Keeping your generators up and running.
Automated Home Generators is dedicated to maintaining your Air-cooled or Liquid-cooled generator to its peak performance and factory specifications with our quality generator services. Once you become a client of Automated Home Generators, we will remind you on an annual basis to make an appointment to service your home generator. We provide services every step of the way, from new generator installations to preventative maintenance and repair services.
We specialize in a variety of generator services, including:
DIY Repairs
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Generator Repairs
Preventive Maintenance
Are you prepared to handle a power outage?
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance and service are typically done on a schedule based upon engine hours and/or time periods. The maintenance cycle can—and should—be adapted to meet specific application needs.
One way to ensure a long, reliable operating life is to implement a preventive maintenance (PM) program.
The average life expectancy of a well-maintained service vehicle is approximately 5,000 hours (assuming 300,000 miles at 60 mph). However, a typical standby generator set can last from 10,000 to 30,000 hours. On the other hand, a standby generator might operate as little as 26 hours a year (based on only 30 minutes of weekly exercise and no outages). Alternatively, it might operate as much as several hundred hours a year. This will depend upon the number and duration of power outages. In either case, a standby generator set could conceivably last 20 to 30 years. One way to ensure a long, reliable operating life is to implement a preventive maintenance (PM) program.
What plays into how often I should check my generator?
The more hours per year a unit operates, the more frequently it will require service. Environment also plays a role. The more severe the environment (dusty, hot or cold, humid, etc.), the more frequent the need for service may be.
At a minimum, a good visual inspection should be done on a monthly basis, as well as after any extended generator run times.
Basic tips for homeowners
- Maintain general cleanliness of the generator and its surroundings. In an enclosed unit, make sure there are no rodents trying to take up residence.
- Check the oil level when the unit isn’t running. If the generator has been running, wait for 10 minutes after it shuts down to check the oil level (this allows all of the oil in the engine to drain back into the sump). Maintain the oil level as close to the full mark as possible without overfilling.
Weekly Maintenance
Here’s a handy checklist to help guide you as you work to maintain your standby generator(s). So, be sure to take note of the frequency recommendations for these maintenance activities:
- Make sure your generator exercises (typically no-load, automatic transfer switch exercise cycle).
- Verify that the unit ran and has no alarms or warnings.
- Ensure adequate fuel levels.
- Ensure that the generator is in “Auto” mode, for automatic startup.
- Check that the circuit breaker is closed.
- Make sure there are no fluid leaks.
Monthly Maintenance
- Check engine coolant and oil levels.
- Inspect the battery charger.
Annual Maintenance
Schedule maintenance with a certified technician.
- Firstly, change oil and filter.
- Change the fuel and filters.
- Clean the crankcase breather.
- Change spark plugs.
- Check coolant concentration.
- Flush the cooling system (as needed).
- Perform load bank testing.
- Fuel testing & reconditioning (diesel-fueled units only).
- Remove water from fuel tank (diesel-fueled units only).
- Double-check voltages and adjust if needed.
- Look into Electrical connections.
- Check exercise and set at requested day/time.
- Inspect generator and transfer switch for loose connections, dirt, any abnormalities, debris and check for any liquid or propane leaks.
- Lastly, clean and inspect battery – load test & voltage test battery.
