The most common pre-season generator maintenance mistakes homeowners make include skipping load bank testing, neglecting transfer switch inspections, ignoring coolant levels, and putting off professional servicing until after a storm hits. At Long Island Power Systems, we address these oversights every season before they turn into outage-day failures.
What Pre-Season Maintenance Steps Do Most Homeowners Skip?
Most homeowners assume that because their generator ran its weekly exercise cycle without issue, it is ready for storm season. That assumption leaves several critical systems unchecked.
Common Pre-Season Oversights
- Load bank testing: A weekly exercise cycle runs the generator under little to no load. Load bank testing simulates a real outage by putting the unit under full electrical load, revealing performance issues that light testing cannot detect.
- Transfer switch inspection: The transfer switch is what signals your generator to take over when utility power fails. A faulty transfer switch means the generator may never receive that signal, even if the unit itself is in perfect condition.
- Coolant level and condition check: Liquid-cooled generators rely on coolant to regulate engine temperature during extended runs. Low or contaminated coolant can cause overheating during a multi-day outage.
- Fuel system inspection: Sitting fuel degrades over time. A pre-season inspection checks for water contamination, sediment buildup, and filter condition before storm season begins.
- Battery condition check: A battery that passes a basic voltage test can still fail under load. A proper load test gives a more accurate picture of battery health heading into storm season.
How Is Load Bank Testing Different From a Weekly Exercise Cycle?
Many homeowners confuse routine exercise cycles with load bank testing. The two are not the same.
| Feature | Weekly Exercise Cycle | Load Bank Testing |
| Load applied | Minimal to none | Full electrical load simulation |
| Duration | 10 to 30 minutes | 2 to 6 hours typically |
| Issues detected | Basic startup function | Voltage drop, overheating, output capacity |
| Frequency recommended | Weekly (automatic) | Annually or before storm season |
| Performed by | Generator (automatic) | Qualified generator maintenance company |
Our team at Long Island Power Systems performs load bank testing as part of our pre-season service program for both Generac and Kohler generator models.
Does My Transfer Switch Need Servicing Too?
Yes, and this is one of the most overlooked components in any generator maintenance plan. The transfer switch operates independently from the generator itself. Corroded contacts, loose connections, or worn components inside the switch can prevent an automatic switchover even when the generator starts perfectly.
A qualified generator maintenance company should inspect and test the transfer switch annually, ideally before storm season, to confirm it will respond correctly when utility power drops.
According to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a U.S. Department of Energy research lab, automatic transfer switches require preventive and predictive maintenance as well as regular testing to maintain the highest reliability, with annual inspection and operational testing recommended as part of any standby generator maintenance program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance of storm season should I schedule a generator maintenance appointment?
Schedule your pre-season Kohler generator maintenance or Generac generator maintenance at least four to six weeks before peak storm season. Technician availability fills up quickly as storms approach, and early scheduling gives time to source any needed parts.
Can I perform a load bank test myself?
Load bank testing requires specialized equipment and training. It is not a DIY task. Contact a qualified generator maintenance company to perform this test safely and accurately.
My generator passed its last annual service. Do I still need a pre-storm check?
Yes. An annual service covers routine maintenance intervals, but a pre-storm check focuses specifically on storm-readiness, including transfer switch function, fuel quality, and battery load capacity. These are separate evaluations with different goals.
Does Long Island Power Systems offer pre-season service packages?
Yes. Long Island Power Systems offers storm pre-check services where a technician visits your home or business to inspect and test your equipment before storm season.
Get Your Generator Storm-Ready
Long Island Power Systems provides pre-season generator inspections for homeowners and property managers across Long Island. Our generator maintenance programs cover load bank testing, transfer switch inspections, and everything in between. Contact our team at (631) 283-4271 to schedule your pre-season service.
