Signs Your Generator Is Due for Maintenance Service
Standby generators are easy to ignore when the power is on. Here’s how to tell whether yours is actually ready for the next outage.
It’s been more than a year since your last service
Annual professional maintenance is the minimum recommendation for most standby generators, regardless of how often they’ve run. If you can’t remember the last service date, it’s probably overdue.
You don’t know the service history
This is common with recently purchased homes. If maintenance records aren’t available, treat it as overdue and schedule an inspection, since you have no way of knowing the condition of the oil, battery, or fuel system otherwise.
Your generator is showing a warning light or fault code
Warning lights and fault codes indicate the control panel has flagged a problem. These don’t resolve on their own and should be diagnosed by a licensed technician before the next outage.
It hasn’t been tested under real load conditions
The weekly self-test confirms the engine starts, but it doesn’t verify the generator can power your home during an extended outage. If load testing isn’t part of your service history, it’s important to start that now.
You’re heading into storm season
Greensboro’s late summer and fall storm season, combined with winter ice storms, makes pre-season service worth scheduling. Learning your generator has a problem during a storm is the worst time to find out.
It’s been running more than usual
Extended outages put more hours on the engine, accelerating wear on oil, filters, and spark plugs. If your generator ran for more than a few hours during a recent outage, it’s a good idea to schedule service.
You notice anything unusual
Slow starts, rough running, unfamiliar sounds, or fuel and oil leaks are all signs that something needs attention.
Why Choose Caudill’s
From Sunset Hills to New Irving Park, Greensboro homeowners come back to Caudill’s because the work is done right and backed by a team that’s been licensed and operating in the Piedmont Triad since 1973. Here’s how Caudill’s compares to other providers in the area:
| What Matters to You | With Caudill’s Electric | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Local Accountability | Caudill’s has been part of the Greensboro community for over 50 years. Our reputation here means we stand behind every job we complete. | Regional chains and national service providers have little stake in any individual market, and if something goes wrong, there’s no local relationship to fall back on. |
| Licensed & Insured Technicians | Every generator maintenance visit is performed by a licensed, insured electrician who is trained to do the job right. | Generator maintenance is often performed by unlicensed technicians or subcontractors. |
| Honest Assessment | If something needs attention, we tell you clearly what it is, why it matters, and how much it will cost to address. | Some providers use high-pressure tactics to push upsells or service that’s not truly needed. |
| Reputation | We’re proud of our 4.9-star rating across 250+ Google reviews from Piedmont Triad homeowners and businesses who trust our services. | Newer or less established providers may have limited reviews and no verifiable track record in the Greensboro area. |
| Warranty Compliance | We service generators according to manufacturer recommendations and provide the documentation needed to keep your warranty valid. | Providers who don’t follow manufacturer protocols or provide service records can inadvertently void your generator’s warranty. |
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What Our Customers Say
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“Service was great from deciding what I needed to installation. Kevin was helpful and answered all questions and Robert was professional and helped explain everything during installation. We have used Caudill for over 10 years and been pleased with the service!”
– Andrea M.
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“Caudill’s electric company was fantastic to work with and they did an excellent job on the project we needed (hot tub installation). Casey was great to work with, communicated with us every step of the way, showed up on time and they finished the project quicker than expected. We will absolutely use Caudill’s again for any electrical projects in the future.”
– Shannon G.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Exceptional service. Respectful, knowledgeable and caring. Zach and Joey listened to me. They were concerned about my needs and 100% met my expectations. This is the 3rd time I have used Caudill’s for electrical needs and have never been disappointed. SO thankful that they respect my home and clean up after themselves–that’s rare in the home repair world. Definitely recommend and I will certainly use them in the future!”
– Sheila W.
About Caudill’s Electric
Fifty years in the Piedmont Triad means that Caudill’s has serviced homes through every major storm season Greensboro has seen in the last few decades. We’ve built relationships with homeowners across neighborhoods from Fisher Park to Starmount Forest and earned a reputation for our expert craftsmanship and commitment to customer satisfaction.
We’re a second-generation, family-owned electrical contractor that’s licensed, insured, and still operating the same way we did when we started in 1973. Every technician we send to your home treats your property with care and leaves the job site clean. Our 4.9-star rating across 250+ Google reviews reflects the quality and care we put into every job.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a standby generator be professionally serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend professional service once a year or every 200 operating hours, whichever comes first. If your generator ran extended hours during a recent outage, service should follow sooner, regardless of when it was last done.
Does generator maintenance affect my warranty?
Yes. Most standby generator manufacturers require documented professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid. If you can’t produce service records and something fails, the manufacturer can deny the claim. Caudill’s provides documentation after every visit.
What brands of generators does Caudill’s service?
We service all major residential standby generator brands, including Generac, Kohler, Briggs & Stratton, and Cummins. If you’re unsure whether we service your unit, give us a call and we’ll confirm before scheduling.
Can I perform generator maintenance myself?
Basic tasks like clearing debris around the unit and monitoring the exercise cycle are manageable for homeowners. Oil changes, battery service, fuel system inspection, transfer switch testing, and load testing require licensed electrical knowledge and the right equipment. These should be handled by a professional.