Power outages aren’t a matter of if—they’re a matter of when. Whether due to extreme weather, grid failures, or unexpected disruptions, having a properly maintained standby generator ensures that your home or business remains powered when it matters most.

If you already own a Generac or Briggs & Stratton standby generator, you’ve taken the first step toward energy security—but regular maintenance is just as critical as the installation itself. Neglecting routine maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your generator, reduce efficiency, and even cause unexpected failures during an outage.

To help you stay ahead, we’ve created this updated generator maintenance checklist for 2025. Follow these steps to keep your backup power system operating at peak performance all year long.

Technician inspecting the exhaust system and fuel filter of a home standby generator as part of a routine generator maintenance checklist

Preventive Maintenance: Why It’s Essential for Your Generator in 2025

Owning a standby generator means peace of mind—but only if it works when you need it. Preventive maintenance ensures that your generator is reliable, fuel-efficient, and ready to perform at a moment’s notice. Here’s why regular maintenance is a must:

  • Extends Generator Lifespan – Routine service prevents wear and tear, keeping your generator operational for years to come.
  • Improves Performance & Efficiency – A well-maintained generator consumes fuel more efficiently, reducing operational costs.
  • Prevents Unexpected Failures – Catching small issues early prevents costly repairs and ensures your generator starts when you need it most.
  • Ensures Compliance with Warranties – Many generator manufacturers require maintenance records to keep warranties valid.
  • Protects Your Home & Appliances – Clean, regulated power prevents damage to sensitive electronics, HVAC systems, and appliances.

Your Home Generator Maintenance Checklist for 2025

Keeping your home standby generator in peak condition requires regular upkeep to ensure it’s ready when the power goes out. This generator maintenance checklist outlines essential maintenance tasks that help prevent unexpected failures, extend the life of your unit, and keep it running efficiently. By following these steps and remembering to schedule maintenance with a professional when needed, you can guarantee reliable backup power for your home all year long. Let’s explore:

1. Change the Oil and Filter

Like a car engine, your standby generator requires clean oil and a fresh filter. Over time, oil breaks down, loses its lubricating properties and collects contaminants that can cause engine wear, overheating, and inefficiency. Regular oil changes prevent these issues, ensuring your generator runs smoothly and efficiently. If your generator has been used heavily due to power outages or extreme weather, frequent oil changes are even more crucial to maintain peak performance.

  • Check your generator’s manual for the recommended oil type.
  • Drain old oil and replace it with fresh oil.
  • Install a new oil filter to remove contaminants and prevent engine wear.
  • Run the generator for a few minutes to ensure proper lubrication

2. Replace the Air Filter

Your generator’s air filter is the first line of defense against dirt, dust, and debris that could enter the engine. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing the engine to work harder, overheat, and consume more fuel. This can reduce efficiency and potentially cause long-term damage. Air filters can become clogged more quickly for homes in Florida (where Genstar is located) or other areas prone to heavy pollen, humidity, or dust, making regular inspections and replacements vital. Keeping the air filter clean ensures optimal airflow, fuel efficiency, and peak performance during any power outage.

  • Inspect your air filter every 6 months.
  • Replace it if it appears clogged, torn, or excessively dirty.
  • Always use a manufacturer-approved replacement for optimal performance.

3. Inspect the Belts and Hoses

Belts and hoses are essential to your generator’s cooling, fuel, and electrical systems, ensuring that power flows smoothly to the necessary components. Over time, heat, moisture, and mechanical stress exposure can cause belts to crack, fray, or slip, while hoses can become brittle, develop leaks, or clog. A broken belt or hose can lead to overheating, sudden power loss, or fuel delivery issues, potentially causing complete generator failure.

  • Check for fraying, cracks, or loose connections.
  • Tighten or replace any worn-out belts or hoses.
  • Ensure coolant hoses are free of leaks and blockages.

4. Clean or Replace Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are essential for ignition, and a dirty or worn-out spark plug can cause hard starts, poor performance, or misfires in your generator. Over time, spark plugs can become fouled with carbon deposits, preventing them from firing properly. If your generator is slow to start or running rough, it could be due to old or malfunctioning spark plugs. Regular cleaning and timely replacements help your generator start immediately after power goes out.

  • Remove and inspect spark plugs every 1-2 years.
  • If corroded or dirty, replace them with manufacturer-approved plugs.
  • Ensure the spark plugs are properly gapped for optimal performance.

5. Test the Starting System & Perform a Load Test

Your generator needs to be ready to perform at a moment’s notice, and the best way to ensure that is through routine testing under load. Simply starting the generator isn’t enough—it must be tested under real-world conditions to verify that it can handle your home or business’s power needs. Regular testing prevents stale fuel issues, lubricates engine components, and ensures that automatic transfer functions work smoothly.

Performing a monthly test-run under load helps confirm that your generator is ready for an actual emergency situation.

  • Run your generator under load (with appliances connected) for 30 minutes at least once a month.
  • Listen for irregular noises or delays in power delivery.
  • Check for excessive smoke or unusual smells, which could indicate fuel or exhaust issues.

Your Content Goes Here

6. Schedule Professional Generator Maintenance

While DIY maintenance is crucial for basic upkeep, professional inspections are necessary so your generator remains in peak condition. Certified technicians can detect early signs of wear, adjust settings for optimal efficiency, and perform in-depth system diagnostics without a simple visual inspection. Preventive maintenance reduces long-term repair costs, ensures compliance with warranty terms, and extends the life of your generator.

By scheduling regular service appointments, you’ll be confident that your generator is 100% ready for the next power outage.

  • Annual maintenance should include a full system diagnostic.
  • A technician can detect hidden issues, adjust valves, and update firmware.
  • Professional load testing ensures your generator can handle an actual power outage.

Generac and Briggs & Stratton Standby Generator Maintenance

Certified technician performing load bank testing while checking the control panel, air intake system, and oil leaks during essential maintenance tasks

Trust Genstar Generator Service for Your Generator Maintenance in 2025

Your Generac or Briggs & Stratton generator is a critical investment, and keeping it in peak condition ensures uninterrupted power when you need it most. Genstar Generator Service specializes in turnkey generator maintenance programs designed to keep your backup power system running flawlessly all year long.

Why Choose Genstar Generator Service?

  • Certified Generac & Briggs & Stratton Technicians
  • Routine Maintenance & 24/7 Emergency Service
  • Warranty-Approved Inspections & Repairs
  • Fast Response Times Throughout Central Florida
  • Personalized Service Plans for Residential & Commercial Generators

Call us today or submit a service request form for immediate assistance! Don’t wait until the next outage—schedule your generator maintenance with Genstar Generator Service today!