Keep the Power Flowing: 3 Maintenance Tasks for a Whole-Home Generator
When the power goes out, your whole-home generator becomes more than just a convenience—it becomes a lifeline. From keeping the lights on to ensuring your refrigerator, HVAC system, and medical equipment continue running, your generator steps in when the Farmington Hills, grid fails.
But just like any piece of machinery, it needs care to perform at its best. Scheduled maintenance is essential to ensure your generator will work exactly when you need it most. Skipping service can lead to unexpected failures, expensive repairs, and even total system replacement down the road.
According to Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning, regular maintenance isn’t complicated, but it is crucial. By focusing on three major tasks—oil changes, fuel system checks, and battery testing—you’ll help guarantee your whole-home generator is ready to go when the next storm or outage strikes.
Why Generator Maintenance Matters
Generators are often used sparingly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t experience wear. In fact, the problem with standby generators is that they often sit unused for weeks or months at a time.
Without regular maintenance of your generator, components can degrade, oil can break down, and small issues can go unnoticed until the moment you try to start the system. Unfortunately, that’s usually during a blackout—the worst possible time to discover a problem.
Routine maintenance reduces these risks. It helps extend the lifespan of your generator, improves efficiency, and ensures you can rely on it year after year. Plus, consistent upkeep helps protect your warranty and lowers the chance of expensive emergency repairs.
3 Maintenance Tasks for a Whole-Home Generator
In Michigan, where harsh winters and powerful summer storms often cause extended power outages, keeping your generator well-maintained is essential. A reliable generator ensures your home stays warm during freezing temperatures, keeps food safe during outages, and powers critical systems like sump pumps to prevent flooding.
Here are essential maintenance tasks your whole-home generator needs to handle whatever Michigan weather throws its way.
Generator Oil Changes: The First Line of Defense
Think of oil as the lifeblood of your generator. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and prevents overheating. Without fresh, clean oil, your generator’s engine can quickly suffer from damage or complete failure.
Just as you wouldn’t drive your car for years without an oil change, you shouldn’t expect your generator to operate reliably without proper lubrication.
Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 100 to 200 hours of operation, or at least once a year—whichever comes first. This can vary depending on your generator model, how often it runs, and the environment it operates in. For example, generators exposed to extreme temperatures or frequent use may need more frequent changes.
During an oil change, it’s also important to replace the oil filter. The filter traps dirt and debris, preventing them from circulating through the system. Skipping this step can allow buildup that reduces efficiency and damages engine parts.
Fuel System Checks: Keeping the Engine Running Smoothly
Your generator’s fuel system is another critical area that needs attention. Whether your unit runs on natural gas, propane, or diesel, regular inspection and cleaning are essential to keep the fuel flowing properly.
Over time, fuel lines can become clogged, connections may loosen, and contaminants can sneak into the system. Left unchecked, these issues can prevent your generator from starting or cause it to stall during operation during a Farmington Hills, storm.
Part of fuel system maintenance includes checking for leaks, inspecting hoses, and ensuring valves are working correctly. If your generator uses diesel fuel, monitoring for algae or sediment buildup in the tank is especially important, as this can clog filters and damage the engine. For propane systems, technicians will verify that regulators and connections are secure and free of leaks.
Another critical aspect is testing the fuel quality itself. Fuel can degrade over time, particularly if the generator hasn’t run in months. Poor-quality fuel can gum up components and make starting the engine difficult. Routine checks help ensure your generator always has a reliable energy source when needed.
Generator Battery Testing: The Key to Reliable Starts
Nothing is more frustrating than a generator that won’t start in an emergency, and in many cases, the battery is to blame. The battery provides the initial spark and power needed to turn on your generator. If it’s weak, corroded, or dead, your system won’t start when you need it most.
Batteries naturally lose charge over time, especially if the generator hasn’t been used. Regular testing ensures your battery maintains the voltage necessary to power the start-up process. Technicians will check for corrosion on terminals, inspect cables, and replace weak or aging batteries before they fail.
It’s generally recommended to replace a generator battery every two to three years, but annual testing can help catch issues early and prevent unpleasant surprises.
The Value of Professional Maintenance
While some Farmington Hills, homeowners may feel comfortable handling simple tasks like checking oil levels, generator maintenance is best left to professionals. Certified technicians know what to look for, follow manufacturer guidelines, and can spot small issues before they escalate. They also have the tools and experience to safely handle fuel systems, electrical components, and other sensitive parts of your generator.
Scheduled service appointments usually include not only oil changes, fuel system checks, and battery testing, but also a full inspection of belts, filters, wiring, and safety features. This comprehensive approach ensures your generator is operating safely and at peak efficiency.
Peace of Mind Through Preparedness
Power outages are unpredictable, but your response doesn’t have to be. By investing in regular maintenance for your whole-home generator, you’re investing in peace of mind. Oil changes keep the engine protected, fuel system checks ensure reliable operation, and battery testing guarantees that your generator will start when you need it most.
With scheduled care, you’ll extend the life of your system, reduce repair costs, and most importantly, keep your family safe and comfortable during outages in Farmington Hills.
If it’s been a while since your generator was last serviced, now is the perfect time to schedule maintenance. Don’t wait until the next storm rolls in—be proactive, keep the power flowing, and rest easy knowing your generator will be there when you need it.
Call our team at Harriman Heating & Air Conditioning by dialing 734-271-6200 or reach out to request service online today.
