Summertime means hurricane season is in full swing. Preparing your home and family for potential power outages is crucial, and that includes having a reliable generator on standby. If you’re like most homeowners, though, you may not know when your generator needs service or repair. Here are generator warning signs to look out for.
1. Your Generator Has Trouble Starting
As home generators become increasingly popular, more and more people are finding themselves in the dark when their power goes out. If your generator has trouble starting, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. First, check the fuel level and make sure there is enough gas in the tank. Next, check the oil level and make sure it is full. If the oil level is low, add more oil and try to start it again. Finally, if the generator still won’t start, it may be necessary to replace the spark plug. While this may seem like a daunting task, it is relatively easy to do and only requires a few tools. With a little patience and perseverance, you should be able to get your generator up and running in no time.
2. It Has Low Power Flow
Many people don’t realize that home generators can have low power flow and end up overloading them. This can cause permanent damage to home appliances. The circuit breakers will trip and home contents can be damaged. In some cases, an overloaded generator can catch fire and to prevent this from happening, it’s important to understand the difference between running watts and starting watts. Running watts are the continuous watts needed to keep it running, while starting watts are the extra watts needed to start up home appliances. Make sure to determine the wattage of all your home appliances before deciding on one. Once you know this information, you can choose a power backup generator with enough power flow to safely run all your home appliances at the same time.
3. Its Electrical Components Show Signs of Wear
Reset the generator’s circuit breaker. The electrical components in your whole house generators show signs of wear. The first thing you should do is reset the it’s circuit breaker. If that doesn’t work, then you may need to replace the breaker. Circuit breakers can be found at most hardware stores. Be sure to turn off the power before attempting to remove or replace the breaker. If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, then you should call a professional. Attempting to repair or replace electrical components yourself can be dangerous.
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4. There May Be an Internal or External Leak
If you have a home generator, there may be an internal or external leak. This can be a serious problem, as it can lead to its failure or even fire. If you notice any leaking oil, gas, or coolant, you should immediately shut off your generator and call a qualified technician. Once the leak has been repaired, you should have it professionally serviced to ensure that it is safe to use. By taking these precautions, you can help keep your home safe and prevent costly repairs.
5. Check for Damage to the Body
It is important to regularly check for damage to the generator’s body. Over time, weather and other elements can take their toll on them, causing rust and other forms of wear and tear. This can eventually lead to problems with the it’s performance. As a result, it is important to inspect it on a regular basis and address any issues that are found.
6. Low-Charged Battery
If your home loses power, a home generator can keep your lights on and your appliances running. But if its battery is low-charged, it may not be able to provide enough power to keep your home up and running.
When a home generator’s battery is low-charged, the engine will have to work harder to produce electricity, which can cause the engine to overheat and shut down. This can leave you in the dark during a power outage.
To avoid this, it’s important to make sure that its battery is always properly charged. You can do this by regularly checking the battery level and charging it as needed. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can consult your home generator’s owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.
7. Is your generator too old?
Home generators require regular maintenance in order to function properly, and they have a limited lifespan. Generally, with proper care a generator can last up to 20+ years, so, if you have not taken care of your generator, after 10 years old, it may be time to start shopping for a replacement. So, there are several factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace it. First, examine the condition of the unit. If it is damaged or corroded, it may be more expensive to repair than to replace. Second, consider the cost of parts and labor. In some cases, it may be cheaper to buy a new generator than to pay for repairs. Finally, think about the frequency of power outages in your area. If outages are rare, it may not be worth investing in a new generator. However, if outages are frequent, a new one could save you money in the long run by avoiding the cost of repeated repairs.
8. Is your generator using excessive fuel?
If your home generator is using excessive amounts of fuel, it may be time to have it repaired. While these are designed to be fuel-efficient, over time they can become less efficient as they age. There are a number of factors that can contribute to this decline in efficiency, such as dirty air filters, clogged fuel lines, and worn out spark plugs. By having your whole house generator serviced regularly, you can help to ensure that it continues to run efficiently for years to come. In addition to being more cost-effective in the long run, a well-maintained generator is also less likely to break down unexpectedly.
9. Is the generator slow to start?
If your home loses power, a home generator can keep your lights on and your appliances running. But if its battery is low-charged, it may not be able to provide enough power to keep your home up and running.
When a home generator’s battery is low-charged, the engine will have to work harder to produce electricity, which can cause the engine to overheat and shut down. This can leave you in the dark during a power outage.
To avoid this, it’s important to make sure that its battery is always properly charged. You can do this by regularly checking the battery level and charging it as needed. If you’re not sure how to do this, you can consult your home generator’s owner’s manual or contact a professional for assistance.
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10. Is the power fluctuating when the generator’s on?
If you’ve noticed that the power has been fluctuating when your home generator is on, it’s important to have the problem checked out by a professional. Fluctuating power can cause damage to appliances and other electrical equipment, and it can also be a sign of a more serious problem with itself. Fortunately, most home generators can be easily repaired by a qualified technician. In most cases, the problem is simply a loose connection or a faulty component that needs to be replaced. However, if the problem is more serious, it may require repairs to itself. Either way, it’s important to have the issue diagnosed and corrected as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home and possessions.
11. Are you constantly repairing your generator?
Like any other piece of machinery, generac generators require regular repair and maintenance in order to stay in good working condition. If you find that you are constantly repairing your generator, it may be time to consider some preventative measures. First, make sure that you are regularly inspecting it and addressing any small issues that come up. Additionally, be sure to use high-quality fuel and oil so that your generator is getting the best possible care.
If you’re like most homeowners, you may not know when your generator needs service or repair. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the four signs below. Generator repair and other service can be crucial in a power outage, so don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact GenStar today for all your generator installation and maintenance needs. We’ll make sure your home is prepared for hurricane season and any other emergency that may come up.
