Your standby generator is your safety net when Louisiana weather knocks out the power. But a generator that hasn’t been maintained is a generator that might not start when you need it most. With storm season approaching, now is the time to make sure your backup power system is ready.
At Albritton Service, we’ve been installing and servicing generators across Ruston, Monroe, and Northern Louisiana for over 40 years. Here’s what every generator owner should know about pre-season maintenance.
Why Spring Maintenance Matters
Your generator runs a brief self-test every week, but that automatic cycle doesn’t replace real maintenance. Self-tests run at a fraction of full load and don’t catch problems like degraded oil, weak batteries, corroded connections, or clogged fuel filters. A generator that passes its weekly test can still fail under the full load of an actual power outage.
Louisiana’s storm season runs from June through November. Getting maintenance done in spring means your system is verified and ready before the first threat, not scrambling for service when a tropical storm is already in the Gulf.
The Essential Generator Maintenance Checklist
Oil and Filter Change
Generator oil breaks down over time even with minimal run hours. Annual oil and filter changes keep the engine lubricated and running clean. Generac recommends annual oil service regardless of how often the generator has run.
Battery Inspection and Testing
The battery is what starts your generator when the power goes out. A weak or dead battery is the number one reason generators fail to start during an outage. We test battery voltage, clean terminals, check connections, and replace the battery if it’s showing signs of age — typically every 3-4 years.
Air Filter Replacement
A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, reducing performance and potentially causing overheating under load. This is especially important in Louisiana where pollen, dust, and humidity can foul filters faster than in drier climates.
Spark Plug Inspection
Worn or fouled spark plugs cause hard starts, rough running, and reduced power output. We inspect and replace plugs as needed during annual service.
Transfer Switch Testing
The automatic transfer switch is what detects a power outage and tells your generator to start. If the transfer switch fails, your generator won’t activate — even if the engine is in perfect condition. We test the full transfer sequence to confirm everything communicates correctly.
Full Load Test
The most important test. We run your generator at full rated load to verify it can actually power your home’s circuits under real-world conditions. This catches issues that weekly self-tests at partial load will miss — overheating, voltage regulation problems, and capacity shortfalls.
How Often Should You Service Your Generator?
Both Generac and Kohler recommend professional maintenance at least once per year. If your generator runs frequently due to power outages, or if it’s older than 5 years, twice-yearly service is worth considering — once in spring before storm season and once in fall.
Between professional services, homeowners should:
- Visually inspect the unit monthly for leaks, corrosion, or pest intrusion
- Keep the area around the generator clear of debris and vegetation
- Listen during weekly self-tests for unusual sounds
- Check that the generator’s display shows no error codes
Don’t Wait for the First Storm Warning
Every year, we get a flood of calls the week a tropical storm enters the Gulf — and by then, scheduling is tight and parts may need to be ordered. Getting your maintenance done now means peace of mind all season long.
Albritton Service has been the trusted generator service provider for Ruston, Monroe, West Monroe, and Northern Louisiana since 1982. Whether you have a Generac, Kohler, or another brand, our technicians know these systems inside and out. Contact us today to schedule your pre-season generator maintenance.
