Florida Generator Care Guide: How Often You Should Service It and Why

In Florida, we know firsthand the importance of a generator, as they are becoming increasingly essential, especially during hurricane season. Generators are valuable tools for both safety and comfort during power outages or storms. However, with this convenience comes the commitment of consistent upkeep and maintenance. Otherwise, you risk safety hazards, reduced efficiency, or breakdowns at a time when you need it the most. 

Nobody wants to be stuck in a situation where they can’t use their space for days at a time, despite the investment it took to install a generator. Don’t wait until the next storm to realize it needs to be serviced! The following guide can help you to better understand proper generator care, including when and why to service it. 

Why Regular Generator Maintenance Matters

Skipping maintenance is easy to do when you get busy or there’s a drought. But as soon as that first storm of the season hits, that extra step could mean the difference between having power and being left in the dark. Having a generator isn’t enough on its own; it’s up to you to care for it to ensure its reliability. Regular maintenance is also critical for extending your generator's lifespan, preventing costly repairs, and allowing it to run at maximum efficiency, ultimately saving fuel. 

Maintenance isn’t just for your comfort; it also contributes to the safety of your space. Extra attention helps reduce the risk of fire, carbon monoxide leaks, or additional hazards that could turn your generator from helpful to harmful. A professional inspection covers all the necessary areas, including the engine, fuel supply, battery, cooling, and exhaust systems that contribute to its functionality.

How Often To Service Your Generator

So, when exactly should you service your generator? Service intervals depend on the size, model, and fuel type of your product, as well as how often you use it. A typical rule-of-thumb is as follows:  

Portable Generators & Standby/Home Backup Generators: At Least Once A Year

• Portable generators typically run less frequently. However, even if rarely used, annual service is still required to keep the oil fresh, the filters clean, and the fuel from going stale.
• Standby generators are typically your go-to backup systems. Getting them serviced once a year before storm season or winter is the perfect time to check their oil, battery, and system readiness in case of an emergency.

Commercial or Industrial Generators: Annual Comprehensive Servicing With Quarterly Inspections

• Higher usage and heavier loads by these types of generators require more frequent monitoring, especially to comply with safety regulations.

It is always a good idea to check the manufacturer's manual for instructions based on the producer's recommendations. 

Your Checklist For Essential Generator Maintenance Tasks

Your generator is only as reliable as the care it receives. We’ve created a checklist of essential tasks to perform on a routine basis to help you keep track of exactly what your generator needs, so nothing slips between the cracks.

• Check and Change the Oil
• Inspect and Clean the Air Filter
• Check and Replace Spark Plugs
• Check the Battery
• Inspect Fuel and Fuel System
• Perform a Load Test

While some of these are simple, others require more tools than what you probably have at home. That means some maintenance is best handled by a professional, such as Parker Services. 

Trust Parker Services For Your Generator Care

At Parker Services, we offer a range of generator services from installations to repairs to replacements. Being family-owned and operated in Tallahassee for over 30 years, we know the importance of safety and comfort in your space, even when our climate or power grid issues cause trouble. To schedule your generator maintenance, call us or visit our website today, and we will send one of our trusted experts to assist you!