How Much Does a Generator Inspection Cost?

By Sarah Stasik

August 26, 2024

Thunder rolls in the distance, and the television is sounding a severe weather warning. The clouds are gathering, and it's becoming dark outside. Inside, your lights are beginning to flicker, but you're not worried about the contents of the fridge or whether your kids will be scared to sleep in the dark because you've got a trusty whole-home generator installed.

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But how trusty is that generator, really? Because you only use it when a power outage comes calling, can you be sure it will crank up when needed? Regular maintenance and inspections can help you feel more confident in your generator.

What Is a Backup Generator Inspection?

A generator inspection is a routine service handled by a qualified professional. During this service, the generator inspector tests the generator and performs a review of components to ensure everything appears to be in working order. Some things that occur during a generator inspection include:

Test of the Battery

The technician will check the battery to ensure it's good and maintains a proper charge.

Test of Battery Connections

They'll also check any battery connections to make sure they're in good working order and not obscured by buildup or debris.

Check of the Enclosure

The tech inspects the generator enclosure to ensure there are no issues with it.

Inspection of Moving Parts

The inspector will review all moving parts, including belts, and lubricate them if necessary.

Check For Leaks

While the generator runs, the inspector will ensure there aren't any oil or fuel leaks that could lead to issues in the future.

Exhaust Check

A generator inspection should include a review of the exhaust system to ensure there are no issues that could lead to generator problems or safety issues in the home.

Review of Electrical Components

The inspector will check to ensure all electrical components are in working order and that the wiring to and from the generator is in good shape.

Filter Changes

If necessary, the service provider may clean or change the air filter in the generator engine.

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How Much Do Generator Inspections Cost?

The cost of a home generator inspection depends on where you live, the type of generator you have and what's included in the inspection. Typically, routine maintenance such as inspections and fluid and filter changes costs between $80 and $300 (CAD 100 and CAD 412), according to data from Forbes.

How Often Do Generators Need to Be Inspected?

It's a good idea to have your generator inspected fully by a qualified and experienced individual at least once a year. When you perform this service typically depends on where you live. Individuals in coastal states that contend with potential hurricanes may want to have generator testing completed before hurricane season in the late spring or summer. Homeowners in locations that get cold winters with a lot of storms or snow may want to go through a generator inspection checklist with help from a professional in the early to mid-fall. If you live in an area that deals with outage-causing weather or other issues multiple times a year, you may want to invest in biannual generator testing.

You can also add to your peace of mind by completing a quick home generator inspection yourself every month. Crank up your generator and allow it to run for a while. This helps ensure everything is in working order and keeps parts from dry-rotting or simply becoming problematic because they're never used. You can also check around your generator for any signs of leaks. If you see anything questionable during your monthly generator testing, you can call in a professional if necessary for a more comprehensive generator inspection.

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