Guardian Blog: Home Generator Resources

Generator Annual Maintenance and Service

Written by Brad Nash | Jun 2, 2025 4:15:00 AM

What Makes Guardian Home Generators Different?

We are fully trained, certified, and authorized to service, maintain, and repair Generac Kohler whole home generators, ensuring top-tier expertise for every unit we handle.  We go beyond the basic oil change by thoroughly cleaning the generator inside and out, showing a keen attention to detail. This dedication means homeowners receive not just a working generator, but one that’s maintained with thoroughness and local expertise.

 

Generator Service Explained: What We Do at 6 Months and 12 Months

Preventive and regular maintenance does not guarantee performance, but lack of maintenance will guarantee failure. Whole-home standby generators are reliable by design, but they are still working pieces of machinery.

The systems include an engine that requires proper lubrication and airflow, a fuel system that must ignite reliably, and batteries and control electronics that are affected by time, heat, moisture, and run hours.

The Bottom Line Up Front

Twice-annual service is designed to address both time-based wear and real-world operating conditions that affect standby generators throughout the year.

  • 6-Month Service focuses on inspection, testing, and early problem detection
  • 12-Month Service provides full preventive maintenance and replacement of routine service parts
  • Together, they keep your generator ready when it matters most

The 6-Month Service Visit: Inspection, Testing, and Early Detection

The 6-month visit is focused on inspection, testing, and prevention. This visit allows us to catch developing issues before they turn into failures, especially battery-related problems which are a leading cause of generator issues.

  • Comprehensive battery testing and terminal inspection
  • Visual inspection of fuel system, exhaust, and electrical connections
  • Inspection hoses and accessible engine components
  • Operational test to confirm proper startup and transfer
  • General condition assessment of the generator enclosure and pad
  • Inspect for rodents or insects that can cause damage to electrical components
  • Full cleaning to reduce dust and debris from entering the system

The 12-Month Service Visit: Full Preventive Maintenance

The 12-month service is the comprehensive maintenance visit. This is when all required consumables are serviced and replaced.  And, this is required to ensure your warranty is not voided.

All of the services provided at 6 months PLUS

  • Engine oil and oil filter change
  • Air filter replacement
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Battery testing and inspection
  • Valve inspection
  • Valve lash adjustments if required (Premium plan only)
  • Full operational and load testing

Generators generally do not fail because they are unreliable. They fail because they are neglected.

Manufacturers require documented maintenance for warranty coverage, and real-world experience shows that twice-annual service significantly improves reliability compared to once-a-year inspections.

Guardian Home Generators is ready to Power Your Peace of Mind