Home Generator Service FAQ’s
What Is the Recommended Maintenance for a Generator?
Refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. At minimum, generators should receive annual service including oil change, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, valve engine adjustment, gasoline pipe inspection, generator cleaning, idle engine inspection, and running the generator set for about 30 minutes to observe voltage readings.
What Is the Average Cost of Annual Generator Maintenance?
The precise cost will vary based on your generator type/size and local service rates. As an approximate range, annual maintenance typically costs between $200-400 for portable generators and $400-1000+ for large standby units.
How Much Does It Cost to Service My Generator?
As your Home Generator Maintenance company in Orlando, Palmer Electric offers Generac maintenance packages starting at $399. This covers a multi-point inspection, oil/filter change, and more. Call us for a quote tailored to your specific generator.
How Often Does a Whole House Generator Need Maintenance?
Whole house generators should receive professional servicing at least once per year. You can perform additional monthly visual inspections and test runs on your own as well.
How Often Should a Generator Be Serviced?
The industry recommendation for all generator types is to have them professionally serviced at least annually.
How Long Does It Take to Service a Generator?
A typical generator maintenance appointment takes between 1-2 hours, assuming no major issues are found that require additional repairs.
How Often Should I Test My Generator?
You should test run your generator at least once per month to verify it will start and operate smoothly when needed. Let it run for about 30 minutes under load to fully warm up the engine.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Generator?
Well-maintained generators often last 20-30 years. However, runtime is a better metric than age. Standby generators are typically rated for 3000 hours, which equates to 30 years if used for 100 hours annually. Lifespan can be significantly reduced without proper upkeep.
How Often Should Generator Oil Be Changed?
Generator engine oil and filter should be changed after the first 25 hours of operation, then at least once per year or every 100 hours of use after that. Very dusty conditions may necessitate more frequent changes.
How Do I Service My Generator?
Homeowners can handle basic generator upkeep tasks like checking the oil level, inspecting for leaks or damage, cleaning plant growth from around the unit, and ensuring the generator starts and runs properly. For more involved annual service, it’s best to call a professional generator maintenance company like Palmer Electric.