Hurricane Season Generator Checklist
Every June 1, hurricane season officially begins on the Grand Strand — and every year, homeowners scramble to check on their generators after the first named storm appears on the radar. By then, it's too late.
A generator inspection can typically be scheduled within a few days. A new generator installation is a different story. Permits, utility coordination, site prep, HOA approvals, and fuel connections all take time — often several weeks from your first call to the day your system is live. The homeowners who are protected when a major storm hits are the ones who planned ahead.
If you have a generator, now is the time to make sure it's ready. If you don't have one yet, the window to get one installed before peak season is closing. Either way, the right move is to act now.
What a Pre-Season Inspection Covers
Generators are designed to sit idle for weeks or months and start instantly when the power goes out. That only happens reliably when the system has been properly maintained. Cooper's pre-season inspection covers everything your generator needs to perform when it counts:
- Visual Inspection — Enclosure condition, weatherproofing, clearances, signs of corrosion or pest intrusion
- Fluid Check — Engine oil level and condition, coolant level (liquid-cooled units)
- Oil & Filter Change — Replace engine oil and oil filter per manufacturer schedule
- Air Filter — Inspect and replace if needed
- Spark Plugs — Inspect and replace if needed
- Battery Test — Test starting battery voltage and load capacity; replace if weak
- Transfer Switch Test — Verify automatic transfer switch operation and timing
- Load Test / Exercise Run — Run the generator under load to confirm output and performance
- Fuel System Check — Inspect fuel lines, connections, and fuel quality (propane or natural gas)
- Controls & Monitoring — Test remote monitoring connection, verify alert settings
- Final Report — Document findings, note any upcoming service needs, confirm next scheduled visit
Inspections are performed by factory-certified technicians on all major brands — Generac, Kohler, Cummins, and others. Flat-rate pricing starts at $299 for most residential systems.
Don't Have a Generator Yet?
A whole-home standby generator is the single most reliable way to protect your family during a power outage — storm-related or not. Unlike portable generators, a standby system turns on automatically within seconds of an outage, runs on your existing natural gas or propane supply, and requires no extension cords or manual setup.
Getting one installed before hurricane season requires starting the conversation now.
Every installation is different. Homes in areas with HOAs may require association approval. City locations may require a variance. Propane systems require a separate fuel tank installation that's coordinated with a third-party supplier. Some generators ship quickly; others have lead times. We give every customer an honest timeline from the start — we won't promise what we can't deliver.
Why Cooper?
Cooper Electrical Services was founded in 2017 as the Grand Strand's dedicated generator specialist, built on the Cooper family's electrical and mechanical service history in Horry County since 1989. We're the only family owned unlimited license electrical contractor in Myrtle Beach, focused exclusively on generator installation, repairs, and service — which means when you call us, you're talking to people who work on generators every day.
No subcontractors. The same team that sells your system installs it and services it. Factory certifications from Generac, Kohler, and Cummins — and the Cooper family's decades in Horry County mean we know what these systems face every hurricane season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a generator be serviced?
Twice a year. Most manufacturers recommend semi-annual inspections — pre-hurricane season (spring) and post-season (fall) are the natural windows. If your generator has seen heavy use or has been sitting unused for an extended period, it may need attention sooner.
How long does an inspection take?
Most residential inspections are completed in under two hours.
Do you service all generator brands?
Yes. We service all major brands including Generac, Kohler, and Cummins, as well as other makes and models.
What if my generator needs a repair during the inspection?
If our technician finds something during the inspection, we'll walk you through what it is, what it affects, and what it costs to fix before any work is done.
I have a service agreement — do I need to call to schedule?
Yes. Your agreement covers the visits, but scheduling is not automatic. Contact us to confirm your pre-season visit is on the calendar.
What's included in a new generator installation?
The full process includes a site assessment, permitting, utility coordination, fuel system setup (if needed), installation, wiring, transfer switch mounting, and final startup and testing. We handle all of it — no subcontractors.
