Why Regular Generator Maintenance Is Non-Negotiable
You invested in a standby generator to keep your home or business running when the power goes out—but that’s only part of the equation. To ensure it works when you need it most, your generator must be properly maintained.
At Synergy Standby Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how overlooked maintenance leads to failure at the worst times—whether it’s a stormy night or a mid-week business rush. The good news? With the proper service schedule and some basic know-how, you can keep your generator in top shape for years.
So, how often should you service your generator? Let’s break it down.
Manufacturer Guidelines: Your First Point of Reference
Every generator brand—Generac, Kohler, Cummins, and others—includes maintenance guidelines in the owner’s manual. These often include:
- Weekly self-tests
- Monthly visual inspections
- Quarterly system checks
- Annual full-service maintenance
While self-tests are automatic for most modern units, deeper maintenance must be performed by a qualified technician. Suppose you’re not sure where your generator stands. In that case, Synergy Standby Solutions can inspect and advise on what’s needed based on usage, age, and fuel type.
General Generator Maintenance Schedule (Residential & Commercial)
Here’s a basic timeline to follow if you want to stay ahead of unexpected issues:
🔄 Monthly
- Check fluid levels (oil, coolant)
- Inspect battery connections
- Look for leaks, corrosion, or debris
- Run a brief manual test (if not automated)
🧰 Quarterly (Every 3 Months)
- Inspect belts, hoses, and filters
- Clean air intake and exhaust areas
- Check fuel lines and sediment
- Verify control panel readings
🛠️ Biannual (Every 6 Months)
- Load test the generator (especially for commercial systems)
- Replace air/oil filters (if needed)
- Inspect automatic transfer switch (ATS)
- Check fluid viscosity and fuel quality
🔧 Annually
- Complete oil and filter change
- Spark plug and battery inspection/replacement
- Coolant flush (as needed)
- Comprehensive system diagnostics
- Update firmware or software (for newer models)
At Synergy, we offer custom maintenance plans for both residential and commercial clients. So you don’t have to remember all of this yourself.
Signs Your Generator May Need Immediate Service
Even if you’re following a maintenance schedule, your generator may show signs that something’s wrong. Don’t ignore these red flags:
- Trouble starting or long startup delay
- Unusual noises or vibrations
- Exhaust smoke or fuel smells
- Warning lights on the control panel
- Power fluctuations or shutdown during operation
If you notice any of the above, it’s time to call in the experts. Our 24/7 service team is always ready to respond across the San Antonio region.
Why Preventative Maintenance Saves You Money
Neglecting generator maintenance can lead to the following:
- Costly emergency repairs
- Shortened equipment lifespan
- Void manufacturer warranties
- Downtime during critical events
By staying ahead of issues, you reduce the risk of catastrophic failure and avoid the higher cost of reactive repairs.
At Synergy Standby Solutions, we offer flexible service contracts that include regular check-ups, oil changes, load testing, and emergency response coverage—all tailored to your unit type and usage frequency.
What’s Included in a Synergy Generator Service Appointment?
Whether you’re scheduling a one-time inspection or enrolling in a preventative maintenance plan, our standard service includes the following:
✅ Full system inspection (engine, transfer switch, control panel)
✅ Oil and filter changes
✅ Battery and connection check
✅ Fuel system inspection (including polish if needed)
✅ Load bank testing (commercial only)
✅ test and reporting
We service Generac, Kohler, and other top brands and provide warranty-compliant care.
Keep Your Generator Ready—Always
When the power goes out, your generator should be the last thing you worry about. Let Synergy Standby Solutions keep your system running at peak performance with expert maintenance you can count on.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a service appointment or learn more about our preventative maintenance plans.
Stay powered. Stay prepared. Stay protected—with Synergy.
