthly test run is usually enough if you don’t use it regularly.

Your weekly or biweekly routine can be as simple as:

• Making sure the generator is clear of debris, leaves, and clutter
• Visually checking for leaks, rust, or loose wires
• Confirming no warning lights, error codes, or strange noises during exercise runs

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

Once a month, go a bit deeper:

• Check oil level and top off if needed
• Inspect the air filter for heavy dust or clogging
• Verify battery terminals are tight and free of corrosion
• Test the generator under a small load (if recommended by the manufacturer)

If a monthly calendar reminder helps, think of it as “generator date night”just you, your backup power, and 10–15 minutes of preventive care.

Yearly or Hour-Based Maintenance

Most generator manufacturers specify maintenance by runtime hours and/or time, such as:

• First oil change after the initial 20–25 hours of use on a new unit
• Regular oil changes about every 100–200 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first
• Annual replacement of oil and air filters, plus a full inspection of hoses, belts, and connections

Even if your generator barely runs, oil degrades over time and can’t protect the engine forever. Putting off annual service might save a few dollars this year, but it can cost you a very expensive repair later.

Oil, Filters, and Fluids: The “Bloodwork” of Your Generator

If your generator has a heartbeat, it’s the engine, and that engine lives or dies by clean oil and adequate lubrication. Oil cushions moving parts, reduces friction, and carries away contaminants. When it breaks down, friction goes up and so does the risk of permanent damage.

Oil Change Basics

Most home generators follow a pattern something like this:

• Break-in oil change: after the first 20–30 hours of operation, to remove tiny metal shavings and manufacturing residue.
• Routine oil changes: every 50–200 hours of run time depending on the model, or at least annually for standby units that see only occasional use.

Generac and other popular brands often recommend an annual oil change even if your generator hasn’t seen much actionoil ages with time as well as use. Check your manual for the correct oil weight (many residential units use 5W-30 or 10W-30) and whether synthetic oil is allowed or preferred.

Don’t Forget the Filters

Oil and air filters are the unsung heroes of your backup system:

• Oil filter: Traps particles and sludge that form as oil circulates. A clogged filter can starve the engine of clean oil.
• Air filter: Keeps dust and dirt out of the combustion chamber. A dirty filter can choke airflow, reduce power, and cause overheating.
• Fuel filter (if equipped): Catches contaminants in the fuel system, especially important for diesel units.

When you change oil, change the oil filter as well. Check the air filter at least once a season and replace it if it’s visibly dirty, oily, or damaged. For generators stored in dusty garages or near construction areas, you may need to do this more often.

Fuel System Care: Keep It Fresh, Not Funky

Old fuel is one of the quickest ways to turn a healthy generator into a moody, hard-starting headache. Gasoline begins to break down in as little as 30–90 days. It can form varnish, gum, and deposits that clog carburetors and injectors.

Use Fresh Fuel and a Stabilizer

For gasoline-powered portable generators:

• Buy fuel in manageable amounts instead of stockpiling giant cans for years.
• Add a fuel stabilizer if the gas will sit more than a month or two.
• Rotate your fuel supplyuse stored gas in your car or mower and replenish it regularly.

For propane or natural gas standby units, fuel stability is less of an issue, but regulators, valves, and lines still need periodic inspection to make sure there are no leaks or damage.

Drain or Run Dry for Long Storage

If you know you won’t use a portable generator for several months, many experts recommend running it until the fuel tank and carburetor are empty, or draining them according to the manual. This helps prevent sticky residue that can block small passages and cause “it ran fine last year” syndrome.

Exercise Your Generator Like a Gym Membership You Actually Use

A generator that never runs is like a car that only sits in the drivewayrubber seals dry out, batteries drain, and lubrication breaks down. Regular “exercise” keeps everything moving and ready.

How Often Should You Run It?

Many residential standby systems are set to run an automatic exercise cycle once a week, sometimes just for a minute or two. Others may recommend every two weeks or monthly test runs. Portable generator guidance often suggests starting the unit at least once a month for 10–30 minutes.

During an exercise run:

• Listen for unusual rattling, knocking, or grinding sounds.
• Watch for excessive smoke or odd smells (strong fuel odor, burning rubber, etc.).
• On portable units, plug in a modest load like a space heater or lamp to verify the generator handles power draw without surging.

Think of this as a “dress rehearsal” for a real outage. You’d rather discover a weak battery or sticky starter on a sunny Saturday than during an ice storm at 2 a.m.

Keep the Area Clean, Clear, and Safe

Generators need airboth for cooling and for combustion. A unit buried under grass clippings, snow, or holiday decorations is a bad time waiting to happen.

• Maintain at least several feet of clearance around the generator so air can flow freely and hot exhaust can dissipate.
• Regularly clear leaves, branches, nests, and yard debris from around the housing.
• Make sure the generator sits on a solid, level surface to avoid vibration damage and tipping risks.

In winter, shovel snow away from vents and keep ice from building up around the unit. For portable models, always operate them outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents to minimize carbon monoxide risk.

Storage and Seasonal Prep

Storm seasons vary depending on where you livehurricanes, ice storms, high-wind eventsbut the principles are the same: don’t wait for the forecast to say “major outage possible” before you check your generator.

Before Storm Season

• Perform an oil and filter change if you’re due or close to due.
• Verify your extension cords or transfer switch are in good condition.
• Check that fuel is fresh and stabilized.
• Confirm your carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries.

During Long Periods of Inactivity

If your generator sits unused for months:

• Start and run it every month.
• Keep it covered, but not tightly sealedventilation is still important.
• Protect electrical outlets from dust, insects, and moisture using manufacturer-approved covers or caps.

Safety Checks You Should Never Skip

Generator maintenance isn’t just about keeping the lights onit’s also about preventing fires, shocks, and poisoning. A few non-negotiable safety habits:

• Never run generators indoors or in partially enclosed spaces like garages, even with doors open. Carbon monoxide can build up quickly.
• Install CO detectors on every level of your home and test them regularly.
• Use the right cords: Heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords with proper gauge and intact insulation.
• Avoid backfeeding: Never plug the generator directly into a household outlet. Use a professionally installed transfer switch to power home circuits safely.
• Turn off and cool down the generator before refueling to reduce fire risk.

A safe generator setup is one you can run confidentlyeven if you’re half-asleep and hunting for coffee during a 5 a.m. blackout.

When to Call in a Pro

Many homeowners can handle basic tasks like checking oil, replacing filters, and exercising the generator. But some jobs are better left to licensed technicians:

• Electrical wiring and transfer switch installation
• Complex diagnostic codes or recurring shutdowns
• Fuel system repairs, especially on natural gas, propane, or diesel lines
• Major component replacements (alternator, voltage regulator, control boards)

A professional maintenance visit once a yearor every couple of years for lightly used systemsadds an extra layer of safety and reliability. They can perform load tests, check voltage output, verify automatic start features, and catch wear issues you might miss.

Common Generator Mistakes That Shorten Lifespan

Even smart homeowners fall into a few predictable traps. Watch out for these:

• Letting fuel go stale and then wondering why the generator won’t start.
• Skipping that “boring” first oil change after break-in hours.
• Ignoring error lights or strange noises because “it still seems to run fine.”
• Overloading the generator with more appliances than it’s rated to handle.
• Storing it in a damp, dirty corner where rust, insects, or rodents can cause damage.

The cure for most of these is simple: pay a little attention now, log your maintenance, and treat your generator like an investment rather than an afterthought.

Real-World Experiences: What Reliable Generator Owners Do Differently

Advice is great, but what does “good maintenance” actually look like in daily life? Below are some experience-based patterns that show up again and again among people whose generators start reliably year after year.

They Treat Exercise Runs Like Appointments, Not Suggestions

People who rarely have generator surprises usually stick to a routine. They set calendar alerts for monthly test runs or let their standby unit exercise automatically and simply verify that it happened. Rather than waiting for a storm, they use clear weekend afternoons to:

• Start the generator and let it warm up
• Switch on a few critical loads (fridge, sump pump, Wi-Fi)
• Walk around the unit listening for odd noises and looking for leaks

Over time, they get to know what “normal” sounds like. That makes it easier to notice trouble early, such as a slightly rougher idle or a new rattle from the exhaust shield.

They Log Maintenance (Even in a Simple Notebook)

One of the simplest but most powerful habits: write things down. Reliable owners jot down the date, hours (if the generator has an hour meter), and what they didoil change, filter replacement, battery check, or “just ran for 20 minutes under load.”

After a year or two, that notebook becomes gold. You won’t be guessing whether the oil is “probably fine” or trying to remember if it was last summer or the one before when you replaced the battery. You’ll knowand you’ll spot patterns, like a unit that’s starting to use more oil between changes.

They Respect Fuel Like a Perishable Item

Experienced generator users treat gasoline more like milk than like canned beans. Instead of filling multiple cans and forgetting them in the shed, they:

• Buy small amounts more often
• Use a good fuel stabilizer when gas will sit for a while
• Rotate stored fuel into vehicles or yard equipment every few months

As a result, they deal with fewer hard-starting issues, fewer clogged carburetors, and fewer “it was perfect last season, why won’t it run now?” moments.

They Learn the Sounds of Troubleand Don’t Ignore Them

Owners with long-lasting equipment pay attention to subtle changes. A generator that suddenly shakes more, makes a new metallic pinging noise, or smells strongly of fuel gets attention instead of being shrugged off. A quick call to a technician or a deeper inspection often catches:

• Loose mounting bolts or brackets
• Small exhaust leaks
• Fuel line cracks or loose clamps
• Worn belts or hoses

Addressing these early costs far less than waiting for a full failure during a long outage, when parts may be scarce and service calls are backed up.

They Think in Systems, Not Just Machines

Finally, people with truly dependable backup power don’t just think “generator”; they think “system.” They check:

• Transfer switches and interlocks to ensure safe power delivery
• Carbon monoxide detectors and ventilation around the unit
• Extension cords, surge protection, and where each cord will run during an outage
• Household prioritieswhat must stay on (sump pump, fridge, medical devices) and what can wait (big-screen TV, hot tub)

That systems mindset means that when the power actually fails, they aren’t improvising. They have a plan, a maintained generator, and a setup that’s been tested in small doses long before the grid decides to take a break.

Put all of these experiences together, and a pattern emerges: reliability isn’t an accident. It’s the result of many small, easy steps done consistently. Start with a basic schedule, give your generator a little attention every month, and your backup power will be ready to carry you calmly through the next blackout.