Houston’s heat, humidity and bugs make maintenance more important here, not less. A yearly visit catches the small stuff before it turns into a no-start in August.
What an annual service covers
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Oil and filter change | Clean oil protects the engine on long runs |
| Air filter and spark plugs | Keeps it starting and running clean |
| Battery load test | Batteries are the top cause of no-starts |
| Wiring, hoses, enclosure | Catches corrosion, ants and rodent damage |
| Gas pressure under load | Confirms the fuel supply keeps up |
| Controller and error log | Firmware, exercise schedule, past faults |
| Transfer switch test | Simulated outage, start to finish |
Pre-hurricane checklist
- Book service before June 1Techs get slammed once a storm shows up in the Gulf.
- Confirm Auto modeAnd that the weekly exercise runs.
- Clear the areaTrim plants and clear debris around the enclosure.
- Stock the right oilFor oil checks during a long outage.
- Top off propaneIf you’re on a tank.
- Test the app alertsMake sure notifications reach your phone.
During a long outage
Air-cooled units running for days need oil checks on the schedule in your manual. Ask your installer how often, and keep the right oil on hand. If an alert pops up, don’t ignore it.
Maintenance plans
Many local installers sell annual or twice-a-year plans with priority service after storms. Compare what’s included: parts, oil, battery, valve adjustments, and whether the plan keeps your warranty records in order.
Schedule a service visit
Get matched with a local technician for annual or pre-storm service.
Common questions
How often should a generator be serviced?
Most manufacturers call for yearly service under normal use, plus extra service after long run times like a multi-day outage. Your manual has the exact intervals.
What’s included in a maintenance visit?
Usually oil and filter, air filter and plug check, battery test, inspection of wiring and hoses, controller review, a transfer switch test and a run under load.