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.

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