Why Generator Maintenance Matters
A home or commercial standby generator is one of those pieces of equipment that either works when you need it or does not - there is no middle ground. Regular maintenance is the difference between a generator that fires up the moment the grid goes down and one that sits silent while your family sits in the dark. This guide walks through the step-by-step process we use at ARK Generators to keep Generac, Kohler, and every other major brand ready for every Texas storm.
Step 1: Annual Visual Inspection
Every maintenance cycle starts with a walk-around inspection. Our technicians check the enclosure for rust, dents, or pest intrusion; verify the generator is level on its pad; and confirm nothing has grown up around the unit that would block airflow or become a trip hazard. In the Greater Houston Area, fire ants and wasps like to build inside generator enclosures - so we always check for that.
Step 2: Oil and Filter Change
Most home standby generators need an oil change annually or after a set number of running hours. We drain the used oil, replace the oil filter with the manufacturer's specified OEM part, and refill with the correct viscosity oil. Using the wrong oil viscosity in Texas summer heat can cause premature wear - this is one of the most common mistakes we see on DIY-serviced generators.
Step 3: Air Filter and Spark Plug Check
Air filters restrict airflow when they get dirty, which causes the engine to run richer and eventually lose power. We inspect and replace as needed. Spark plugs are checked for wear, gap, and proper torque - replacement intervals vary by manufacturer, typically every 2 to 3 years for a residential unit.
Step 4: Battery Test and Terminals
The most common reason a generator fails to start is a dead battery. We perform a full load test on the battery, not just a surface voltage check, and clean any corrosion off the terminals. A battery that tests weak gets replaced, because a battery that barely starts in April is a battery that will not start in August heat.
Step 5: Fuel System and Hose Inspection
For natural gas units, we verify gas pressure at the regulator and check all hose connections for leaks with an electronic sniffer. For propane units, we verify tank level and line integrity. Diesel units get fuel filter replacement and fuel polishing if contamination is found.
Step 6: Automatic Transfer Switch Exercise
The transfer switch is what actually transfers your house onto generator power when the grid fails. We exercise the ATS under real load to verify it cycles properly, then read the controller fault log for any stored codes. A transfer switch that has not been exercised in a year may not operate when called on.
Step 7: Full Operational Run
Every service visit ends with a full operational run under load. We start the unit, watch it transition through startup, monitor vibration and noise, verify voltage and frequency output, and let it run long enough to reach operating temperature. Any abnormal indicators get investigated before we leave the site.
DIY vs. Professional Maintenance
Can you do some of this yourself? Technically yes - basic oil changes and visual inspections are within reach for mechanically inclined homeowners. But there are real reasons to use a professional service:
- Warranty compliance - Factory warranties typically require documented professional service to remain valid
- Gas safety - Fuel system work should be done with the right tools and training
- Electrical safety - Transfer switch and battery work involves significant voltage and current
- Diagnostic depth - Factory-trained technicians catch issues that visual inspections miss
Schedule Professional Maintenance With ARK
ARK Generators has been servicing home and commercial standby generators across the Greater Houston Area since 1979. We offer tiered maintenance plans (Silver, Gold, Platinum) to match your needs - see our maintenance packages page for details, or call (936) 441-4ARK to schedule your next service visit.