Back to blogs

December 8, 2025

Austin TX Standby Generator Maintenance — How Often?

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

When the lights go out in Central Texas, you want confidence, not guesswork. The right generator maintenance keeps your standby system ready to start, carry the load, and protect your home. In this guide, you will learn how often to service your generator, what a professional tune‑up includes, and the simple steps you can take between visits. We will also cover warranty, safety, and scheduling tips for Austin‑area homes, plus current offers to help you save.

Why Generator Maintenance Matters in Central Texas

ERCOT grid alerts, spring thunderstorms, and late‑summer heat waves can stress our power supply. If you own a whole‑home generator, your system must start automatically, transfer power, and run major appliances without drama. Skipping service increases the risk of hard starts, nuisance shutdowns, and voltage drops that can harm electronics.

Standby units sit quietly most weeks, which is exactly why they need care. Fuel systems varnish, oil breaks down, batteries lose charge, and air filters clog with cedar or oak pollen. A well‑maintained generator prevents these issues and gives you consistent performance during the next outage.

SALT’s licensed residential electricians install and maintain Generac and other standby systems across Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown. We prepare the site, set the unit on a concrete pad, wire it directly to your electrical panel with underground cable for safety, and verify the automatic transfer features. We also service what we install so you get long‑term reliability.

How Often Should You Service Your Generator?

For most Central Texas homes, plan generator service once per year. That annual schedule aligns with manufacturer guidance and our field experience across hundreds of systems. It is the safest default for fuel stability, oil condition, battery health, and air management.

Consider stepping up to twice per year if you:

  1. Experience frequent outages or long runtime events.
  2. Live near heavy tree cover or dust that clogs filters.
  3. Depend on the system for medical equipment.
  4. Have a unit older than seven years.

Set your calendar around local weather. We recommend booking in early spring before storm season, or in early fall before peak load and cold snaps. During your visit, our electricians will simulate a power outage and verify the auto‑start and transfer functions so you are not testing for the first time in an emergency.

What a Professional Maintenance Visit Includes

A quality tune‑up goes beyond an oil change. During your appointment, our licensed electricians follow a comprehensive checklist designed for standby systems:

  1. Inspect the generator for damage or wear.
  2. Perform a full function check and simulate an outage.
  3. Replace air and oil filters as needed.
  4. Check and replace oil to spec.
  5. Inspect and replace spark plugs if needed.
  6. Check wiring and other connections for secure fit.
  7. Verify fuel levels and fuel quality.

For Generac systems, we follow manufacturer procedures that help preserve warranty coverage, including the transfer switch inspection, controller diagnostics, and Wi‑Fi monitoring setup when applicable. We record baseline readings so future visits can spot changes early.

Expected outcomes of a well‑done maintenance visit:

  • Fast, reliable auto‑start and smooth transfer.
  • Stable voltage and frequency under load.
  • Clean filtration and proper airflow to protect the engine.
  • Verified safety shutdowns and alarms.
  • Clear notes on any wear items and next steps.

Signs Your Standby Generator Needs Service Now

Call for service if you notice any of the following:

  1. Slow cranking, clicking, or failure to start during weekly exercise.
  2. Alarms or indicator lights on the controller.
  3. Visible leaks, fuel odors, or oil stains near the pad.
  4. Excessive noise, vibration, or exhaust smoke.
  5. Breaker trips or flickering lights on generator power.

These symptoms often trace to weak batteries, fouled plugs, clogged filters, or loose connections. Addressing them early prevents wear on internal parts, including the brushes that help your generator produce stable power.

DIY Care Between Visits

You can extend the life of your generator with simple monthly habits. These steps are safe for homeowners and help your annual service go smoother:

  1. Run the weekly exercise cycle. Confirm it starts and runs cleanly.
  2. Keep the area around the unit clear by two to three feet.
  3. Inspect for debris, nests, or leaves that can block airflow.
  4. Check the Wi‑Fi monitoring app for alerts if your unit supports it.
  5. Note the runtime and any unusual sounds. Share that with your technician.

Avoid load testing or fuel system work on your own. Modern standby systems integrate with your home’s main electrical panel and transfer switch. A licensed electrician should handle wiring, transfer timing, and safety interlocks.

Fuel, Sizing, and Runtime Considerations

Fuel type and generator size influence maintenance needs. During installation, our electricians discuss budget and power goals, then help you select fuel. Many Austin‑area homes use natural gas or propane. Diesel is common where gas supply is not practical.

  • Natural gas: Clean burning and convenient. Check line sizing and pressure.
  • Propane: Reliable in outages. Keep tank levels above storm season minimums.
  • Diesel: Strong torque and excellent for heavy loads. Protect fuel from aging.

Sizing matters. Larger units can power big appliances, including AC on appropriately sized models. Running near maximum output for long periods increases wear. A correctly sized system balances load and efficiency, which reduces maintenance cost over time.

Warranty, Compliance, and Safety

Generator reliability is not only about changing oil. It is about doing the job to code, preserving warranties, and verifying every safety layer. SALT installs standby generators with licensed residential electricians and performs work that keeps manufacturer coverage intact. On Generac systems, professional installation and maintenance help protect the 10‑year warranty we provide.

Key safety checks we perform each visit:

  1. Confirm correct grounding and bonded neutrals based on configuration.
  2. Inspect the automatic transfer switch operation under simulated outage.
  3. Verify underground wiring integrity and secure connections.
  4. Test safety shutdowns and alarms to confirm proper response.

These steps reduce arc faults, overheating, and backfeed hazards. They also ensure your generator transfers power without interrupting sensitive electronics.

Cost, ROI, and Tax Considerations

A healthy generator is an investment in comfort and safety. According to Consumer Reports, standby generators can increase home value by 3 to 5 percent when installed correctly. Whole‑home units may also qualify some customers for tax deductions referenced under the CARE Act. Consult your tax professional for eligibility details.

Maintenance is a small fraction of replacement cost. Annual service helps catch minor wear early, like tired batteries or aging brushes, before they become expensive failures during a storm. If your generator includes Wi‑Fi monitoring, remote alerts add another layer of protection for busy homeowners.

Scheduling Tips for Austin, Round Rock, and Beyond

Plan ahead of weather spikes. In Austin, book service in March or April before thunderstorm season, or September before early cold snaps. If you recently experienced an outage or extended runtime, schedule a post‑event check so we can inspect filters, plugs, oil condition, and transfer gear.

Serving Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville, Kyle, Hutto, Del Valle, and Belton, our team offers same‑day service when available and clear communication throughout your visit. You will know exactly what we checked, what we replaced, and what to watch next.

SALT+ Maintenance Plans and Priority Service

Joining our SALT+ Membership makes maintenance easy. Members receive priority scheduling, regular maintenance checks, and exclusive discounts on repairs and installations. It is a smart fit for homes that rely on backup power or manage multiple systems across electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

Member advantages for generator owners:

  1. Annual or semiannual maintenance reminders.
  2. Preferred appointment windows during high‑demand seasons.
  3. Savings on eligible repairs and new equipment.
  4. A trusted team that already knows your system history.

What to Expect During a New Installation

If you are still considering a standby generator, here is our typical process:

  1. Consultation on budget and power goals, including fuel selection.
  2. Site preparation and concrete pad placement near the home.
  3. Direct wiring to your main electrical panel with underground cable.
  4. Setup of the automatic transfer switch and start sequence.
  5. Startup, load test, and homeowner orientation.

We install Generac units and other leading brands. Many Generac models include Wi‑Fi monitoring so you can view status from your phone. Minimum project timelines are usually a couple of days due to pad installation and inspections. Our goal is a clean, code‑compliant install that performs on day one and is easy to maintain for years.

The Bottom Line on Service Frequency

Most homeowners should schedule generator maintenance once per year. Increase to twice per year if you face frequent outages, heavy pollen and dust, or medical needs that demand maximum uptime. Tie your appointment to the seasons, confirm automatic transfer during each visit, and keep the area around the unit clear. With those habits and professional care, your generator will be ready when Austin’s grid gets unpredictable.

Special Offers for Central Texas Homeowners

  • Save $599 on the purchase of a Generac generator. Expires 12/03/2025. Cannot be combined with other offers.
  • No money down and 0% financing up to 12 months on Generac purchases. Expires 12/03/2025. On approved credit.
  • $650 off your new Generac generator. Expires 12/03/2025.
  • 0% interest financing for up to 18 months on eligible purchases for qualified customers. Expires 12/03/2025.
  • SALT+ Members: 5% off new equipment installations and up to 15% off eligible repair services.

Call (512) 559-4206 or visit https://callsalt.com/ to claim your offer. Mention this blog to see which discount applies to your project today.

What Homeowners Are Saying

"SALT installed a generator in my backyard. They were thorough, knowledgeable and explained each step of the process. We lose power every other week and I am so glad I wont have to worry about that anymore. I enrolled in the SALT+ program and look forward to them maintaining our home Generator, HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing systems. Great experience!"
–Generator Installation, Austin
"I had a Generac generator installed back in November, and the whole team has been great from beginning to end. Today I had a question about the transfer switch, and Michael called me right away and talked me through it like I was the only client who mattered at that moment. Truly A+ work and service."
–Generac Owner, Round Rock
"Michael took care of my generator yearly maintenance efficiently while answering all my questions and providing a customer-oriented experience."
–Generator Maintenance, Georgetown
"When our went off today, the generator they installed kicked on and saved the day for our medically fragile children!"
–Backup Power Response, Cedar Park

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I schedule generator maintenance?

Once per year for most homes. Consider twice per year if you face frequent outages, heavy dust or pollen, or medical needs that require maximum uptime.

What does professional generator maintenance include?

A full visit includes inspection, oil and air filter service, spark plug check, function test, simulated outage, wiring checks, and verification of fuel levels and alerts.

Will maintenance protect my Generac warranty?

Yes, professional installation and maintenance help keep manufacturer coverage intact. SALT follows Generac procedures to support the 10‑year warranty we provide.

Can a standby generator run my air conditioner?

Yes, larger models can power central AC when sized correctly. Our electricians verify load calculations so your system runs safely and reliably.

Do standby generators require permits or code checks?

Yes. Installations must follow electrical code and utility requirements. SALT handles permitting, code compliance, and the automatic transfer setup for you.

Conclusion

Annual maintenance keeps your standby generator reliable, quiet, and ready for real‑world outages. For homeowners in Austin and nearby cities, generator maintenance is the single best way to ensure fast auto‑start, clean power, and warranty protection. Schedule today and head into storm or heat season with confidence.

Call or Schedule Now

Call (512) 559-4206 or book at https://callsalt.com/. Ask about current specials, including $599 off or 0% financing on Generac purchases through 12/03/2025. SALT+ Members save even more with priority service and ongoing discounts.

Ready for worry‑free backup power? Call (512) 559-4206 or schedule at https://callsalt.com/ and mention this blog for active generator offers.

About SALT Plumbing, Air & Electric

Family owned and serving Austin since 1984, SALT provides licensed, trained electricians for whole‑home generators, plus HVAC and plumbing. We offer same‑day service, priority scheduling through our SALT+ Membership, and a lifetime guarantee on repairs and installations. Our team installs and maintains Generac systems to protect warranty coverage, uses safe underground wiring practices, and brings local know‑how earned across Central Texas neighborhoods.

© 2025 Website powered by Peakzi. All rights reserved.

v0.9.6