Keeping your electric generator in working condition is vital. Here are some upkeep tips to make sure your generator is ready when you need it most.

Keep It Covered

When it comes to generator installation for the home, there’s a straightforward trick that’s guaranteed to extend the life of your machine. Put a cover on it!

If a generator sits in a garage, shed, or, worse, outside exposed to the elements, its condition will deteriorate. It will accumulate a damaging build-up of dust, dirt, and even mold. Over time, this debris could work its way into the internals of your generator.

You can buy generator covers from almost any hardware or store or big-box retailer. If you have a tarp or car cover lying around, you can also use that. Just make sure whatever you use is weatherproof or water-resistant and is well secured to the machine.



So, keep your generator covered, or you’ll be frantically Google searching “generator repair near me” in no time.

Backup Filters, Spark Plugs, and Fuel

Do you own a portable generator? Do you have a permanent machine installed on your property? When it comes to generator upkeep, it pays to be prepared.

You should always have a small stock of gasoline, air and oil filters, and spark plugs at the ready.

For one, you never know when you’re going to have a power outage. You need fuel to add to your generator in an emergency. Likewise, you don’t want to be caught short when your generator needs filter or spark plug changes.

You’ll compromise the longevity of your generator if you don’t notice these critical repairs. And that's at about 200 hours of run-time between changes.



Get a service professional to walk you through the job if you’re brand new to changing filters or spark plugs. Those in Northern Virginia can reach out to VANCELECTRIC. For other areas, search “generator servicing near me” to find reputable companies.

Always Empty the Tank

Here’s another super easy but critical generator maintenance tip: never leave the tank even a tiny bit full of gas.

The longer your machine sits idle, specific components in the fuel will evaporate away, leaving gum deposits. Over time, these sticky deposits can hinder the performance of your generator. 

It can even be dangerous. Trapped, flammable gases can accumulate in the empty tank. They release in a rush the next time you unscrew the cap.

Whether you’re looking for “Generac dealers near me” or have another brand of generator, you need to drain the tank of fuel after every use.

Step-by-step, it looks like this:

• Opening the gas tank cap
• Remove any plastic covering the fuel lines
• Switch off the fuel valve and unclip the fuel line
• Feed the fuel valve tube into a bowl or container
• Switch on the fuel valve



The fuel will drain into the container, where you can later add it to a fuel canister for storage. Don’t forget to reconnect the fuel line and put all the lids, covers, and caps back in their place. You can also release the excess gas from your carburetor at the same time.

Keep It Running

Think of a professional athlete. They need to train all the time to become a champion. Generators also need regular "training" to maintain their peak performance.

If you’re not using your generator, you need to switch it on from time to time. This way, you can assess what needs repair or maintenance before it conks out.

After all, you don’t want to have invested all that money in an emergency generator only to find it’s not working when a big storm hits.

Before you fire up your generator, give the outside a thorough cleaning. And make sure you start it outside or in a well-ventilated indoor area to avoid breathing in any unhealthy fumes.



Are you looking for a more permanent solution to manage outages better? Type “generator installation near me” or “generators in Northern VA” into Google. You’ll find excellent options for installing small or large on-site generators.

Know the Wattage

This might seem like a novice tip, but you’ll be surprised by how many owners of electric generators fail to check the voltage their machine can handle.

The starting wattage rating refers to how much wattage the generator puts out when it started. This is over a short amount of time, and you can generally ignore this figure.



The running rating is the most important figure to pay attention to. This shows you how much wattage your generator puts out while it’s in use. Make sure the wattage is enough for the devices you want to power with your generator.

Check the Oil Levels

Like your car, generators need their oil checked. It doesn't matter whether you’re investing in Generac generator installation or any other brand. In fact, low oil levels account for most of the repair issues related to these hardy machines. Any gasoline motor will overheat without enough oil.



Make it a habit to check and change the oil on your generator. This means within the first 30 hours for a new generator, then after that, every 100 hours. And like spark plugs and filters, make sure you always have fresh oil on hand.

Maintaining Your Electric Generator

Every electric generator needs maintenance, whether you own a Generac or any other brand of machine.

If you’re not sure how, when, or where to service your generator, reach out to a company specializing in generator installation in Northern VA. They’ll review your generator and tell you what needs to be replaced, repaired, or cleaned. (And do it for you, of course.)



If you’re in Northern Virginia, contact VANCELECTRIC. They’ll help you with everything. This includes new generator purchases, generator installation, and generator maintenance.