Lafayette, CO Standby Generator Installation & Maintenance Schedule

Estimated Read Time: 10 minutes

Power outages hit Denver when you least expect them. If you have been searching for generator maintenance near me, you are on the right track. A standby generator only protects your home when it is serviced on time. In this guide, you will get a simple schedule, what a pro visit includes, local code points, and tips to avoid costly failures. If you want worry‑free backup power, this is your playbook.

Why Generator Maintenance Matters in the Denver Area

A standby generator is a machine that must be exercised, cleaned, and tested. In the Front Range, storms, fast temperature drops, and wildfire smoke can put extra stress on engines and electrical parts. Without routine service, small issues turn into no‑start events when you need power most.

Consider these Denver‑area realities:

1. Altitude reduces engine output by about 3 percent per 1,000 feet. At 5,280 feet, many engines lose roughly 15 percent of rated power. A well‑tuned, clean system helps recover performance.
2. Dry air and dust can clog air filters and coat control boards.
3. Hail and wind can loosen roof and panel penetrations that feed your transfer equipment.

The solution is a tight maintenance rhythm that catches wear before it becomes a failure.

How Often Should You Service Your Generator

The short answer: at least once per year for a full professional service, with quick seasonal checks. If your home experiences frequent outages or your generator runs extended hours, move to a semiannual plan.

Recommended schedule for most Denver homes:

1. Weekly or biweekly quick look: confirm the unit shows Ready, no alarms, enclosure is clear, and the pad is level.
2. Monthly exercise: most brands run a 5 to 12 minute self test by default. Do not disable it. Listen for smooth running and check for leaks after the test.
3. After every major outage: perform a post‑run check. Look for low oil, tripped breakers, and debris.
4. Annual pro service: oil and filter change, spark plugs as needed, valve and fuel checks, battery and charger test, load testing, firmware updates, and a full safety inspection.

Heavy use rule of thumb:

• If you exceed about 100 to 200 run hours in a year, follow your manufacturer interval for oil changes within that range. Many Generac and similar units call for annual or 100‑hour oil service, whichever comes first.
• Vacation or rental properties should get semiannual visits because problems sit undetected longer.

What a Professional Visit Should Include

A complete maintenance visit is more than an oil change. At Brothers, our licensed electricians service the whole power path from the generator to your panel.

What we inspect and service:

1. Engine and fuel
2. • Oil, oil filter, air filter
   • Spark plugs and ignition
   • Fuel pressure, regulators, flexible lines, and leak check
   • Propane tank gauge and sediment trap check, or natural gas shutoff and drip leg
2. Electrical and controls
3. • Battery health, charger output, and cables
   • Control board alarms, firmware, and date or time settings
   • Exerciser schedule and error history review
3. Transfer equipment
4. • Automatic transfer switch operation and contact wear
   • Tighten lugs to spec, verify neutral and ground bonding per design
   • Inspect conduit, fittings, and weather seals
4. System performance
5. • No‑load and load test when site conditions allow
   • Voltage, frequency, and total harmonic distortion checks
5. Safety and code items
6. • Clearances around the unit and exhaust
   • Whole‑home surge protection status if installed
   • Labeling and homeowner instructions

Documentation you should receive:

• A written checklist with measurements
• Any corrective actions, quotes, and before or after photos
• Next service date and run‑hour reading

Signs Your Generator Needs Service Sooner

Do not wait for the annual visit if you notice any of these:

• Hard starting, surging, or stalling
• Alarms on the display, especially low battery, low oil, or overcrank
• Fuel smell, soot, or visible leaks
• Tripped breakers after transfer
• Loud rattles or vibration changes
• The unit misses its scheduled exercise or the Ready light is off

Quick action saves money and protects sensitive electronics inside your home.

DIY Care You Can Safely Handle

You can help your generator last longer with simple, safe steps. Leave internal service to licensed pros.

Homeowner tasks:

1. Keep 3 feet or more of clearance around the unit. Remove leaves and snow.
2. Check the display weekly for Ready status and alarms.
3. After a storm, make sure the enclosure is intact and the pad is level.
4. For propane systems, confirm the tank has adequate fuel before winter.
5. Record run hours and service dates. A phone reminder works well.

Avoid these mistakes:

• Do not bypass alarms
• Do not open the gas train or wire lugs
• Do not run the unit with a damaged enclosure or blocked exhaust

Natural Gas vs Propane vs Diesel: Maintenance Differences

• Natural gas: Clean burning and convenient. Watch gas pressure during cold snaps when demand rises. Regulator and drip leg checks are key.
• Propane: Stores energy on site. Keep tanks filled before deep winter. Regulators and moisture management reduce freeze‑ups.
• Diesel: High torque and long life. Fuel can degrade. Plan for tank polishing or additives and water separation checks.

Across all fuels, batteries are the number one failure point. Test and replace as needed every 2 to 4 years depending on environment.

Code, Permits, and Safety in Colorado

Safe interconnection protects lineworkers and your home. Two important facts guide proper installs and service:

1. NEC Article 702 governs optional standby systems, including transfer equipment that prevents backfeed to the utility.
2. Automatic transfer switches must be listed for the application and installed per manufacturer instructions and local amendments.

In the Denver metro, generator work requires proper permits and an inspection. A licensed electrician should handle all panel, wiring, gas tie‑ins, and grounding. Proper labeling at the service equipment and clear emergency shutdown instructions matter during an outage.

Altitude, Weather, and Seasonal Planning

At 5,280 feet, engines move less air and can run richer. Combine that with cold starts and summer dust, and you get unique service needs.

Seasonal playbook for the Front Range:

• Fall: Schedule your annual service before first freeze. Replace filters, test battery, and confirm propane levels.
• Winter: Test transfer under load on a mild day. Clear snow from louvers after storms.
• Spring: Inspect after hail and wind. Check conduit seals and roof penetrations feeding the transfer switch.
• Summer: Dust and wildfire smoke increase filter loading. Shorten filter intervals if you live near open space or construction.

What Does Generator Maintenance Cost

Costs vary by size, fuel, and access. Typical factors:

• Base annual service visit with oil, filters, and battery tests
• Parts like spark plugs or air filters
• Load testing time and equipment
• Any corrective repairs discovered during the visit

Most homeowners find that a yearly maintenance plan costs less than a single emergency no‑start visit. It also protects refrigerators, sump pumps, and medical devices from sudden shutdowns.

How To Choose a Service Provider

Use this quick checklist when you compare providers:

1. Licensed and insured electricians who perform the wiring and controls work
2. In‑house technicians, not subcontractors, for consistent quality
3. 24 or 7 emergency response with stocked trucks
4. Familiarity with NEC 702, transfer switches, and whole‑home surge protection
5. Clear, upfront pricing and written work orders
6. Ability to integrate panels, surge devices, and generator controls as one system

Brothers checks these boxes. Our in‑house, NATE‑certified electricians install, commission, and maintain standby generators. We test systems carefully so they run when you need them.

Our Process at Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric

We design, install, and maintain complete standby systems across Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, and nearby Front Range cities.

Our turnkey approach:

1. Site assessment and sizing with altitude derating in mind
2. Permit handling and utility coordination
3. Concrete or composite pad, gas or propane connection, and electrical interconnect
4. Transfer switch installation, labeling, and surge protection
5. Commissioning with functional transfer tests
6. Owner training on alarms, exercise schedule, and maintenance basics
7. Ongoing annual or semiannual maintenance with reminders and 24 or 7 support

Because we never subcontract, you get consistent craftsmanship and a single point of accountability.

Repair vs Replacement: When To Consider an Upgrade

Repair makes sense when parts are available and the unit is within its expected life. Consider replacement when:

• The generator is 10 to 15 years old with recurring faults
• Parts are obsolete or major components have failed
• Your home’s load has grown and the unit is undersized, especially at altitude
• You want quieter operation, better fuel efficiency, or modern monitoring

We will give you straight answers, options, and fixed upfront prices either way.

Quick Reference Maintenance Schedule

• Weekly: Visual check for Ready status and clearances
• Monthly: Verify the self test runs and inspect for leaks
• After outages: Post‑run inspection and top off propane
• Annual: Professional service with oil, filters, battery, transfer test, and safety inspection
• Heavy use: Follow 100 to 200 hour oil and filter intervals per your brand

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should a standby generator be serviced in Denver?

Most homes need one professional service each year, plus quick seasonal checks. If your unit runs many hours or serves medical loads, schedule semiannual visits.

Do generators really run a weekly self test?

Yes. Most residential standby units are set to run a 5 to 12 minute self test weekly or biweekly. Keep this enabled and listen for smooth operation.

What size generator do I need at Denver’s altitude?

Engines lose about 3 percent power per 1,000 feet. At 5,280 feet, capacity drops by roughly 15 percent. Size up accordingly and have a pro verify loads.

Can I do my own oil changes on a standby generator?

You can if the manufacturer allows it, but most homeowners prefer a licensed pro to catch electrical and safety issues during the same visit.

Do I need a permit for a new standby generator?

Yes. The Denver metro requires permits and inspection for generator installs. A licensed electrician should handle all wiring, gas tie‑ins, and transfer equipment.

Summary

A reliable generator is the result of a simple, steady plan. In the Denver area, schedule annual professional service, keep the self test active, and adjust for altitude and seasons. When in doubt, call a licensed pro. For dependable generator maintenance near me in Denver, Brothers is ready to help.

Ready for Worry‑Free Backup Power?

Schedule your annual generator service today. Call Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric at (720) 994-7055 or book online at https://www.brothersplumbing.com/.

• Same day service in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, Arvada, Boulder, and nearby
• Licensed, in‑house electricians who never subcontract
• Transparent pricing and 24 or 7 emergency support

Protect your home before the next outage. Call, click, or chat to get on the schedule.

About Brothers Plumbing, Heating, and Electric

For over 40 years, Denver trusts Brothers for licensed electrical work, including turnkey standby generators. Our in‑house, NATE‑certified and BBB‑accredited team delivers code‑compliant installs, transparent pricing, and 24/7 emergency support. We never subcontract. Expect clean workmanship, clear communication, and warranties that protect your home. From transfer switches to surge protection and panels, we integrate your generator with your whole system for safe, reliable power.