When the power goes out, your generator should be ready to turn on without hesitation. At Swaim Electric, we’ve seen firsthand how proper care makes all the difference—which is why we’re sharing these generator maintenance tips to help homeowners avoid unexpected failures during outages. Regular maintenance protects your investment, keeps your family comfortable, and ensures your backup power system performs exactly as it should. If you want help making sure your generator is outage-ready, call us today at (336) 233-2341 to schedule service.
Why Generator Maintenance Matters
Standby generators are designed to provide reliable power when the grid goes down, but they’re still mechanical systems that require ongoing care. Without routine attention, generators can fail to start, shut down mid-outage, or struggle to support essential appliances.
Consistent whole home generator maintenance helps identify small issues before they become major problems. It also extends the lifespan of your generator, improves efficiency, and gives you confidence that your system will be there when you need it most—especially during severe weather or extended outages.
Common Causes of Generator Failure During Outages
Many generator failures happen for preventable reasons. Over the years, we’ve found that the most common issues include:
- Weak or dead batteries
- Dirty air filters or old oil
- Fuel problems, including contamination or pressure issues
- Lack of testing and exercise cycles
- Missed inspections or overdue servicing
The good news is that regular upkeep can prevent generator failure during outages and eliminate most of these risks.
Essential Generator Maintenance Tips for Homeowners
Inspect Your Generator Regularly
We recommend visual inspections every month. Look for leaks, corrosion, loose connections, or debris around the unit. Keeping the area clean and unobstructed allows proper airflow and cooling.
Test the System Monthly
Running your generator regularly ensures it’s ready when needed. Automatic exercise cycles are helpful, but manual testing allows you to listen for unusual sounds or warning alerts.
Take Care of the Battery
Battery issues are one of the top reasons generators fail. Check battery connections, look for corrosion, and replace aging batteries before they lose reliability.
Change Oil and Filters on Time
Clean oil and filters are critical to performance. Skipping oil changes can lead to engine wear, overheating, or shutdowns during long outages.
Follow a Generator Maintenance Checklist
A simple generator maintenance checklist can help you stay organized and avoid missed steps. This should include inspections, testing, oil changes, and professional servicing.
How to Maintain a Standby Generator Year-Round
Homeowners often ask us how to maintain a standby generator properly. The answer is consistency. Maintenance shouldn’t only happen when storm season approaches.
Creating a home generator maintenance schedule ensures your system is checked and serviced throughout the year. Monthly tests, seasonal inspections, and annual professional service work together to keep everything running smoothly.
Schedule Generator Service Before Power Outages
One of the best ways to stay prepared is to schedule generator service before power outages are expected. Waiting until after a storm can mean longer wait times or discovering problems when it’s already too late.
Routine pre-season service helps confirm fuel supply, electrical connections, software updates, and overall system health—giving you peace of mind before severe weather arrives.
When Professional Generator Service Is Needed
While homeowners can handle basic inspections, professional service is essential for deeper system checks. Annual tune-ups allow us to evaluate performance, test safety features, and identify wear that may not be visible.
Relying on professional generator maintenance services ensures your generator meets manufacturer recommendations and is prepared for extended runtimes during outages.
How Swaim Electric Can Help With Your Generator Needs
At Swaim Electric, we specialize in reliable backup power solutions for homeowners. Our team provides comprehensive generator services, including:
- Preventative maintenance and inspections
- Troubleshooting and repairs
- Whole-home generator installation and replacement
- Ongoing service plans tailored to your system
We understand how critical backup power is, and we’re committed to helping families stay safe, comfortable, and connected—no matter what’s happening outside.
Stay Ready With the Right Generator Maintenance Tips
Reliable backup power starts with preparation. By following these generator maintenance tips and scheduling regular service, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns and ensure your generator is ready when outages strike. Don’t wait until the lights go out to find a problem.
Call Swaim Electric at (336) 233-2341 today to schedule generator maintenance or learn how we can help protect your home with dependable backup power.