By Quality Electric – Serving Somersworth, NH and Surrounding Communities
When a storm hits Somersworth, NH, and the power goes out, your generator becomes the unsung hero of your home. But here’s the truth: many homeowners don’t realize: a generator is only as reliable as the maintenance it receives.
At Quality Electric, we believe that peace of mind doesn’t come from just owning a generator—it comes from knowing it’s ready to run when you need it most.
The Problem: Generators Don’t Maintain Themselves
We’ve seen it too many times. A homeowner installs a generator, feels secure, and then… forgets about it. Fast forward to the next Nor’easter —and the generator won’t start. The oil’s old. The battery is dead. Or worse, a small issue that could’ve been prevented has turned into a costly repair.
You deserve better than that.
You invested in a generator to protect your home, your family, and your comfort. Let’s make sure it delivers when the moment comes.
Step 1: Run Your Generator Regularly
Just like a car sitting too long in the driveway, a generator needs regular exercise. If it’s a standby generator, it may already have a weekly self-test mode. If it’s portable, aim to run it for about 20–30 minutes once a month.
Why it matters:
- Keeps fluids circulating
- Prevents battery drain
- Helps you detect problems early
Pro tip: Listen while it runs. Does it sound rough? Does it start slowly? These are early warning signs. Catch them now—avoid surprises later.
Step 2: Change the Oil and Filters
Generator engines work hard. Oil gets dirty. Air filters clog. Fuel filters degrade. Neglecting them can shorten the lifespan of your generator significantly.
General guidelines:
- Oil: Change after the first 20–30 hours (brand-new unit), then every 100 hours or annually.
- Air filter: Check every 50 hours, replace as needed.
- Spark plugs: Inspect annually, replace every 100–200 hours.
- Fuel filter: Replace every 200–250 hours.
Note: These are general rules—always refer to the manufacturer’s manual or talk to a pro at Quality Electric for specifics.
Step 3: Inspect the Battery
If your generator has a battery (most whole-home systems do), it’s a key part of the startup process.
Maintenance tips:
- Check terminals for corrosion
- Ensure tight, clean connections
- Test voltage regularly
- Replace every 2–3 years
A bad battery = no startup. And nobody wants to figure that out in a snowstorm.
Step 4: Keep It Clean and Covered
Your generator lives outside, especially in New Hampshire’s harsh weather. Snow, sleet, leaves, and dust can build up fast.
- Clean the exterior regularly with a damp cloth (no pressure washers).
- Clear snow and debris after storms.
- Check for pest nests—mice love warm, dry spaces.
If you don’t have a weather-rated cover or housing, let us help. A protective enclosure can add years to your generator’s life.
Step 5: Monitor Fuel Supply
Generators can run on natural gas, propane, or diesel. Each has its own quirks:
- Natural gas: Low-maintenance, but ensure your line is in good condition and pressure is consistent.
- Propane: Check tank levels and valves. Top off before a major storm.
- Diesel: Fuel degrades over time—use stabilizers and rotate supply.
Don’t wait until a storm warning to find out you’re low on fuel.
Step 6: Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance
Even with diligent self-care, nothing replaces a professional inspection. At Quality Electric, we offer affordable annual generator maintenance plans that cover everything from fluid checks to load testing.
Our comprehensive service includes:
- Full inspection and diagnostics
- Oil and filter changes
- Battery testing and replacement (if needed)
- Load simulation to ensure full power capability
This isn’t just a tune-up. It’s a stress test for your generator’s reliability.
Step 7: Keep a Log
It may sound simple, but keeping a maintenance log makes a huge difference. Record:
- Run times
- Oil changes
- Filter replacements
- Service appointments
- Notable performance issues
This helps you track trends, comply with warranties, and catch problems early.
Your Plan for Peace of Mind
When you partner with Quality Electric, you’re not just getting an installation—you’re getting a long-term partner in home protection. We’ve helped countless homeowners across Somersworth and the Seacoast region stay powered through blizzards, blackouts, and everything in between.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Follow a simple monthly and seasonal maintenance checklist
- Call us annually (or semi-annually for heavy-use generators)
- Ask about our Generator Maintenance Memberships for automatic reminders and priority service
Don’t Let Your Generator Become a Paperweight
You bought your generator for security and confidence. Don’t let neglect turn that investment into a risk.
If you want it to start every time and power your home seamlessly, give it the care it deserves.
Need help? We’re here.
Quality Electric—Powering Peace of Mind, One Home at a Time.
