What’s Included in Our Generator Service Agreements: Bi‑Annual and Annual Plans Explained
Keeping your standby generator properly maintained is the best way to make sure it performs when your home needs it most. At Allan Dearth & Sons, our most popular maintenance option is a bi‑annual service agreement, which gives your generator a full- service and a thorough inspection six months apart. We also offer an annual service agreement that includes one full service visit each year for homeowners who prefer a once‑a‑year schedule.
What happens during an inspection visit
On an inspection visit, our technician begins by recording the engine hours or total run time to confirm the unit is advancing time and exercising correctly. From there, we move into battery care. Battery service includes checking the charge rate, topping off electrolytes if needed, and removing the battery so we can clean the posts and terminals. We load‑test the battery to understand its overall health, then reinstall it using dielectric grease on the posts and terminals before reconnecting and applying battery protector to help prevent corrosion.
Next, the technician checks all electrical connections from the battery to the engine ground and starter. We remove and inspect the spark plugs, looking for charring and verifying proper gap. The coolant system is inspected for leaks and loose connections, including a visual check of hose clamps followed by tightening as needed. We also check the coolant level and, where applicable, pressure‑test the radiator and inspect it for debris or obstruction. All coolant hoses are examined for signs of dry rot, cracking, or failure, and we inspect the belts for similar wear.
Air, oil, and exhaust checks
To keep the engine breathing and lubricated correctly, we inspect the air filter and replace it when necessary. The technician checks the engine oil level and looks carefully for any signs of leaks around the engine and oil lines. The exhaust system is also checked for leaks, damage, or any other type of failure that could affect performance or safety. These steps help ensure your generator is in good operating condition before we ever apply a load.
Testing performance under real‑world conditions
Once the unit passes these checks, we start and run the generator in manual mode to verify basic operation. While it is running, we measure voltage and hertz output to confirm everything is within the manufacturer’s specifications. We then simulate a power outage by placing the generator in Auto mode, turning off the main power, and verifying that the unit starts, runs, and transfers power to your home or building as designed.
During this load test, the generator is actively powering the building, and we monitor voltage, hertz, and amperage readings at the transfer switch. We also inspect the engine for any leaks while it is hot and under load, when problems are most likely to show themselves. After testing is complete, we restore power by turning the main disconnect back on, wait for the transfer switch to return utility power, and allow the generator to complete its cool‑down cycle and shut down. We then verify that all power has been properly restored and perform one final inspection of the engine for leaks. Before we leave, we record the final engine hours and confirm the unit is set back in the Automatic position, ready for the next outage.
What’s different about a full-service visit
During a full-service visit, we perform all of the inspection and testing steps described above, plus we change the engine oil and replace the oil filter. This combination of detailed inspection, functional testing, and fresh fluids helps extend the life of your generator and reduces the risk of unexpected issues when the lights go out.
If you have any questions about which service agreement is right for your home, or if you’d like to schedule a visit, please contact Allan Dearth & Sons. We’re happy to walk you through the options and help you choose a maintenance plan that keeps your standby generator ready when you need it.
