Living in the Charleston region means being prepared for hurricane season and the power outages that often follow. Your backup generator is only as reliable as its maintenance, and when storm clouds gather, you want to know it'll start without hesitation.
Don't wait for the next storm warning to discover your generator isn't working. Call (843) 258-8699 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a professional inspection.
When the power goes out across Berkeley County or Mount Pleasant, a well-maintained generator can mean the difference between comfort and chaos. Your refrigerator stays cold, your air conditioning keeps running, and your family remains safe. However, generators that sit unused for months can develop problems, leaving you in the dark when you need backup power most.
Why Generator Maintenance Matters in the Lowcountry
The humid climate in North Charleston and surrounding areas creates unique challenges for backup power systems. Moisture can corrode electrical connections, and long periods between uses can cause fuel to degrade. A generator that worked perfectly last year might fail to start this storm season without proper care.
Regular maintenance catches small issues before they become expensive repairs. It also extends the life of your equipment and ensures your investment provides reliable backup power for years to come. Most generator failures during emergencies result from neglected maintenance rather than equipment failure.
Monthly Generator Maintenance Tasks
Even during the off-season, your generator needs attention. These monthly checks take less than 30 minutes and can prevent major problems.
Visual Inspection
Walk around your generator and look for obvious problems:
- Check for loose wires, corrosion, or damaged connections
- Look for signs of animal nests or insect activity around and inside the unit
- Inspect the fuel lines for cracks, leaks, or wear
- Examine the battery terminals for corrosion (white or green buildup)
- Verify that all protective covers and panels are secure
After your visual check, start the generator and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes under a load. This keeps the engine parts lubricated and prevents fuel from deteriorating in the system. Running your generator regularly also helps identify problems while you have time to fix them.
Quarterly Deep Maintenance
Every three months, your generator needs more thorough attention. These tasks go beyond basic inspection and address the systems that keep your unit running smoothly.
Oil and Filter Changes
Just like your car, your generator needs fresh oil to protect its engine. Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil type and change interval. In the humid Charleston area, oil can break down faster than in drier climates. Most residential generators need an oil change every 50 to 100 hours of operation or at least once per year.
When changing the oil, always replace the oil filter as well. A clogged filter can't remove contaminants from the oil, which leads to engine wear. This is a straightforward task for handy homeowners, but if you're not comfortable with it, professional generator maintenance ensures it's done correctly.
Air Filter Inspection
Your generator's air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. A dirty air filter restricts airflow and reduces performance. Remove the air filter and hold it up to a light. If you can't see light passing through it clearly, it's time for a replacement. In dusty conditions or after nearby construction, you may need to check this more frequently.
Battery Testing
The battery provides the power to start your generator when an outage occurs. Even if your generator starts fine, the battery may be weakening. Test the battery voltage with a multimeter – it should read around 12.6 volts when fully charged. Clean any corrosion from the terminals using a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Check that the connections are tight and secure.
Pre-Storm Season Preparation
Before hurricane season arrives in full force, schedule a comprehensive inspection. This is the time to address any issues you've noticed during your monthly checks and ensure every system is ready.
Fuel System Check
If your generator runs on propane, verify that your tank has adequate fuel for several days of operation. For natural gas units, confirm that your service is active and there are no leaks in the lines. Gasoline-powered generators require special attention – fuel can degrade in as little as 30 days without a stabilizer. If your generator has been sitting with old fuel, drain the tank and carburetor, then refill with fresh fuel treated with stabilizer.
Transfer Switch Testing
The transfer switch is what safely connects your generator to your home's electrical system. Test it to make sure it engages properly and that all circuits receive power as expected. This component is critical for safety, as it prevents electricity from flowing back into power lines and potentially harming utility workers.
Load Testing
Start your generator and gradually add electrical load by turning on appliances and systems throughout your home. This confirms that your unit can handle the demand when you need it most. Listen for unusual sounds, watch for excessive smoke, and verify that the generator maintains steady power output.
What to Stock Before Storm Season
Having the right supplies on hand means you can maintain your generator without leaving home during severe weather. Keep these items in your garage or storage area:
- Extra oil (the type specified in your owner's manual)
- Spare air filters and oil filters
- Fuel stabilizer for gasoline units
- Basic tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, socket set)
- Work gloves and safety glasses
- A funnel and oil pan for changes
- Battery terminal cleaner and protectant spray
Store these items in a clearly labeled container near your generator. When a storm is approaching Goose Creek or the Charleston metropolitan area, you won't have time to search for supplies.
Signs Your Generator Needs Professional Attention
Some maintenance tasks require professional expertise. Call for service if you notice:
- The generator fails to start after multiple attempts
- You smell fuel or see fuel leaks anywhere on the unit
- The engine runs roughly, sputters, or stalls frequently
- You hear grinding, knocking, or other unusual noises
- The generator produces excessive smoke
- Circuit breakers trip repeatedly when running specific appliances
These symptoms often indicate problems that worsen quickly without proper repair. Attempting complex repairs yourself can void your warranty or create safety hazards.
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
The key to reliable backup power is consistency. Create a simple calendar that tracks when you complete each maintenance task. Set phone reminders for monthly visual inspections and test runs. Schedule your quarterly deep maintenance for the same week each season – many homeowners choose the first week of each quarter to make it easy to remember.
Document everything you do. Note the date, what you checked or replaced, and any observations about how the generator performed. This record helps identify patterns and provides valuable information if you need professional service. It's also useful if you sell your home, as it demonstrates responsible ownership to potential buyers.
The Cost of Neglect
Skipping maintenance might seem like a way to save time or money, but the opposite is true. A generator that fails during an outage can lead to spoiled food, uncomfortable living conditions, and even safety concerns for family members who rely on medical equipment. Emergency repairs during storm season cost significantly more than routine maintenance, and parts may be difficult to find when everyone's generator fails at once.
Regular care costs a fraction of what you'd spend replacing a generator that failed prematurely. Most residential backup generators are designed to last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, but neglected units often fail within 5 to 10 years.
Schedule Your Generator Maintenance Today
Storm season doesn't wait, and neither should your generator maintenance. Whether you handle basic monthly checks yourself or prefer comprehensive professional service, the time to act is now. Our team at Charleston Electric & Air understands the unique challenges that Charleston-area homeowners face, and we're here to help ensure your backup power system is ready when you need it most.
Don't let a preventable problem leave your family without power during the next outage. Call (843) 258-8699 or contact us online to schedule your generator maintenance service today.