A standby generator is an excellent asset in any emergency. In fact, 14 percent of U.S. households have one. However, a generator is only helpful if it works when it’s needed.
Putting off necessary generator repairs may lead to an unfortunate situation where you’re left in the dark. Instead, watch for these signs and reach out for professional generator maintenance as soon as you notice something is wrong.
Low Power Output
Low power output is a sure sign that something isn’t right with your generator. It has a specified design output that it should be able to meet reliably. This level is based on your specific needs, such as the number and types of appliances and HVAC equipment you need to keep running.
You may need generator repair if you notice signs such as dimming lights or the generator’s breakers tripping. This indicates that there is too much load for what your generator is putting out. Other potential causes include unexpected load, such as a recently installed or updated appliance. If you are noticing low output, you’ll likely need to call an expert to repair a generator.
Strange Noises
All generators make some noise. However, they’re designed to be as quiet as possible. Any irregular noises can be indicators of problems with your generator. Don’t ignore those noises, as the issue may get worse over time. Instead, reach out right away for professional generator repair.
Age
Standby generators are designed to last a long time. However, they don’t last forever. A well-maintained standby generator might last for 30 years. Keep in mind that frequent use is also a factor, as generators are also rated by their expected hours of use. If your generator is getting up there in years, consider having an expert take a look to see if it needs repairs or replacement.
Fluid Leaks
Your generator contains fluids such as oil, coolant, lubricant, and potentially liquid fuel if you have a diesel or gas generator. Leaks are a sure sign that something isn’t working properly. When repairing generators, experts quickly track down the source of leaks. You may need some simple adjustments or more extensive repairs for your generator.
Trouble Starting
Standby generators should kick in automatically during an outage. If that isn’t the case, then your generator could have issues starting. This could be due to a variety of causes, whether it’s a problem with the starter itself or other components. Let a professional handle this generator repair to ensure the root cause is dealt with.
Diagnostic Errors
Standby generators run their own diagnostics to ensure proper performance. Your generator should have some kind of display panel that may display error messages. Reach out to an expert with the specific message and they can let you know what kind of generator repair you need.
Taking the Best Care of Your Generator
You want to know that your standby generator will be ready to go when you need it most. The best way to do that is to leave all of your generator maintenance and repair needs to the experts at Aire-Flo Heating, Cooling & Generators.
We provide routine maintenance packages that let you make the most of your generator and get reliable repairs as needed. Reach out today for more information.
