Generator Maintenance

    Your generator runs for 10 seconds a week. Have you ever run it for 10 minutes?

    70% of generator failures happen in the first 48 hours of a real power outage — caused entirely by skipped maintenance. The next derecho is the wrong time to find out.

    Protect your generator View Estate & add-on pricing

    The 3-part annual maintenance protocol

    DMV averages 1.2 power outages per home per year. Great Falls, Potomac, and McLean see more. Your generator is your insurance policy on your insurance policy.

    01
    Visual inspection
    • Oil level and quality (color, consistency)
    • Coolant level and condition check
    • Battery terminal voltage and corrosion
    • Fuel level (propane tank gauge or diesel tank)
    • Body, housing, and vent condition
    • Rodent nesting and debris clearance
    • All fluid line connections for leaks
    02
    Transfer switch test
    • Simulate utility power interruption
    • Verify automatic transfer < 10 seconds
    • Confirm proper load transfer to generator
    • Verify utility restoration and back-transfer
    • Manual override function test
    • Transfer switch terminal connection check
    03
    Load bank test
    • Run generator at 50–75% rated capacity
    • Maintain load for minimum 20 minutes
    • Monitor voltage and frequency output
    • Monitor coolant temperature under load
    • Check for wet-stacking (incomplete combustion)
    • Document all readings in your home dossier
    DMV Context

    The DMV power outage reality

    The 2012 derecho left 1.4 million homes without power for up to 10 days. The 2024 storm caused similar disruption. Both times, thousands of luxury homeowners with whole-house generators discovered their unit wouldn't run — not because it was broken, but because it hadn't been properly maintained.

    A generator that passes a 10-second weekly self-test can still fail a sustained load run. The difference is whether the oil is clean, the battery has reserve capacity, the transfer switch makes clean contact, and the fuel system is free of degradation.

    We find at least one critical issue on roughly 1 in 4 generator inspections. None of those homeowners knew.

    What we track in your Home Dossier

    • Generator make, model, and serial number
    • Fuel type (natural gas, propane, diesel)
    • Rated output (kW)
    • Installation date and installer
    • Transfer switch manufacturer and model
    • Last oil change date and oil type
    • Last full service date
    • Weekly exercise schedule confirmation
    • Battery replacement history
    • All load test results with voltage/frequency readings

    Generator service by membership tier

    Same flat price across tiers — +$20/mo. The difference is which tier already includes it.

    Essential
    Add-on+$20/mo
    Steward
    Add-on+$20/mo
    Superintendent
    Add-on+$20/mo
    Estate
    Included

    Coverage source: canonical add-on catalog. See the full add-on matrix on the Pricing page.

    Frequently asked questions

    Know your generator will work when you need it

    Generator service is included in Estate and available as a +$20/mo add-on at all other tiers. Start your membership to get it scheduled before storm season.

    Get started

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