July 21, 2026
Generator Maintenance Best Practices for SC Storm Season
A standby generator is only useful if it starts, transfers, and holds load when the grid goes down. Here is the maintenance schedule we recommend for Lowcountry standby generators, both residential whole-home and commercial standby.
Weekly, automatic
Most standby generators self-exercise weekly. Confirm your unit is set to exercise and that no local ordinance has silenced it during quiet hours.
Monthly, by owner
- Confirm the exerciser ran and cleared without fault
- Check fuel level (propane tank percentage or diesel gauge)
- Visually inspect the enclosure for rodent nesting, moisture intrusion, or corrosion
- Verify the ATS is in Auto
Semi-annual, by licensed technician
- Change oil and filter if run-hours or the manufacturer schedule dictates
- Replace air filter
- Inspect and clean spark plugs (gas units) or fuel injectors (diesel)
- Check battery terminals and load-test the battery
- Verify ATS operation on a manual transfer
Annual, by licensed technician
- Full oil and coolant service
- Load bank test at nameplate rating for one to two hours
- Exercise all ATS positions and test emergency start on utility loss
- Verify remote monitoring is reporting and alerts are routing
- Documented written service report
Every three years
- Battery replacement (sooner if load test fails)
- Fuel polishing for diesel units
- Comprehensive engine inspection per manufacturer
Before hurricane season the calls come in fast. EmergenServe schedules Lowcountry generator maintenance year-round so your standby is ready before the first named storm forms. Call (843) 754-1671 to schedule.