How Often Should a Generator Be Serviced?

A backup generator gives you peace of mind when the power goes out, but it only works if it's ready when you need it. Whether you’re dealing with a short outage or a major storm, your generator should respond quickly, run efficiently, and provide steady power until utility service is restored.

At Quality Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electrical, we specialize in generator installation and generator maintenance for homes and businesses across East Tennessee. In this guide, we’ll break down how often a generator should be serviced, what affects that schedule, and how to keep your unit reliable year after year.

When a storm rolls through Kodak or a transformer blows out in Morristown, your generator becomes the most important appliance on your property. But without regular maintenance, even the most high-end generator can fail when it matters most.

Routine service keeps your generator:

• Ready to start at a moment’s notice
• Safe and efficient to operate
• Within warranty requirements
• Free from common issues like leaks, clogged filters, or battery failure
• Running longer and with fewer repairs over time

A generator isn’t like a typical appliance you use every day. It may sit idle for months, which makes proactive care even more important. Even when it’s not running, fluids can degrade, batteries can lose charge, and parts can wear from moisture or debris. Regular checkups keep your system reliable no matter the season.

General Guidelines: How Often Should It Be Serviced?

Most manufacturers recommend servicing a standby generator at least once a year. However, how often your unit truly needs maintenance depends on several key factors.

1. Type of Generator

• Portable generators used for camping or temporary backup need basic inspection before and after each use.
• Home standby generators, like the ones we install throughout East Tennessee, should be inspected every 6 to 12 months, depending on use.
• Commercial generators or those in critical-use facilities may require servicing every 250 hours or quarterly.

2. Hours of Operation

Many generator service intervals are based on how long the unit runs. For example:

• Every 100–200 hours of operation: Oil change and filter replacement
• Every 200–250 hours: Deeper inspection and fuel system service
• Every 500 hours or annually: Full tune-up including battery testing, coolant check, and system diagnostics

We recommend keeping a log of runtime hours, especially after longer outages. Our team can also install monitoring systems to help track usage automatically.

3. Weather & Environmental Conditions

Generators in East Tennessee face a mix of humid summers, cold winters, and heavy spring storms. Moisture, debris, and extreme temperature swings can all impact wear and performance. Units exposed to dust, pollen, or wind-blown leaves may need more frequent filter changes and inspections to prevent damage.

If your generator is located in a crawl space, near landscaping, or close to busy roads, ask us about seasonal checkups to stay ahead of issues caused by the environment.

4. Fuel Type

The fuel your generator uses affects how it should be maintained:

• Natural gas and propane models need regular line checks to prevent leaks.
• Diesel generators often require more frequent filter changes and tank inspections to avoid contamination or buildup.
• Gasoline models (usually portable) need fuel stabilization if stored for long periods without use.

Our licensed electricians are trained in handling all generator fuel types and components safely.

5. Manufacturer Warranty Requirements

Ignoring the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule can void your warranty. Every brand has its own expectations — some require documentation of service at specific intervals. Our team always follows the latest guidelines from brands like Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and others, and we keep service records for your convenience.

What’s Included in Professional Generator Maintenance

When you schedule generator maintenance with Quality Plumbing, you can expect a detailed and professional inspection designed to catch small issues before they turn into costly problems.

A typical service visit includes:



• Oil and oil filter replacement
• Air filter cleaning or replacement
• Fuel system check, including filters, valves, and lines
• Battery voltage testing and terminal inspection
• Coolant level and condition check (for liquid-cooled units)
• Inspection of belts, hoses, gaskets, and wiring
• Load test to simulate performance under electrical demand
• Transfer switch inspection, ensuring smooth automatic power transfer
• Run-time test, including start-up, idle, and shut-down performance
• Cleaning and clearing the area around the unit

We handle everything on-site, keep detailed records, and can even add your generator to our regular maintenance schedule so you don’t have to remember when it’s due next.

Warning Signs: Don’t Wait for Your Next Service Appointment

Some issues need immediate attention, even if you’re not due for a service yet. Call us if you notice:



• Slow starts or unusual noises when powering up
• Flickering lights or inconsistent power delivery
• Leaking fuel, oil, or coolant
• Error codes or warning lights on the control panel
• Black smoke or strange odors while running

Delaying service can result in expensive repairs or system failure. If you're unsure whether something is normal, we’ll take a look and let you know.

How to Extend the Life of Your Generator Between Visits

Between professional tune-ups, you can take a few simple steps to help your generator last longer:



• Run it monthly for 10–15 minutes under load
  This keeps internal components lubricated and ensures the system stays responsive.
• Keep the unit clean and clear of debris
  Trim vegetation and check for nests, insects, or leaves near the housing.
• Check the oil and coolant levels regularly
  Especially after long outages or multiple run cycles.
• Inspect the battery
  Make sure it’s clean, charged, and free of corrosion.
• Listen for changes in sound
  Anything that sounds different could be a sign of internal wear.

Need help remembering when your next checkup is due? Ask about our reminder system or service plans.

Serving Homes and Businesses in Kodak, Morristown & Beyond

We’re proud to be East Tennessee’s trusted name for generator services. Whether you’re a homeowner with a standby unit or a business running a critical backup system, we’re here to keep your generator in top shape.

We offer:

• Preventive maintenance for all brands and models
• Generator installation and replacement
• Generator repairs and diagnostics
• Emergency service when needed
• Peace-of-mind scheduling and service plans

Need to schedule a generator tune-up? Want to make sure your system is ready for the next outage?

Contact Quality Plumbing Heating Cooling & Electrical today for generator maintenance! We’ll help you stay powered up with dependable, local service from a team you can trust.