How to Maintain Your Whole-House Generator
Washington is no stranger to power outages, and those living in Kirkland, and surrounding areas know the importance of owning a whole-house generator.
Whole-house generators, also known as standby generators, are a reliable solution for keeping your home powered during outages. These systems are usually connected directly to your home’s electrical panel, providing automatic backup power when the utility service is disrupted.
Whether it’s preventing food from spoiling or keeping you warm on a cold winter night, owning a whole-house generator can be a lifesaver during an extended outage. And like a car or any other piece of machinery, you always want to be sure to properly maintain your generator so you can count on it when you need it most.
Our team at Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning always strives to provide you with the best solutions to keep you and your loved ones healthy, safe, and comfortable inside your home—which is why we have built this generator maintenance guide. We’ll cover:
- Read Your Owner’s Manual
- Exercise the Generator Regularly
- Monitor Oil Levels During Operation
- Replace Spark Plugs Every Two Years
- Inspect the Battery and Coolant
- Service After Extended Use
- Keep the Area Clean and Pest-Free
Maintaining Your Whole-House Generator
A whole-house generator can add tremendous value to your Kirkland home, especially if you live in an area struck with frequent power outages. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), power outages are costing the American economy about $150 billion a year.
Make it a priority to maintain this piece of equipment throughout the year. To ensure your generator is always ready when you need it most, follow these essential maintenance tips:
1. Read Your Generator’s Owner’s Manual
Before anything else, take the time to read your generator’s owner’s manual thoroughly. It outlines key specifications, maintenance intervals, and troubleshooting advice tailored to your specific model. Store it somewhere accessible—like near your generator or inside your electrical panel box—so you can reference it quickly in case of a warning light or issue.
2. Exercise the Generator Regularly
Running your generator for 10–15 minutes three to four times per month helps keep the internal components lubricated and functional. This simple task allows oil to circulate properly and gives you the chance to check for any unusual noises, error messages, or performance issues before an emergency strikes.
3. Monitor the Generator’s Oil Levels During Operation
When your generator is in use—especially during long outages—oil levels can drop quickly. Check the oil every 8 hours of runtime and top it off as needed. For safety and accuracy, turn off the generator and let it cool before checking the dipstick. During extended outages, make it a daily routine to shut the generator down and perform this quick inspection.
4. Replace Spark Plugs in a Generator Every Two Years
Spark plugs play a vital role in engine ignition. Over time, they can wear down or become dirty, which can affect performance or cause starting issues. To keep your generator running smoothly, replace the spark plugs at least once every two years, or sooner if your manufacturer recommends.
5. Inspect the Battery and Coolant of Your Generator
Your generator’s battery is essential for startup and should be inspected every 6–12 months. Look for corrosion on the terminals, check the voltage, and make sure the battery is securely mounted. Also, inspect coolant levels if your unit is liquid-cooled. Low coolant or leaks can lead to overheating and system failure.
6. Service Your Generator After Extended Use
Generators aren’t designed to run nonstop for days on end without professional inspection. If your generator runs for 48 continuous hours or more, contact Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a post-outage service check. We’ll ensure critical parts haven’t been overworked and can perform necessary maintenance to prevent future issues.
7. Keep the Area Clean and Pest-Free
Clear away leaves, branches, or debris around your generator’s housing to prevent airflow blockage or fire hazards. Regularly open the access panels and inspect for signs of rodents or insects, which can chew wires or build nests that interfere with operation. A clean, unobstructed environment helps your generator breathe and function properly.
Generator Tune-Ups and Inspections
We recommend scheduling two preventative maintenance visits a year with one of our professionals. You may not use the generator often, but you want to be sure it turns on right away when you do.
During a maintenance visit, we will check and refill fluids, change the spark plugs, change air and fuel filters, inspect the battery and wiring, flush the coolant system, and more.
Learn More About Whole-House Generator Maintenance
Whether you are in the market to purchase a new generator or already have one installed at your Kirkland home, you can count on Black Lion Heating & Air Conditioning to ensure you get the most value out of your investment. Call 425-814-3944 or request service online today to learn more about generators and the maintenance they need to power your life.