Signs Your Generator Is Due for Service
Standby generators sit idle for most of the year. 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 overdue.
You don’t know the service history
This is common with recently purchased homes. Without maintenance records, you have no way to know the condition of the oil or the fuel system. Treat it as overdue and schedule an inspection.
Your generator is showing a warning light or fault code
Warning lights and fault codes mean the control panel has flagged a problem. These don’t resolve on their own. A licensed technician should diagnose them before the next outage.
It hasn’t been tested under real load conditions
The weekly self-test confirms the engine starts, but not that it can power your home through an extended outage. If load testing isn’t part of your service history, schedule it now.
You’re heading into storm season
Winston-Salem’s storm season and winter ice events make pre-season service worth scheduling. Finding a problem during a storm is the worst time to find out.
It’s been running more than usual
Extended outages accelerate wear on oil and filters. If your generator ran for several hours during a recent outage, schedule service soon after.
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Why Choose Caudill’s for Generator Maintenance in Winston-Salem
From Ardmore to Buena Vista, Winston-Salem homeowners keep coming back to Caudill’s. Our licensed team has operated in the Piedmont Triad since 1973 and handles every job with the same standards. Here’s how we compare:
| What Matters to You | With Caudill’s Electric | Other Providers |
|---|---|---|
| Local Accountability | Caudill’s has been part of the Winston-Salem community for over 50 years. Our reputation here means we stand behind every job we complete. | Regional chains and national providers have little stake in any individual market. If something goes wrong, there’s no local relationship to fall back on. |
| Licensed & Insured Technicians | A licensed, insured electrician performs every generator maintenance visit and is trained to do the job right. | Unlicensed technicians or subcontractors often perform generator maintenance at other companies. |
| Honest Assessment | When something needs attention, we explain the issue clearly and tell you exactly what it will cost to fix. | Some providers use high-pressure tactics to push upsells or services that are not truly needed. |
| Reputation | Caudill holds a 4.9-star rating based on 250+ Google reviews from Piedmont Triad homeowners. | Newer or less established providers may have limited reviews and no verifiable track record in the Winston-Salem 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 document their work can inadvertently void your warranty. |
What Caudill’s Generator Maintenance Includes
Our licensed technicians cover the components that determine whether your generator performs under load. Here’s what we inspect and service at each visit:
Engine Oil & Filter
We change the oil and replace the filter to protect engine performance and extend service life.
Air Filter
We inspect and replace the air filter to maintain proper airflow and combustion.
Spark Plugs
We check the condition of the spark plugs and replace worn plugs to ensure reliable ignition.
Battery
We test battery charge and terminal condition, then confirm all connections are secure.
Fuel System
We inspect the fuel lines and connections for leaks or deterioration that could prevent startup.
Transfer Switch
We test the automatic transfer switch to confirm it activates properly when utility power fails.
Load Testing
We verify the generator can sustain your home’s electrical load during an extended outage.
Control Panel
We check for active alerts and diagnose any flagged issues.
After each visit, we provide documentation you can use to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
What Our Customers Say
— Andrea M.
— Sheila W.
About Caudill’s Electric
Fifty years in the Piedmont Triad means Caudill’s has serviced homes through every major storm season Winston-Salem has seen since 1973. We’ve built relationships with homeowners across Forsyth County and earned a reputation for honest service that keeps customers coming back.
Caudill’s is a second-generation, family-owned electrical contractor. We are licensed and insured, and every job reflects the standards Danny Caudill set when he founded the company in Kernersville. 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:
- Generac
- Kohler
- Briggs & Stratton
- Cummins
If you’re unsure whether we service your unit, call us, 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. The following tasks require licensed electrical knowledge and the right equipment:
- Oil changes
- Battery service
- Fuel system inspection
- Transfer switch testing
- Load testing