As hurricane season ramps up here in Virginia, it’s a good time to check in on the one thing standing between your home and a total power outage: your generator.
Whether you live in Danville, Roanoke, Smith Mountain Lake, Lynchburg, Salem, or anywhere else in Southside VA, power outages can happen without warning. A whole-home generator gives you peace of mind. But like any hardworking machine, it needs the right care to stay reliable when it matters most.
Let’s walk through some key tips for annual generator maintenance, how to handle longer run times during outages, and why regular checkups can save you a major headache down the line.
Annual Generator Maintenance: A Smart Habit
Even if your generator hasn’t seen much use lately, it’s important to service it once a year. Think of it like an annual physical for your home’s backup power system. The goal is to keep everything running smoothly so it’s ready when the lights go out.
Here’s a quick list of what a typical yearly generator service includes:
- Oil and filter changes
- Battery inspection and voltage test
- Air filter replacement
- Spark plug check and replacement if needed
- Coolant level and hose inspection
- Exercise cycle testing
This type of maintenance is especially important before hurricane season. If your generator has been sitting idle since last year, it could develop issues like stale fuel or battery corrosion. Scheduling a checkup now, before storms start rolling in, can help you avoid unexpected problems.
Usage-Based Maintenance: After the Generator Runs
Generator care doesn’t stop once the storm passes. If you’ve had an extended outage in Southside VA, your system’s been working overtime to keep your fridge cold, your sump pump running, and your family safe. That’s where usage-based maintenance comes in.
Here’s what to keep in mind after your generator has run for a while:
Oil Changes After Extended Use
Most whole-home generators need an oil change after 100 to 150 hours of use. If you’re not sure how long yours has run, a technician can check the runtime log for you.
Air Filter Cleaning or Replacement
Generators that operate during dusty or stormy conditions, like what we see around Smith Mountain Lake, may need new filters sooner than expected.
Fuel System Check
Check for water in the fuel tank, especially if the generator uses gas or diesel. Wet weather can increase the risk of contamination.
Battery Recharge or Replacement
Long run times can drain the battery. Post-outage maintenance often includes testing the battery and, if needed, replacing it to make sure you’re ready next time.
The Peace of Mind a Whole-Home Generator Provides
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your lights staying on while the rest of the neighborhood goes dark. A whole-home generator isn’t just about convenience. It protects your home and your family when the power goes out.
Here’s what a properly maintained generator offers:
- Automatic Power During an Outage: There’s no need for extension cords or portable units. Your generator turns on within seconds to keep your HVAC, fridge, and essential systems running.
- Protection Against Flooding and Freezing: With your sump pump and HVAC working, you reduce the risk of water damage and burst pipes, two common issues during storms in areas like Salem.
- Comfort and Safety for Your Family: A generator helps you preserve food, maintain communication, and stay safe through any outage. It turns a major disruption into a manageable moment.
At Davis, we’ve seen how much peace of mind a generator brings to our neighbors, especially during storm season.
Keep Your Generator Storm-Ready
As hurricane season picks up, now is the time to service your generator. Whether you’re booking your annual maintenance or getting a checkup after an extended outage, staying proactive is the best way to avoid problems when the power goes out. And if you’re still considering a whole-home generator, now’s the perfect time to take the next step.
From Danville to Lynchburg, Davis is here to help. Contact us today, and our certified technicians will keep your generator running strong — rain or shine!
