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.

Virginia residents experience more power outages than the national average year-on-year. For example, households in the state went without electricity for almost six hours on average in 2019.

If you live in rural or suburban northern Virginia, generators might be a necessity. The area has a propensity for storms and somewhat unreliable coverage.

You’re thinking of getting an electric generator. Or you already have one.

Either way, it’s essential to know how to keep it in good working order. This will ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Read on for our guide to generator servicing, cleaning, maintenance, and repair.

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.

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How Generac Generators Keep Your Home Running

By Vance Electric • February 28, 2025

Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.