How to Properly Maintain the Area Around Your Home Standby Generator
Your home standby generator is built to keep your household running smoothly during power outages—but like any piece of equipment, it performs best when properly maintained.
While regular service from a professional is key, there’s also an important step homeowners often overlook: keeping the area around the generator clear and well-maintained.
A clean, safe environment ensures your generator runs efficiently and extends its lifespan. Here’s what you need to know:
Keep Vegetation in Check
- Trim back shrubs, weeds, and tall grass around your generator. Overgrowth can restrict airflow, cause overheating, and even become a fire hazard.
- Maintain at least 3 feet of clear space on all sides and 5 feet overhead for proper ventilation and easy access for technicians.
Clear Debris Regularly
- Remove leaves, pine needles, sticks, and mulch that accumulate around the unit, especially during fall.
- Check after storms—fallen branches or blown debris can obstruct air vents or damage the enclosure.
Watch for Pest Problems
- Generators provide warmth and shelter that can attract mice, snakes, wasps or other insects.
- Keep the area neat and avoid storing firewood, compost, or piles of leaves nearby.
- Inspect occasionally for signs of nests or chewed wires.
- Treat the area in and around the generator with pesticides.
- Deter pets from urinating directly onto the generator cabinet to prevent rust and corrosion.
Maintain Proper Drainage
- Ensure the ground around your generator slopes slightly away from the unit so rainwater doesn’t pool.
- If you notice standing water after a storm, consider adding gravel or a generator pad, or regrading the area to protect the base and electrical components.
Be Smart About Landscaping
- Don’t plant bushes or trees too close—roots can affect the concrete pad or underground fuel lines.
- If you’d like to camouflage your generator, consider decorative fencing or removable privacy screens that allow for full airflow and technician access.
- Ensure that irrigation sprinkler heads do not spray directly onto the generator.
Keep Pathways Accessible
- In an emergency, your generator should be easy to reach. Clear snow in the winter, and avoid blocking access with lawn furniture, tools, or storage items.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining the area around your home standby generator is just as important as routine service. By keeping vegetation trimmed, debris cleared, and airflow unobstructed, you’ll help your generator operate at peak performance when you need it most.
For professional maintenance or inspections, Virginia Power Solutions is here to help. We have factory trained technicians available 24/7 for our Power Plan Members, and also offer Generac Extended Warranties. Contact us at (804) 365-0263 to schedule service and keep your generator ready for any storm.
