Tips for Home Generator Maintenance
Following the right tips for home generator maintenance is one of the best things homeowners can do to make sure their backup power is ready when they need it most.
As a premier solar power company, we at TerraSol are dedicated to providing you and your family with safe, affordable, and earth-friendly power. We know all about alternative sources to provide you with energy when you need it most.
High on this list are home generators. Installed using gas or propane, a generator gives you a guaranteed source of power when your initial source is at risk or out.
A generator is quick to respond and can power all items in your home. Because they’re located outside and open to some elements, though, a good home generator requires some regular maintenance. Let’s look at a few of the simplest items on the checklist.
A well-maintained backup generator is your household’s safety net during power outages — but like any piece of equipment, it only performs when it's been properly cared for. Most generators that fail during an outage do so because of neglected routine maintenance, not mechanical defects.
Taking just a few minutes each season to inspect and exercise your unit can dramatically extend its lifespan and reliability. (Related: A Strategic Guide to Residential Energy Storage To Save More)
Tips for Home Generator Maintenance: Regular Checks and Records
Our generators are meant to withstand the elements, but it's still a good idea to check them on a seasonal basis — we recommend spring and fall in most cases, to give you time for any repairs to be done away from the most extreme weather patterns.
Corrosion and bits of dirt may find their way into parts of the generator, and leaves or other debris may need to be removed as well.
When you’re checking your generator, make sure you document its condition each time. This will allow you to provide accurate information in the event it ever needs professional service, plus will help you recall important details next time around.
During each check, take a few minutes to inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if needed. Check warning lights on the control panel and consult your owner's manual if any are active — addressing potential issues early is far less costly than emergency repairs during an outage.
Also, inspect the air filter and oil filter: a clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing performance, while a dirty oil filter can accelerate engine wear. Both are straightforward to replace and are a key part of any routine maintenance checklist.
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While you're at it, check the engine oil level. Most generators require oil changes after a set number of operating hours — refer to your manual for the recommended interval. Fresh new oil keeps the engine running smoothly and helps protect internal components from heat and friction.
Always drain the old oil completely before adding new oil, and dispose of used engine oil responsibly.
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Run it Periodically
Your generator will start automatically if power goes out, but it’s good to run it once every few months just to make sure things are working correctly. You can even do this during your maintenance checks, though a bit more often than this is advisable.
This process — known as regular testing or exercise — keeps the engine components lubricated, the battery charged, and the fuel system primed. When you exercise your generator, let it run under load for at least 20–30 minutes to bring it up to operating temperature.
Listen for strange noises, watch for warning lights, and check the charge rate of the battery to confirm the charging system is functioning.
Regular testing is the single most effective way to keep your generator running smoothly and catch potential issues before they become real problems during an emergency.
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Also, check your transfer switch during regular testing. The transfer switch allows your backup generator to safely power your home without backfeeding electricity into utility lines—a serious safety risk for utility workers.
If the transfer switch doesn't engage properly, your generator may not deliver backup power to your home even when it's running.
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Safe Storage
Store all equipment in a dry, well-ventilated location. During tougher months with lots of moisture, do your best to cover the generator however you can.
If your generator runs on gas, be mindful of how fuel is stored. Old or stale gas can clog the carburetor and prevent the engine from starting when you need it most. Use a fuel stabilizer if the generator will be sitting unused for more than 30 days, or drain the fuel system entirely before long-term storage.
Propane-powered generators have an advantage here — propane has an indefinite shelf life and doesn't degrade the way gas does, making it a reliable fuel choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance backup power solution.
Keeping the area around your generator clear of debris, leaves, and overgrown vegetation also supports proper airflow and reduces the risk of overheating. Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from vents and cooling fins during your seasonal checks. A clean unit runs cooler, works more efficiently, and has a longer lifespan.
Expert Assistance
If there are any additional issues, or even if you just want a professional eye to make sure you’re on the right track, using a reputable service provider like TerraSol is the only way to go. Don’t waste your money on services that aren’t qualified to service your home.
Want to learn more about generators, residential solar power, or any of our other services? The experts at TerraSol are standing by.
A home generator is a smart safety net — but pairing it with a solar energy system and battery storage takes your backup power to another level entirely. Unlike a generator that depends on gas or propane, a solar-plus-storage system keeps your home powered silently, cleanly, and with zero fuel costs.
TerraSol Energies has been helping homeowners across PA, NJ, and DE design reliable energy solutions since 2009 — and that's the best of all tips for home generator maintenance: knowing when it's time to upgrade to something even better. Rest easy knowing your family and home are covered. Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to maintain a home generator?
To maintain a home generator, run it for 20 minutes monthly to keep parts lubricated. Regularly check oil, coolant, and battery terminals. Replace air filters, spark plugs, and oil every 100 hours of use, and schedule an annual professional inspection to ensure it’s ready for an outage.
What is the 80% rule for generators?
The 80% rule states you should only draw up to 80% of your generator’s maximum wattage capacity. Leaving a 20% power buffer prevents overloads when motor-driven appliances (like HVAC systems or refrigerators) require sudden, massive surges of “starting watts" to turn on.
What is the 20-20-20 rule for generators?
The 20-20-20 rule is a standard safety and maintenance guideline: keep the generator at least 20 feet from your home's doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, keep it at least 20 feet from combustible materials, and run the generator for 20 minutes every month.
What is the most common problem with generators?
The single most common reason a standby generator fails to start is a dead battery. Over time, generator starter batteries lose their charge, suffer from corroded terminals, or experience charger failures. Other frequent culprits include stale fuel, clogged fuel lines, and low oil levels.
