Standby Generator Service & Repair FAQ

How often should I have my generator serviced?

Similar to a car, a standby generator requires a certain level of upkeep and maintenance to ensure that it will work properly if the need arises for it. For most residential services, GenSet 1 recommends, at minimum, a yearly service. If your generator runs for more than 250 hours in a calendar year it is highly recommend to get a second service spaced 6 months from the previous one.

Furthermore, if your generator is intended for use at an emergency service facility, a more customized and frequent service plan is likely required. Feel free to reach out to us for more information on what this might look like.

What are the costs involved in maintaining a stand by generator?

The two main costs associated with maintaining a standby generator are the annual service and the eventual need for battery replacement.

The typical cost for annual service is $200-$300, but can be more depending on what kind of generator you have.

On average, a battery can cost between $150-$300, dependent on your specific generator. You should expect to replace your battery every 3-4 years.

What is involved with an annual service?

Generally speaking, annual maintenance includes:

• oil change (oil and filter)

• engine tune-up

• battery and battery charger testing

• voltage output testing

• governor test and resetting

• software updates

• checking wiring and other moving parts for tightness and functionality

• oil leak checking

• valve adjustments

• controller programming

How long will my generator last?

The typical generator lifespan is 1500-3000 hours. For most residential use cases, this amounts to 20-40 years based on average use and course making sure to keep up with your maintenance schedule!

What happens if I don't keep up with yearly maintenance?

Unfortunately, the most likely scenario in avoiding maintenance is the failure to provide power to your home in the unexpected time that you have a power outage.

Failure to have your generator inspected with some regularity by a professional can lead to larger problems that could cost your much more down the road as well. Listed above is what is included in an annual service and it does involve a lot! If these typical maintenance issues are not addressed, it is highly likely that your generator will fail prematurely and not serve you in your time of need.

What happens if I keep up with my yearly maintenance but I still have an emergency failure?

Customers who keep up will regular services, will be prioritized for emergency services while those who fail to do so will likely not be.

Don't be left in the dark! Contact us today to get on our schedule.