Your Generator Is Only Reliable If You Maintain It
A standby generator sits idle for most of the year — then needs to perform flawlessly the moment the power goes out, often during a Central New York winter storm. The only way to guarantee it starts when you need it is consistent maintenance. Use this checklist to keep your generator in peak condition year-round.
Weekly (Automatic)
Most automatic standby generators are programmed to run a self-test once a week — typically for 12 minutes under load. This keeps the engine lubricated, charges the battery, and alerts you to issues before an outage. Make sure this self-test is enabled and listen for it to confirm it's running normally.
- ✅ Confirm weekly exercise cycle ran (listen for it or check the generator's display)
- ✅ Look for any new warning lights or fault codes on the control panel
- ✅ Quick visual check — no visible leaks, debris, or pest activity around the unit
Monthly
- ✅ Inspect the generator enclosure for debris, leaves, or nesting animals (common in Upstate NY)
- ✅ Check coolant and oil levels (liquid-cooled units)
- ✅ Verify the battery condition indicator (weak batteries are the #1 cause of no-start failures)
- ✅ Confirm the fuel supply — propane tank level or natural gas shutoff is open
- ✅ Test the manual stop/start from the control panel
Annually (or Every 100–200 Hours of Runtime)
Annual service is the most critical maintenance interval. We recommend scheduling it in late summer or early fall — before the first major Upstate NY storm of the season.
- ✅ Oil and oil filter change — use the manufacturer-recommended oil grade (typically 5W-30 synthetic)
- ✅ Air filter inspection and replacement
- ✅ Spark plug inspection and replacement (air-cooled units)
- ✅ Battery load test and replacement if needed — batteries typically last 3–5 years
- ✅ Coolant inspection (liquid-cooled units) — flush and replace per manufacturer schedule
- ✅ Transfer switch inspection — test automatic transfer, inspect connections for corrosion
- ✅ Fuel system inspection — check gas lines, connections, and fuel filters
- ✅ Load bank test — run the generator under full rated load to verify output and uncover hidden issues
- ✅ Firmware/software update (if applicable to your control panel)
Every 2–3 Years
- ✅ Replace the battery regardless of condition
- ✅ Flush and replace coolant (liquid-cooled units)
- ✅ Inspect and re-torque all electrical connections
- ✅ Inspect the automatic transfer switch contacts for wear or arcing
Signs Your Generator Needs Service Now
Don't wait for the annual interval if you notice any of these:
- Generator fails to start during weekly exercise cycle
- Warning light or fault code on control panel
- Visible oil or coolant leak
- Unusual noise or vibration during operation
- Generator runs but transfer switch doesn't activate
- Propane tank runs low unexpectedly (could indicate a fuel leak or stuck-open regulator)
Schedule Your Annual Service in Central NY
Syracuse Generators provides maintenance and service for standby generators throughout Central New York, including Onondaga, Oswego, Cayuga, Madison, and surrounding counties. Contact us to schedule your annual service before the winter season — our service schedule fills up fast in September and October.