How often should you run your generator test cycle?

Skipping it eventually leads to water damage or an expensive repair.

Staying on schedule matters beyond the repair bill: a consistent maintenance record is one of the factors in a home's Roots Home Health Score, and well-kept homes typically sell faster and closer to asking price.

How to do it

A standby or portable generator needs to actually run under load periodically, or it won't start on the day the power fails. Regular exercise keeps the fuel fresh, the battery charged, and the engine ready.

1. Run a standby generator's self-test (many auto-exercise weekly; confirm yours does and watch one).
2. For a portable, start it and let it run under a light load for 15–20 minutes.
3. Check oil level, battery, and that the transfer switch or connection works as expected.
4. Note the run and address any hard-starting, rough running, or warning lights.

Alternatives & optional extras

• Stale gasoline is the top reason portables won't start; use fresh fuel with stabilizer, or run the tank low before storage.
• Standby units run on natural gas or propane and mostly need the battery and oil watched.

Time: 20 minutes · Typical cost: Free to test

If you skip it

An untested generator often won't start when the outage comes, from stale fuel, a dead battery, or a seized engine.

Other backup generator maintenance

• Schedule generator service — once a year

Related systems to keep on schedule

• Electrical panel — start with: test gfci outlets, every 6 months