What Makes Guardian Home Generators Different?
We are fully trained, certified, and authorized to service, maintain, and repair Generac and Kohler whole home generators, ensuring top-tier expertise for every generator we handle. Every visit includes a full battery diagnostic scan, comprehensive system testing, detailed inspection of all major components, and a thorough cleaning inside and out. It is a meticulous, top-to-bottom approach designed to catch small issues before they become expensive problems and to ensure your generator is ready when it matters most.
⚡Guardian Home Generator Service: Attention to detail and more than just an oil change ⚡
Generator Service Explained: What We Do at 3, 6, & 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
Our preventative maintenance plans are designed to address both time-based wear and real-world operating conditions that affect standby generators throughout the year. We recommend a minimum of two service visits per year, four is ideal for maximum protection, along with your exercise plan.
- 3 month or 6 month focuses on inspection, testing, and early problem detection
- Annual Service provides full preventive maintenance and replacement of routine service parts
- Together, they keep your generator ready when it matters most
The 12-Month Service Visit: Full Preventive Maintenance
The Texas heat can be brutal on engines, oil, and batteries. The 12-month service is the comprehensive maintenance visit. This is when all required consumables are serviced and replaced. This service is ideally performed between 3 to 6 months for new installations (see below).
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 (additional fee)
- Full operational and load testing
The 3-Month or 6-Month Service Visits: Inspection, Testing, and Early Detection
The 3-Month and 6-month visits focus on inspection, testing, and prevention. These visits allow 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
- Inspect 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
Exercise and Break-in Period
Most standby generators default to a 5 to 20 minute weekly "no-load" exercise. That automated exercising confirms the unit will start and keeps the pistons and moving parts lubricated. However, your generator will not reach the sustained high temperatures needed to boil off condensation that naturally accumulates in the engine oil of a generator's engine.
While these engines are designed to tolerate some moisture, long-term buildup can lead to internal corrosion and reduced lubrication efficiency.
| Frequency | What | How/Why? (see below for more detailed instructions) |
|---|---|---|
| First 3-6 Months | 25 Hour Break-In | Target 25 hours of runtime within 3 to 6 months. (see below for complete details) |
| Monthly | 1-Hour Manual Run | Run the engine at idle for 1 hour to help evaporate internal condensation |
| Quarterly | 1-Hour Load Test | Running under load causes the engine to work at speed, generating even more heat to further “dry” the oil. This also tests your entire system, including the ATS |
| When Possible | 2-3 Hour Deep Run | Longer runs of 2, 3, or more hours or more during “manual” or “under load” exercises help reach or exceed the 25-hour target |
READ MORE: Proper Exercise and Break-In For Your Home Standby Generator
Why it Matters
Generators generally do not fail because they are unreliable. They most often fail because of neglect.
Manufacturers require documented maintenance for warranty coverage, and real-world experience shows that twice-annual or quarterly service significantly improves reliability compared to once-a-year inspections.
Guardian Home Generators is ready to Power Your Peace of Mind™
See Also:
Generac Break-in Guidelines
Generac Maintenance Recommendations
Kohler Maintenance Recommendations
