Generator maintenance in Columbus GA
When a summer thunderstorm or a tropical system rolls through the Chattahoochee Valley, power can be out for hours or days. The last thing you want is a generator that won't start. Professional generator maintenance keeps your unit ready to kick on the moment the power drops, so the fridge stays cold, the AC keeps running and the lights stay on.
Sherrill Co. services standby generators, transfer switches and portable generator hookups for homes and businesses across Columbus, Phenix City and Auburn. Our licensed crew handles inspections, oil and filter changes, battery testing and load tests, and has served the area since 1984.
- Full inspection and load test
- Transfer switch tested every visit
- Follow up call after the job
How our generator maintenance works
A generator that sits unused for months can fail when you need it most. Every maintenance visit follows these five steps, so your system is clean, tested and ready before the next storm.
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Review your system
We look at your generator's model, age, run hours and service history, and ask how it performed during the last outage.
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Inspect inside and out
We check the enclosure, wiring, belts, hoses and fuel lines for wear, leaks, corrosion and pests, and make sure clearances around the unit are still clear.
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Service the engine
We change the oil and filters, check spark plugs and coolant, and test the battery so the generator starts reliably on the first try.
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Test the transfer switch
We confirm the automatic or manual transfer switch, or interlock and inlet box, switches cleanly and keeps the generator and the utility from ever connecting at the same time.
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Load test and report
We simulate an outage and run the generator under load, then walk you through what we found and recommend when to schedule your next visit.
Is your generator due for maintenance?
Most generators sit quietly for months, then have to start the moment the power drops. Check anything that sounds like your system and the checker will tell you how soon it needs attention.
Some signs, like a slow start or a transfer switch that didn't kick in, mean the generator may not carry you through the next outage. Regular generator maintenance catches these problems early, and we confirm everything with a full inspection and load test on site.
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This is a quick guide, not a diagnosis. Most manufacturers recommend service at least once a year, or more often with heavy use. We confirm your generator's condition with a full inspection before recommending any repairs.
Generator maintenance options
From a yearly tune up on your standby system to a check on the portable generator in your garage, these are the four ways we help Columbus homes keep their generators ready for the next outage.
Standby generator maintenance
A scheduled service visit for your permanent generator, so it starts on its own when the power drops. We handle the engine, battery and controls, then run it under load to make sure it can carry the house.
- Oil, filter and spark plug service
- Battery and controller check
- Load test with a written report
Generator checkups
A quick pre-season look at a generator that's otherwise on schedule. We check the battery, fluids, controller and enclosure, run it, and let you know if anything needs attention before the storms arrive.
- Pre-season inspection
- Battery and fluid check
- Written findings
Portable generator and hookup check
If you rely on a portable generator, we inspect the inlet box, cord and interlock or manual transfer switch, and make sure everything still connects safely before storm season.
- Inlet box and cord inspection
- Panel interlock check
- Updated circuit labels
Transfer switch testing and service
The transfer switch is what keeps any generator safe to connect. We test automatic and manual transfer switches and clean and tighten connections, so the switchover works when you need it.
- Automatic switchover testing
- Connection cleaning and tightening
- Written report of findings
Generator safety, the short version
Every storm season, people get hurt by generators that were connected wrong or not kept up. Whether you have a standby unit or a portable one, these rules matter between service visits too.
- Don't work on it yourself A standby generator can start on its own at any moment. Leave internal service to a licensed technician who knows how to shut it down safely.
- Never backfeed through an outlet Plugging a generator into a dryer or wall outlet with a double ended cord can send power back onto the utility lines and injure lineworkers or neighbors. It's also illegal.
- Keep the area around it clear Leaves, mulch, plants and stored items around a standby unit block airflow and invite pests. Run portable generators outdoors, far from windows, doors and vents.
- Test your CO alarms If you own any generator, keep battery backed carbon monoxide alarms near bedrooms and test them when you test the generator.
Not sure your current setup is safe or due for service? Send a photo of your generator and how it connects to service@sherrillcompany.com and we'll tell you.
What affects generator maintenance cost
We don't quote a flat price before we know what kind of generator you have and what shape it's in. These are the things that change the number.
Generator type and sizeLarger standby units take more oil, filters and time to service than a small standby or portable generator.
Fuel typeNatural gas, propane and diesel units each have their own service needs and parts.
Time since last serviceA generator that's gone years without maintenance usually needs more work than one on a yearly schedule.
Parts that need replacingBatteries, belts, hoses and spark plugs wear out over time and add to the visit when they're due.
Portable or standbyA check on a portable generator and its hookup takes less time than a full standby service.
What customers say about working with us
"These are the nicest, most down to earth and accommodating people. From Tom Sherrill down, everyone was super nice, helpful and professional. Their work is too notch. They stand behind their work and called a few days later to make sure all their work was working and satisfactory order."
Keith SeeleyGoogle review
Storm damage to your service?
If a storm damages the meter base, the service mast or the line running to your house, the utility may not reconnect until an electrician makes repairs. Call our emergency services line at (706) 566-3994.
When to call for emergency serviceGenerators serviced across our area
- Columbus
- Phenix City
- Auburn
- Opelika
- Fortson
- Cataula
- Smiths Station
Generator maintenance questions
What homeowners ask us most about keeping a generator ready. For your specific unit, a quick call gets you a real answer.
Schedule generator service(706) 569-7518
How much does generator maintenance cost?
It depends mostly on the type and size of your generator, the fuel it runs on, how long it's been since the last service and whether any parts like the battery or spark plugs need replacing. A routine yearly visit costs far less than dealing with a generator that fails during an outage. We give you a clear price before any work begins.
How often should a generator be serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend service at least once a year, or after a set number of run hours, whichever comes first. If your generator ran through a long outage, it's a good idea to have it checked afterward. Use the maintenance checker on this page to see if yours is due.
What's included in a maintenance visit?
A standard visit covers an oil and filter change, spark plug and coolant check, battery test, a look at wiring, belts, hoses and fuel lines, and a test of the transfer switch. We finish with a load test and walk you through what we found.
Why won't my generator start?
A weak or old battery is the most common cause. Low oil, a fuel supply issue, a fouled spark plug or a controller fault can also keep a generator from starting. If your unit shows an error code or fails its weekly exercise run, call us for a checkup before the next storm.
How do I know if my transfer switch is working?
If the power goes out and your house doesn't switch to the generator within a few seconds, or the lights flicker badly during switchover, the transfer switch may need attention. We test it during every maintenance visit by simulating an outage, so you find out before it matters.
Do you service Generac generators?
We service standby generators from major brands, including Generac. Tell us your make and model when you call so we can bring the right filters and parts.
Do you service generators in Phenix City and Auburn?
Yes. With Georgia license EN008188 and Alabama license 02198, we handle generator maintenance in Columbus, Fortson and Cataula as well as Phenix City, Smiths Station, Opelika and Auburn. See our service area for the full list.
What can I do between service visits?
Keep the area around a standby unit clear of leaves, plants and stored items, and glance at the controller for warning lights after its weekly self test. Portable generators should be run every few months and stored with fresh or stabilized fuel. Leave anything inside the unit to a licensed technician.