How Often Should My Standby Generator Be Serviced?
A standby generator is one of the best investments you can make for your home — but like any engine, it needs regular care to stay reliable. One of the most common questions we get from homeowners in Albany, Delmar, and across the Capital Region is:
“How often should my generator be serviced?”
The Short Answer: Once a Year
Generac and Briggs & Stratton both recommend annual service for residential standby generators. Just like your car, your generator has oil, filters, plugs, and batteries that need to be checked and replaced to ensure it’s ready when the power goes out.
Skipping service can lead to breakdowns, voided warranties, or worse — your generator not starting during a storm.
What’s Included in a Generator Maintenance Visit?
At Capital Region Generator Solutions, our maintenance plans include:
- Oil and filter change
- Spark plug replacement
- Air filter replacement
- Battery inspection and load test
- Firmware/software updates
- Load testing under power
- Transfer switch and wiring inspection
- General safety and gas line check
Signs Your Generator May Need Service Sooner
While yearly maintenance is the rule of thumb, call us right away if you notice:
- Warning lights or fault codes on your generator’s display
- Failure to start for a weekly self test
- Unusual noises during weekly test runs
- Failure to start automatically during an outage
- Excessive smoke or fuel smell
The Value of a Service Agreement
Many of our Albany-area customers choose an Annual Service Agreement for peace of mind. Plans include:
- One yearly maintenance visit
- Priority response during outages
- Discounted parts and labor
- Transferable coverage if you sell your home
- Mid-term check up
- Waived service call fees
It’s the easiest way to make sure your generator is always storm-ready.
The Bottom Line
Your standby generator should be serviced once every 12 months — or sooner if it reaches 200 hours of run time or shows signs of trouble. Regular care keeps your warranty valid, extends the life of your system, and ensures your family has power when you need it most.
Ready to Book Your Annual Service?
Capital Region Generator Solutions provides generator maintenance and repair services throughout Albany, Delmar, and the Capital Region. Our factory-trained technicians carry parts in stock and are available 24/7 for emergencies.
👉 Call (518) 478-4318 or schedule service online at www.capgens.com
