Generator Warranties and Service Plans: Protecting Your Investment

A whole home generator is a significant investment—typically $8,000 to $25,000 installed. Understanding your warranty coverage and service plan options helps protect that investment and ensures reliable backup power for years to come.

Standard Manufacturer Warranties

Generac Warranty

• Duration: 5-year limited warranty standard
• Coverage: Parts and labor for manufacturing defects
• Transferable: Yes, to subsequent homeowners
• Maintenance requirement: Annual maintenance required to maintain warranty

Kohler Warranty

• Duration: 5-year or 2,000-hour limited warranty (whichever comes first)
• Coverage: Parts and labor for manufacturing defects
• Transferable: Yes
• Maintenance requirement: Must follow maintenance schedule

Briggs & Stratton Warranty

• Duration: 5-year limited warranty
• Coverage: Parts and labor
• Transferable: Limited transferability

What Warranties Typically Cover

Covered Items

• Engine components (internal)
• Alternator/generator end
• Control board and electronics
• Fuel system components
• Enclosure (against defects)
• Transfer switch (when purchased together)

Common Exclusions

• Normal wear items (spark plugs, filters, oil)
• Battery replacement
• Damage from acts of God (lightning, flooding)
• Damage from improper installation
• Damage from lack of maintenance
• Fuel problems or contamination
• Cosmetic damage (dents, scratches)
• Consequential damages (spoiled food, lost income)

Extended Warranty Options

Generac Extended Warranty

Generac offers extended coverage options:

• 7-year coverage: Adds 2 years to standard warranty
• 10-year coverage: Maximum protection available
• Cost: Typically $500-$1,500 depending on coverage level
• Best if purchased: At time of installation or within first year

Kohler Extended Warranty

• Options: Extended coverage up to 10 years
• Coverage: Same as original warranty
• Requirements: Must maintain annual service records

Is Extended Warranty Worth It?

Consider Extending If:

• You plan to stay in your home long-term (10+ years)
• You want predictable costs and peace of mind
• Your home is particularly dependent on backup power (medical needs, sump pump)
• The extended warranty cost is reasonable relative to potential repair costs

May Not Be Necessary If:

• You plan to sell the home within 5 years
• You have funds set aside for potential repairs
• The cost seems excessive for the coverage provided

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Common major repairs and their approximate costs:

• Control board replacement: $800-$1,500
• Stator/alternator repair: $1,500-$3,000
• Engine rebuild: $2,000-$4,000
• Transfer switch replacement: $1,000-$2,500

If extended warranty costs $1,000 and covers 5 additional years, one major repair makes it worthwhile.

Service Plans Explained

Service plans (also called maintenance agreements) are different from warranties. They cover routine maintenance and may include additional benefits.

Typical Service Plan Inclusions

• Annual maintenance visit (oil change, filter replacement, inspection)
• Priority scheduling for service calls
• Discounts on parts and repairs
• Remote monitoring services
• Emergency service availability

Service Plan Costs

• Basic plan: $200-$350/year (annual maintenance only)
• Premium plan: $400-$600/year (maintenance + priority service + monitoring)
• Comprehensive plan: $600-$900/year (all above + some repair coverage)

DIY vs Professional Maintenance

DIY Maintenance

Some owners perform basic maintenance themselves:

• Oil changes (~$30-$50 in materials)
• Air filter replacement (~$20-$40)
• Visual inspections
• Battery terminal cleaning

Caution: DIY maintenance may void warranty if not documented properly. Some manufacturers require professional service to maintain warranty.

Professional Maintenance

• Ensures warranty compliance
• Catches problems you might miss
• Includes load testing
• Documents service for resale value
• Typical cost: $250-$450 per visit

Maintaining Warranty Compliance

To keep your warranty valid:

Required Actions

• Register your generator with the manufacturer
• Keep all purchase and installation documentation
• Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual
• Use approved parts and fluids
• Document all maintenance (dates, what was done, by whom)
• Address issues promptly—don't operate with known problems

Documentation to Keep

• Purchase receipt and invoice
• Warranty registration confirmation
• Installation permit and inspection records
• All service receipts and work orders
• Parts replacement records

Making a Warranty Claim

If you need warranty service:

1. Contact an authorized dealer/service provider (not any electrician)
2. Describe the problem and symptoms
3. Have your model and serial number ready
4. Provide maintenance documentation if requested
5. The dealer will diagnose and submit claim to manufacturer
6. Approved repairs are completed at no cost to you

Our Recommendation

At AJ Long Electric, we recommend:

• Extended warranty: For most homeowners, especially if you'll own the home 10+ years
• Annual professional service: Essential for warranty compliance and reliability
• Service plan: Consider if you want convenience and priority service

We offer service plans for generators we install and for existing generators of all brands. Contact us to discuss the best protection options for your situation.