How Much Should It Cost To Have A Home Generator Serviced

Updated March 30, 2022

Reviewed by Salvatore Cutrona, Licensed Primary Electrician. Written by HomeAdvisor.

Generator Repair Costs

The average cost to repair a generator is $267. Maintenance of portable or smaller (7–10 kW) models will typically be less expensive, costing effectually $l. On the other hand, larger (thirty–45 kW) models price as much as $600 to repair. The cost generally varies between $162 and $372 and will depend on whether you lot have a portable or standby generator.

A generator tin can exist a life saver when yous are faced with no power during a tempest or natural disaster. Your generator can power annihilation from a fridge or heater to your entire home. So, keeping your generator working properly could be the difference between having what you demand during a power outage, or not.

"Generators are easy to neglect, simply when needed during a power outage, your maintenance is well worth the price," says Expert Review Board fellow member and licensed electrician Salvatore Cutrona.

Generator Repair Cost Calculator
Generator Repair Costs
1. Portable Generators
2. Big & Modest Standby Generators
Repair Cost Factors
1. Fuel Type
2. Size
3. Telescopic
Generator Maintenance & Tune-Up Prices
Generator Service Costs by Type
1. Warranties
2. Annual Service Contracts
3. Generac Maintenance Costs
4. Rewinding
Fixing or Replacing Parts
1. Stator & Rotor
2. Carburetor
3. Engine
4. Voltage Regulator
5. Transfer Switch
Working with Local Generator Repair Shops

Generator Repair Cost Calculator

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National Average	$267
Typical Range	$162 - $372
Low Stop - High End	$85 - $675

Cost information is based on bodily project costs as reported by i,266 HomeAdvisor members.

Generator Repairs by Type

the average cost to repair a generator is $260 or $85 to $600

Generator repairs typically toll between $85 and $600, depending on the size of the equipment.

Portable Generator Repairs

Repairing a portable generator usually costs around $50. Less powerful than other generators, portable units are suitable for powering a couple of appliances in your habitation for a few hours. They crave a lot of fuel, and you must keep them total to keep them working. Repairs for these units cost less than fixing permanent standby generators considering they are less complex and take less time to diagnose and set up. You can troubleshoot many common bug yourself:

Overload: These styles can just provide a sure amount of energy. Many homeowners overload them and compromise the system. If a generator isn't working, endeavor disconnecting an appliance or two.
Fuel and Oil Problems: You have to monitor these units and fill up their oil and fuel frequently. A system that isn't starting or that shuts downwards during functioning could be low on either. It could also be that the fuel has degraded from disuse.
Overheating / Lack of Air: It needs proper ventilation to continue performance. A chock-full filter could crusade the system to end mid-operation or refuse to start.
Loose or Bad Spark Plugs: If you're having difficulty getting information technology started, you may need to tighten or supplant the spark plugs.

Once yous've checked the basics like overload and fuel level, make it affect with a local portable generator repair professional to ensure that the equipment gets reliable repairs earlier the next power outage.

Standby: Large & Modest Engine Generators

It typically costs around $600 to repair a standby generator. These units are permanent fixtures and are usually connected to a natural gas or propane line. Some are but powerful enough to power a few appliances, while others can power your entire dwelling house if necessary. You lot may encounter many of the same issues y'all'd come across with a portable unit, but there are likewise some issues unique to this type:

Overfilled Tank: This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make, according to service professionals.
Battery Failure: Sulfate builds upwards on the battery plates, minimizing the current that comes through. You lot will accept to replace a battery with as well much of this buildup. Experts recommend doing and then one time every 3 years. Connections can also loosen or collect buildup, causing battery failure.
Carburetor Clog: Failure to start and poor operating operation are signs that the carburetor is clogged. This is an expensive set because information technology requires that a professional person disassemble the engine.
Spark Plugs: Equally with portable units, bad spark plugs are a mutual problem with standby equipment.
Leaks: This equipment tin can leak coolant, fuel, and oil. Fuel volition leak when it isn't being used to its total load capacity. Coolant will leak from the block heater hoses if the hose material cannot handle the temperature.
Breaker/Switch Issues: Human error is a common culprit in generator functioning. If the command switch is left in the off position or the breaker is left open, the equipment won't work. The billow can also trip in a storm or outage.
Gauge Malfunction: The fuel gauge can get stuck during disuse and requite inaccurate readings.
Air Pockets: Air can go into the tank during disuse. Injectors frequently fail to fire if in that location are bubbling in the system.
Coolant Bug: It is common for these generators to take issues with coolant levels and temperatures. Low levels could bespeak a leak, while low temperatures could indicate faulty block heaters.

Repair Price Factors

Fuel Type: Gas, Natural Gas, Diesel & Propane

Each fuel blazon comes with its ain repair and maintenance schedule:

Propane: These generators cost more to fix and maintain, only need for these services will be infrequent. These units don't accept a lot of issues because there aren't many components involved in their operation. Propane's longer shelf life too ways that the fuel won't need to be managed or removed during disuse.
Natural Gas: Will crave more involved and costly installation. Just once connected, maintenance should be the homeowner's only business concern. Repairs are exceptional.
Gas and Diesel: Crave more than upkeep and repairs. These fuels take short shelf lives and can clog or degrade during disuse. Spills and overfilling are common bug.

Size

Generators come up in different sizes, denoted by kilowatts. Small models typically deliver 7–10 kW, mid-size models are 12–twenty kW, and larger ones deliver 22–45 kW. The larger models are much more complicated, and the price of fixes will definitely exist college. The small and less powerful the generator, the less the cost of repairs will be.

Scope

The problem that you're having with your generator will ultimately determine the price to repair it. If it's an issue with your electric meter or power panel, so yous'll demand to hire a licensed electrician and the cost will increase. If it's a trouble with your fuel tank, and so you might need to contact your local utility company to cheque the connection to your fuel line.

Consult With a Pro to Diagnose Your Generator Issue

Generator Maintenance & Tune-Upwardly Prices

Even when your generator doesn't break down, it requires periodic maintenance. If you live in a cold climate, annual tune-ups should be part of your winter storm preparedness strategy.

Your unit of measurement volition just run periodically, which preserves free energy merely also makes regular maintenance more than important. Part of your consideration should e'er be your generator power consumption and condom.

When you hire a service contractor for generator maintenance, expect service on the following systems:

Lubrication
Cooling
Fuel
Air and combustion
Battery/starting mechanism
Transfer switch
Alternator
Engine filter

Generator Service Costs by Type

The size and type of generator in your habitation can change the extent and cost of maintenance. The table beneath is based on average run fourth dimension; if your generator runs longer than average, it might require more frequent maintenance.

**How Often to Service Your Generator**
Type	Frequency	Cost
Standby	Semi-Almanac	$200 – $300
Portable	Annual	$lxxx – $150
Diesel, Gas, Natural Gas & Propane	Annual	$100 – $300

Larger, commercial generators typically run more ofttimes than units designed for smaller homes. As a result, they will demand more frequent and more than thorough inspections and maintenance. Industrial products should be serviced monthly, with a thorough cheque of all components. Regardless of unit size, hiring a pro is crucial to make sure everything checks out during the inspection.

Generator Warranties

Most models come with warranties that include service if something goes wrong. These warranties do not cover the regular maintenance and tuneup required. While warranties differ past individual production, here's what y'all can expect from the major generator brands:

**Length of Generator Warranties**
Brand	Default Length (in years)
Generac	2
Craftsman	2
Kholer	5
Coleman	5
Briggs & Stratton	5

Annual Service Contracts

Dissimilar warranties, these agreements cover the maintenance your generator needs to reliably piece of work. Almanac service contracts typically cost between $150 and $300 per year and are commonly offered through the generator manufacturer.

However, some installation professionals might besides offer their own, less-standardized version of an annual maintenance contract. Talk to your installation and repair professionals for more details because these agreements vary in service and cost.

Hire a Generator Professional to Repair Your Unit

How Much Does Generac Generator Maintenance Cost?

Like other brands, Generac generators crave almanac maintenance. Generac offers a $200 annual service contract that takes intendance of the yearly checks, just some professionals offer less expensive options at $lxxx to $150 per checkup. If your generator is withal under warranty, work only with the manufacturer or canonical contractors to prevent voiding its coverage.

Rewinding

Because of the difficulty of rewinding a generator motor, leave it to an experienced professional. About pros will charge between $300 and $700.

Electric motors periodically need rewinding to ensure reliable and efficient performance. The procedure includes removing the one-time coil, winding a new gyre onto the motor, and varnishing the gyre to make information technology permanent.

Fixing or Replacing Home Generator Parts

In almost cases, your generator stops working because of a specific part. Diagnosing and repairing that office is more beneficial and price-effective than a complete generator installation cost.

Stator & Rotor

A new stator and rotor ready typically costs between $250 and $one,500. They are stationary and rotating parts of whatsoever arrangement that generates electricity. When they finish working seamlessly, they demand repair or replacement.

Carburetor

The carburetor mixes air and fuel to create the correct combustion ratio. Small problems, such as a loose gasket, tin can be hands repaired for less than $50. Complete carburetor replacement volition cost betwixt $sixty and $300.

Engine

The engine is the about important component of the unit of measurement. Repairing small parts of your generator's engine tin cost every bit little as $l, but more comprehensive jobs tin be more than $2,000.

Voltage Regulator

Especially when connecting major appliances to your generator, the voltage generator is crucial. A new part costs between $twoscore and $lxxx, plus the required toll to hire an electrician.

Transfer Switch

Repairing an existing transfer switch volition typically price between $50 and $150, depending on the exact problem. If the problem is meaning, consider complete replacement, which will be between $200 and $400 plus 3 to four hours of electrical labor. Explore more costs of installing a new generator transfer switch.

Who Fixes Generators? - DIY vs. Pro Repair Shops

Repairing your home generator most always requires a professional person. This advanced electric equipment will crave expertise to diagnose the problem, and repair or replace the right parts. DIY generator repair kits do exist merely should only be used past the average homeowner to take intendance of small bug and routine maintenance.

Read reviews and go quotes from experienced generator repair services in your surface area.

Hire a Generator Repair Electrician