“Do backup generators need maintenance?” Absolutely. When the power goes out, your generator should kick in without missing a beat. But here’s the thing: like any dependable machine, it won’t stay that way without some regular care. Skipping maintenance might seem harmless, until it leaves you powerless when you need it most.
Why It’s Important
Think of your generator like a car that only runs when you really need it. Let it sit too long without a check-up or an oil change, and it won’t perform the way you expect. The U.S. Department of Energy points out that routine maintenance can help prevent common issues like fuel contamination, battery problems, and engine wear, all things that tend to go wrong right when you can’t afford it.
What Maintenance Involves
Most brands, like Generac, Kohler, and others, suggest the following basics:
- Fire it up once a month for 20–30 minutes to keep it active.
- Swap out the oil and filter every 100 hours or at least yearly.
- Keep an eye on the air filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
- Check battery health and connections regularly.
- Test the transfer switch so power shifts smoothly when needed.
And if you’ve got a natural gas or propane model, it’s smart to keep tabs on fuel pressure and clean out any carbon deposits.
How Often Should You Service It?
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommends a professional inspection at least once a year, even for units that rarely run. Use it more often? Then consider servicing every six months to be safe.
Can You Handle It Yourself?
Some upkeep, like monthly test runs or visual checks, is perfectly doable. But when it comes to changing the oil, checking batteries, or digging into the electrical systems, a professional is your best bet. That’s where CasPro steps in.
CasPro’s Got Your Back
We help homeowners and businesses make sure their backup power systems are ready for anything, because backup generators need maintenance to stay reliable. With our annual maintenance plans, you’ll get dependable service that’s easy to schedule, affordable, and one less thing to worry about.
Don’t wait until the next outage to think about it. Keep your generator in peak shape, and get peace of mind with CasPro. Call us today for a free quote!
