How Do Home Generators Work?
Home generators are a great backup system for your home. When your home loses electricity, they kick in and provide your entire house with the electricity it needs.
They’re also great because they are situational. They don’t use electricity while they are off and only activate when they are needed.
This article will cover some information about generators and their usage. By the end of it, you’ll understand more about generators and how to treat your own generator.
8 Common Problems & How To Fix Them
Generator battery failure
When a generator has issues, the problem is usually due to the battery. Any issue or disconnect between the generator and the battery will cause a problem. Plus, batteries become less effective over time and, thus, are more prone to failure.
The best way to prevent this is to double-check everything. You should ensure all the connections running to and from the battery are tight, clean, and properly connected.
The generator fails to start
When a generator fails to start, there may be an easy fix. Many home generators can turn off and on via automatic start, yet most people forget this is an option. So, if yours isn’t starting automatically, it may be because the switch is set to the “off” or “reset” position.
This switch could happen due to an accident, as someone could have bumped it in the wrong position. In addition, it may have been switched off the last time it was serviced.
Generator keeps stalling
Sometimes, a generator starts up just fine. However, it stalls shortly after starting up and, thus, doesn’t actually work. This could happen as a result of multiple different issues.
The problem may be due to the spark plugs. Spark plugs are prone to damage over time and need to be replaced eventually. In general, most spark plugs should be replaced after being used for 100 hours. Checking your spark plugs and replacing them as needed may fix the issue.
The problem may also be due to the filters. Your generator likely has two types of filters: oil filters and air filters. These filters will slowly gather materials, as this is their intended design. However, if too much material is gathered, the filters will clog up, preventing your generator from working. In this case, you can simply clean or replace the filters to get them working again.
Clogged fuel lines
Clogged fuel lines are another problem many generators have to deal with. A clog in the line will prevent any fuel from flowing or restrict flow to the point where the generator gets less fuel than it should. In either case, it will prevent the generator from working.
The best way to deal with a fuel line clog is to maintain your lines regularly. This will clear out any clogs and any potential problems that come with them. Regular maintenance will also help your generator’s system stay at peak efficiency.
Generator lacks coolant
Coolant is a critical part of your home generator’s operation. The generator’s engine puts out a lot of heat, so much heat that it would normally damage the generator itself. However, coolant prevents this. It helps to keep the system cool and stops it from overheating.
In some cases, coolant levels get too low. This will happen naturally over time as coolant evaporates slowly. The easy answer to this problem is just to replenish the coolant levels. Doing so should have it operating like normal in no time.
If the generator still doesn’t work even after replacing coolant levels, the problem is more severe. The issue could relate to the generator’s belt or another serious issue. In this case, you will likely need to have the generator looked at by a professional. Call the electrical professionals at 4 Service Pros to get your generator inspected.
The generator is leaking liquid
You may notice that your home generator is leaking some sort of liquid. This will often be oil, but it can also be another liquid, like coolant. This can happen as home generators get older and the connections between parts start to become less secure. It can also happen as a result of overfilling the system with oil.
In this situation, check the connections to make sure they are secure. After this, look for other places where the leak may come from. In addition, make sure that you aren’t overfilling the system.
The heater hose fails
Sometimes, the high temperatures within the generator system become a problem and cause the hoses to fail and start leaking. When this happens, the hoses need to be replaced. For silicone hoses, this should happen every 3-4 years.
Running the generator in the rain
Many people ask, “Can I run a generator in the rain?” Since generators need to stay outside to prevent carbon monoxide buildup, rain can damage them, necessitating generator repair. The combination of water and electricity can cause dangerous electrical shocks. It’s best to use a temporary weather cover or install a permanent one to protect your generator from the rain.
Is a Whole Home Generator Cost Worth It?
A whole home generator can absolutely be worth the cost. A power outage is a clear annoyance to anyone. Dealing without power means not being able to use any electrical devices. Since your refrigerator requires power, this could even lead to spoiled food. The cost of this could, over time, outweigh the home generator cost.
However, there are some situations where having a whole home generator is even more important. Any medical devices in the house that require electricity, having reliable access to electricity is critical. Homes with a sump pump, a heavy storm could knock out the power while simultaneously flooding your basement. If you work from home and require power to do business, losing power will prevent you from getting your work done. Finally, a house relying on a water pump simply won’t have water while the power is out. In these situations, a whole home generator goes from being helpful to something essential, making the whole house generator cost a drop in the bucket compared to the potential damage.
Ready to install your whole home generator to prevent the hassles of a power outage? Give us a call and get started today.
The Home Generator Services You Need Are a Click Away
If you have a generator and want to ensure it can handle a power outage, contact the professionals at 4 Service Pros. We provide service and maintenance to generators 24/7. We’ll look at the system and perform any routine maintenance to keep it running in top condition. We’ll also repair any issues that we might find. You’ll sleep well knowing that your home has power when needed. Call us or schedule online your generator repair appointment now.