How Often Should You Get Your Generac Generator Serviced?
A standby generator is a quiet promise. When the grid drops during a Carolina thunderstorm, your lights come back up, your fridge keeps cooling, and the AC keeps running. That promise holds only if the generator gets the right service at the right time. If you own a Generac system in Charlotte, NC, the maintenance schedule is clear, but the “why” behind the schedule is just as important. In this guide, you will learn the service intervals that protect your warranty, the tasks that actually matter, and the local conditions that affect how often you should book Generac authorized service.
Ewing Electric Co. is a Generac-authorized dealer serving Charlotte and the surrounding neighborhoods: SouthPark, Ballantyne, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, Steele Creek, University City, Matthews, and Pineville. We install, repair, and maintain standby systems for homes that expect reliable backup during storm season and year-round outages. Here is the schedule we recommend based on Generac’s standards and what we see in the field.
The short answer
Most Generac air-cooled standby generators need professional service every 12 months or every 100–200 run hours, whichever comes first. A light-use home that sees one or two outages per year still needs annual service. A home that runs longer during summer storms or winter ice may need service at the shorter hour mark. Liquid-cooled and commercial-grade units follow similar logic but often use different intervals and larger oil capacities. Your service frequency should reflect the actual hours logged, the age of the unit, and Charlotte’s heat, humidity, pollen, and dust.
If you want a quick rule to avoid costly repairs: schedule Generac authorized service once per year, change the battery every 2–3 years, and replace the air filter every 12 months or sooner if you see heavy dust or pollen. Everything else gets checked during your annual visit.
Why the interval matters more in Charlotte
Our region’s grid sees stress during summer heat waves and winter ice. Many neighborhoods south of Uptown have buried lines and better reliability, while older areas near Plaza Midwood and NoDa may see more blinks and short outages. The unit does a weekly exercise run, which counts toward total hours. High heat in late July thickens oil and tests batteries. Pollen buildup in spring clogs air filters and radiator fins on liquid-cooled models. These local factors shift “annual” service closer to “annual plus a mid-year check” for homes with frequent storms or heavy tree cover.
Generators do not fail because they are used. They fail because small things get ignored. Loose battery terminals, stale fuel, a cracked air intake hose, or a weak starter can turn a storm evening into a long night. That is why service frequency is about prevention, not repair.
What “Generac authorized service” means
Generac authorized service is work performed by technicians trained and approved by Generac, using the correct diagnostic tools, firmware updates, and OEM parts. The service history ties to your serial number and protects warranty coverage. In practical terms, it means:
- Correct filters, plugs, and oil weight for your model and climate.
- Access to Generac’s technical bulletins and software updates.
- Live warranty support for covered repairs.
- Proper load testing procedures so the generator is proven under real conditions.
At Ewing Electric Co., we stick to Generac’s service checklists and supplement them with field checks we know catch issues early in Charlotte’s climate.
Understanding your service schedule by model and use
Air-cooled residential models in the 10–26 kW range are the most common in Charlotte. Liquid-cooled units appear on larger homes experienced generac installers or properties with high loads, long runs, or more sensitive equipment. The service rhythm shifts a little with each.
Air-cooled units: Plan for an annual visit or every 100–200 hours. Oil, oil filter, air filter, and spark plugs run on predictable cycles. The control board logs hours and errors. If your generator ran for several days after a hurricane remnant, you may hit the hours threshold before the calendar date. We suggest a mid-season check if you lost power multiple times in a year.
Liquid-cooled units: These systems handle longer outages better and run cooler under load. They still need annual service, plus coolant checks, hose inspections, and more thorough load testing. Many owners in Ballantyne and Myers Park opt for semi-annual inspections because these homes often place higher loads on the generator and expect near-flawless transfer.
Portable Generac units are outside the scope of standby schedules, but if you keep one for job sites or small backup, you should still follow the hour-based maintenance in the manual. We can service them, though most homeowners call us for standby systems.
The core tasks at each service visit
A proper Generac authorized service appointment is not a quick oil change. It is a full systems check. Here is what we perform during a standard annual service for most Charlotte homes.
Oil and filter change: Oil degrades with heat and time. We use the manufacturer-recommended weight. In Charlotte, summer heat can make a thicker oil a better choice for some models; we verify by serial number and manual. We replace the oil filter with an OEM part and check for metal in the old oil. Any glitter means extra diagnostics.
Air filter replacement and intake inspection: Pollen season coats filters in yellow dust. If you live near construction or on a gravel driveway, debris loads increase. A clean filter keeps the engine breathing and extends plug life. We also inspect the intake hose for cracks that could pull in unfiltered air.
Spark plugs and ignition: Many Generac models run best with new plugs every one to two years, even if the manual says longer. We read the plugs to catch rich or lean conditions, then check coil output and plug gap.
Battery testing and terminals: Batteries fail more from heat than cold in Charlotte. We test voltage and cold cranking amps, clean the terminals, and check the charger output. A battery that passes a voltage test can still fail under load, so we load-test when readings are borderline. Most homeowners should expect a new battery every 2–3 years.
Fuel system: For natural gas, we confirm supply pressure and regulator condition, then run a loaded test so we know gas delivery holds under strain. For propane, we check tank level, regulator, and flex lines for leaks with a non-corrosive test solution. We also confirm valve positions and sediment traps.
Exhaust and enclosure: Rust starts at seams and mounting points. We check for leaks, secure hangers, and look for nests or debris inside the housing. Homes near wooded lots in Providence Plantation see more critter issues than townhomes in South End.
Cooling system: Air-cooled units rely on clear airflow. We clear fins and louvers. Liquid-cooled units get coolant checks, hose inspections, and cap pressure tests.
Control board, sensors, and exercise schedule: We pull error codes, confirm voltage and frequency output, and verify the automatic weekly exercise run. Some owners prefer a monthly exercise to cut noise; we explain the trade-off. Weekly exercise keeps oil distributed and the battery topped.
Transfer switch inspection: Your ATS is the traffic cop. We verify mechanical action, lug torque, and thermal discoloration. Loose lugs are a leading cause of nuisance trips and failures under load.
Whole-home run test: We simulate an outage, transfer the home to generator power, and hold a load. We note any dimming, stalling, or AC short cycling. If your home has multiple HVAC units in Myers Park or SouthPark, we make sure the load-shed modules stage them properly.
Firmware updates: If Generac releases updates for your controller, we install them during the visit.
Documentation and recommendations: We log hours, parts, and readings, then give you a simple summary of what can wait and what cannot. If your system is nearing a 10-year mark, we may recommend preemptive parts such as a starter or voltage regulator, based on failure patterns we have seen across Charlotte.
Hour-based versus calendar-based service
Hour-based service is exact. If your generator ran 180 hours during a long winter ice event, you should not wait for the calendar anniversary. Oil, filters, and plugs work on wear. Calendar-based service still matters because rubber parts age, oil absorbs moisture, and batteries lose capacity over time even if they pass quick tests.
In practice, most Charlotte homeowners will be fine with annual service unless they cross 100–200 hours in a year. If you are out near Mountain Island Lake or Mint Hill and your line drops often, track your hours. We can set reminders based on your specific usage.
Warranty, lifespan, and value
Generac warranties set maintenance expectations. Missing annual service, or using non-OEM parts, can complicate a claim. More important, proper service extends lifespan. A well-maintained air-cooled Generac often runs 10–15 years in Charlotte. We see units hit the 20-year mark when owners keep up with annual service, keep airflow clear, and replace batteries on schedule. Compare that to a premature replacement after 6–8 years from neglected oil and filters. Service is cheaper than early replacement.
We have a Ballantyne client with a 16 kW unit installed in 2011 that still passes load tests every spring. They book annual Generac authorized service, keep shrubs trimmed around the enclosure, and we replaced the battery every two years like clockwork. It has carried their home through at least nine major outages longer than eight hours.
Signs you should service sooner
You do not need to wait for the next scheduled appointment if the generator changes behavior. Call for service if you notice longer crank times, louder operation, fuel smell, surging, or exercise runs that “abort.” A common case: a unit that starts fine on a cool morning but struggles on a hot afternoon. That often indicates weak battery output under heat, which is solvable if you catch it.
Another frequent call after spring pollen: the generator starts, runs, then stumbles and stops during the exercise. The air filter is usually clogged and the spark plugs are fouled. Letting that continue will foul plugs repeatedly and can wash down cylinder walls with unburned fuel.
What homeowners can do between visits
Homeowners should not open the gas train or adjust engine settings. Leave that to an authorized technician. There are a few low-risk tasks that help.
- Keep 3 feet of clear space around the enclosure and trim shrubs below the louvers.
- Check the generator display weekly for alarms or warnings after the exercise run.
- Look for oil spots under the unit and listen for changes in sound.
- For propane systems, glance at the tank gauge monthly and after outages; keep it above 30 percent for reliable vaporization in cold snaps.
- If you receive frequent “low battery” notices, call before it fails. Replacing a battery on your schedule keeps the unit available.
That’s all most homeowners need to do. Resist the temptation to reset faults repeatedly without inspection. A persistent alarm points to a real issue.
Local fuel realities: natural gas and propane in Charlotte
Most Charlotte homes use natural gas. It is stable and does not require on-site storage. The key is gas pressure under load. We measure it while the generator is carrying your home because static pressure can look fine while dynamic pressure drops. For homes on long runs or older regulators, we sometimes recommend line upgrades.
Propane is common in outskirts and some custom homes. Tank location affects cold-weather performance. In a shaded corner or valley area near Weddington, the tank may run cooler. At 20 percent tank level during a cold snap, vaporization can lag. If you rely on propane, plan deliveries to keep levels higher in winter. We also check regulator vent orientation and protection from debris.
Seasonal timing for Charlotte
If you service once per year, spring is ideal. You get a fresh air filter before pollen peaks, a new oil charge before summer heat, and a battery check ahead of thunderstorm season. If your system sees heavy use, we suggest a second quick check in late summer. That visit focuses on air filter condition, battery health after heat stress, and a run test while the AC is active.
Homeowners near Lake Wylie or in wooded neighborhoods often benefit from the mid-year check because tree debris and cottonwood fuzz load filters fast. Urban townhomes with clean airflow usually do fine on a single annual service.
Cost ranges and what affects them
Service pricing varies by model, oil capacity, and parts. In Charlotte, a typical annual Generac authorized service for an air-cooled unit runs in a range that reflects the parts kit, labor, and travel. Add-ons include batteries, load-bank testing if needed, and any repairs. Liquid-cooled units run higher due to coolant checks and larger capacities. We provide exact pricing up front after we confirm your model and service history.
One cost that deserves a line item is load-bank testing. For lightly loaded systems on large homes, we sometimes use a load bank to bring the generator up to proper operating temperature and verify output. This prevents wet stacking and carbon buildup. Not every home needs it. We recommend it when the generator normally runs at low load because the home has substantial load-shed or solar backup taking part of the demand.
What happens during a professional load test
We prefer to test under your home’s real load. We simulate an outage, bring on critical circuits, and watch voltage, frequency, and engine behavior. If the home cannot present enough load to warm the generator properly, we attach a load bank. We step the load up, check frequency droop, verify voltage regulation, and confirm that the unit does not hunt or surge. We also watch exhaust color and temperature. Clean combustion under load is the best proof your generator is ready.
Common repair calls we prevent with routine service
Weak batteries lead the list. Next is clogged air filters, especially after pollen waves. We also see cracked intake boots on older models, which pull in unfiltered air and chew up cylinders over time. Loose neutral lugs in the transfer switch can cause flicker or nuisance trips. On propane systems, failed regulators show up as hard starts. Most of these issues show early during a proper annual service and get fixed before they interrupt an outage.
A real example: a SouthPark homeowner called after their generator failed to carry the second-floor HVAC. The issue was not the generator. The load-shed module wiring had loosened over years of thermal cycling. During service we re-terminated the conductors, tightened all lugs to spec, and verified staged startup. No parts replacement, problem solved.
How to read and use your generator’s exercise and alerts
Your Generac controller will run a weekly exercise, usually set by the installer. It can run with or without load. Running without load is quieter, but it tells you less about performance. Running with load gives you real proof, though some homeowners prefer to keep the exercise silent. We can switch the exercise to a time that fits your routine, like weekday midday.
Pay attention to message codes. A “low battery” or “service soon” notice is a gentle request. Repeated “overspeed” or “underspeed” codes need immediate attention. If you have mobile monitoring, you will get an email or push alert. If you do not, plan to glance at the controller after the exercise each week. It takes 30 seconds and can save a longer service call later.
Replacement planning after 10 years
After a decade, the risk of larger component failures goes up. Starters, alternators, and control boards can still last many more years, but availability and cost should enter the plan. We often run a life-cycle review at the 10–12 year mark. It covers total hours, maintenance history, parts replacements to date, and your home’s current load. Many homes add EV chargers, second HVAC systems, or larger appliances over time. Sometimes a right-sized replacement is smarter than continuing to stretch an older unit that now runs at its limit. We explain both paths and their costs so you can decide with clear information.
Safety and code points you should not overlook
Clearances matter. Keep the area around the generator and the exhaust path free of shrubs and furniture. Carbon monoxide can pool under decks or near windows. If you renovated since the generator was installed, we check that vents and soffits still meet the required clearances. We also verify bonding and grounding at the transfer switch and service equipment. Code changes happen. During service we confirm your installation still aligns with current standards.
Do not store gasoline or lawn equipment near the unit. Heat from normal operation can be enough to create a hazard with fumes. If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gate opens wide enough for service access.
How to schedule in Charlotte and nearby neighborhoods
Ewing Electric Co. provides Generac authorized service across Charlotte, including South End, SouthPark, Ballantyne, Dilworth, Plaza Midwood, NoDa, Steele Creek, Myers Park, Providence Plantation, University City, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill, and Pineville. We book annual and semi-annual plans and keep your service history tied to your serial number for warranty support. During storm season, we reserve capacity for existing maintenance clients so your calls jump the line.
If your generator is due for annual service, if you saw more outages this year, or if you had any alarms during exercise, schedule a visit. We will check hours, run a full test, and reset your maintenance clock the right way.
Quick homeowner checklist between professional services
- Keep vegetation trimmed and airflow clear around the cabinet.
- Check the controller after the weekly exercise for warnings.
- Watch for oil spots or fuel smell near the unit.
- For propane, keep tank levels above 30 percent in winter.
- Call if crank time lengthens, sound changes, or alarms repeat.
The bottom line for service frequency
If you remember one thing, let it be this: book Generac authorized service once every 12 months, sooner if your generator hits 100–200 run hours, or immediately if you see performance changes. Charlotte’s heat, humidity, and pollen make annual service a smart baseline. A short mid-season check helps homes with heavier use. This rhythm protects your warranty, your investment, and your comfort when the grid goes down.
Ready to plan your next service? If you are in Charlotte or the surrounding neighborhoods, contact Ewing Electric Co. We will confirm your model and hours, review your service history, and set a time that fits your schedule. Our team keeps generators ready for the moments you need them most.
Ewing Electric Co provides residential and commercial electrical services in Charlotte, NC. Our team handles electrical panel upgrades, EV charger installations, generator setups, whole-home rewiring, and emergency electrical repairs. We work to deliver safe, code-compliant results with clear communication and fair pricing. From small home repairs to large-scale commercial projects, we focus on reliable work completed correctly the first time. Serving Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill, and nearby areas, Ewing Electric Co is a trusted choice for professional electrical service.