Engine and fluids
Oil and filter change per the manufacturer's schedule, air filter inspection or replacement, and a check of coolant levels on liquid-cooled models.
Electrical and battery
Battery load test and terminal cleaning — batteries are one of the most common points of failure on a unit that otherwise looks fine. Spark plug or injector inspection depending on the engine type.
System-level checks
A functional test of the transfer switch under a simulated outage, confirmation the weekly self-test is running and passing, and a visual inspection of the pad, clearance area, and fuel connections for any signs of wear or damage.
Documentation
Keeping a record of each service visit — date, work performed, any parts replaced — is useful both for warranty compliance and for demonstrating maintenance history if you sell the home later.
Timing the visit
Scheduling annual service before your region's peak outage season — before hurricane season, before winter storm season, depending on where you live — means any issue a technician finds gets fixed with time to spare, rather than discovered mid-outage when the unit is needed most.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- NFPA 37 — Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines — Covers clearance, ventilation, and safety requirements for stationary standby generators.