Sometimes Generac generators for homes are installed by electricians or individuals who don’t specialize in installation or home generator repair. In the absence of weekly or monthly test cycles and annual inspections and regular maintenance, these generators will experience a shorter lifespan because they weren’t properly maintained and serviced.
From east to west and north to south, there are some challenging weather and outside environments all across the United States in which residential standby generators must operate. A malfunctioning generator can greatly hinder the lives of a homeowner or a family, making them scramble on their phones in a frantic search for “home generator repair near me.” To prevent breakdowns, experts advise that you perform known repairs as soon as possible or contact a specialist to get the job done on your behalf.
With YouTube and do-it-yourself online videos, the majority of homeowners think they can fix nearly anything these days. That might be true if you’re a mechanic by trade. If the issue is complex, however, you should reach out to a Generac repair service. If you try to “do it yourself,” you may make the issue worse and ruin your generator. A professional should always be consulted when difficult problems arise.
Generator Failures and Home Generator Repair
When maintained properly by a home generator repair service, Generac generators can provide reliable power for several years, making a homeowner’s return on investment absolutely worth the cost. A generator’s failure can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Parts that have burned. During generator operation, electrical components, motors, circuit boards, transfer coils, and other components may experience extreme temperatures. These components can be damaged and malfunction if exposed to high temperatures.
- Wiring that’s faulty or damaged. Corrosion, fraying, and cuts can occur over the course of time. It’s imperative you do not postpone fixing damaged wiring. The tripped breaker, low voltage warnings, and malfunctioning gauges can all be signs of deficient wiring. Your “home generator repair near me” search on the internet shouldn’t be a last-minute inquiry.
- Batteries that die. Experts recommend replacing batteries every two – three years for maximum reliability. Keeping a battery for longer than three years may result in unanticipated failures.
- Mishaps caused by fuel issues. The most common cause of generator repairs is a fuel system failure. It’s common for fuel tank contamination to cause problems. Algae, bacteria, and sediments sometimes get sucked into the fuel line system and hinder performance.
- Belts that go bad. With regular use, belts can wear out — or simply from aging. You should replace worn, dry, or cracked belts before they break.
- Coolant leaks. Heat sensors within the generator turn off the unit if coolant leaks or reservoir levels drop below acceptable limits. Engine cylinder gasket leaks, cracked cylinder heads, and faulty sleeves are all potential causes of coolant leaks.
Maintenance Troubleshooting Before Contacting Home Generator Repair
In the event of a severe storm, natural disaster, or random blackout, you lose more than you might expect — which makes a home generator repair service a top priority in that moment of emergency. Your lights, refrigerated food, cooking appliances, the internet, medical equipment, sump pump, and even your heating system are all at risk.
Providing backup power for your home is automatic when your Generac generator detects a power outage — but only if it’s been properly and regularly maintained. Unless your generator receives regular professional maintenance by a Generac repair service, it may develop any number of problems, such as air in the fuel system, a fuel leak, overheating, low coolant levels, water contamination, or problems with the switch gear.
Regular maintenance is essential, whether you use your generator to power your entire home during an outage or to back up your most essential items. Lack of maintenance is the leading cause of generator failure.
However, with proactive maintenance and routine repair, you won’t be left in the dark when an emergency strikes. Your power supply will continue running no matter what the weather brings, giving you peace of mind. In addition to extending the life of your generator, regular service also increases its efficiency.
Expert Maintenance & Home Generator Repair
Make sure your Generac generator is properly maintained to enjoy true peace of mind, whether you do it yourself or hire a trustworthy home generator repair service.
For Generac generators to run optimally, they need to have regular oil changes just like any other combustion engine. Oil changes are usually needed only once a year, but bi-annual changes may be necessary if the generator has run between 125 – 150 hours. The best way to determine when the time is right to get an oil change is to keep track of how many hours you’ve used.
The old oil filter will often contain metal fragments and other impurities that can cause damage to your generator if not replaced during an oil change. Also remember that reusing oil filters can shorten the generator’s lifespan, making your overall investment more expensive over time. Likewise, if the fuel filter looks dirty, old, brittle, or appears to be clogged, it should be replaced. Filters for fuel must only be replaced during inspection, unlike oil filters. During routine maintenance and inspections, your Generac generator’s air filter may also need replacing.
The air filter should also be changed if it’s filled with debris or appears dirty. Generators can’t function properly if they aren’t able to take in fresh air. You don’t want to be the one searching last-second for “home generator repair near me” on a poorly maintained unit just because it was suffering from an air filter maintenance mistake.
Equally Important
It’s also important to note that combustion engines cannot function properly without adequate sparks to ignite your fuel. When you perform an oil change, it’s good to check your spark plugs and see if they have excessive carbon build-up, fractured tips, proper gapping, or appear in poor shape. They play a key role in your backup generator’s ability to run. Ensure you have an annual spark plug inspection plan in place to make sure they’re clean and work properly. If needed, contact a Generac repair service to replace them if they appear worn.
Additionally, Generac generators used for home usually have only one large battery with a charger to extend its lifespan. Make sure the battery and charger unit are receiving adequate amperage during the routine inspection process. It’s crucial to replace the charger or battery immediately if they aren’t doing their job. A drained battery or dying charger can result in your generator not starting or functioning.
Also important: Your fuel regulator should be evaluated routinely. Gaskets, diaphragms, and fittings are often weak points in fuel systems and can cause serious problems that render the unit inoperable. It’s not recommended that you perform regular inspections or fixes on your own. Due to the technical nature of what’s involved, reach out to a local home generator repair company to handle this for you.
Lastly, a liquid-cooled unit’s coolant and radiator should also be inspected and maintained (or replaced) as needed — as well as the alternator (if it has one) and transfer switch.
Go Over Your Inspection Checklist Regularly
External damage should be checked routinely, and oftentimes homeowner’s choose a local home generator repair service. The external areas of the unit’s casing should be inspected periodically for damage. Dents, breaks, and cracks are usually painted and hard to see without a closer look.
Test runs should also be performed. Occasionally, turn your generator on to make sure everything is working properly. If you do this weekly or monthly, it’s a lot less painful than finding out your generator doesn’t work when you need it most.
Keep an eye out for leaks from time to time. Your routine checkups could likely reveal a leak over the years. If you spot one in a hose or line, call a professional Generac repair service immediately.
Get a professional inspection every year with an expert service, technician, or specialist who will look at your generator to ensure optimal performance. An experienced eye can spot concerns that you may have overlooked — and nip them in the bud before they become expensive problems.
Before the power goes out, always be prepared by researching and reading everything you can about purchasing, maintaining, and repairing home backup generators — your prized investment.
W. Danley Electrical
At W. Danley Electrical provides comprehensive assistance throughout the entire process. We are available to answer any questions you may have regarding Generac home generator repair. Additionally, we assist you in preparing for the installation process, obtaining permits, scheduling routine inspections, and handling other necessary tasks. We offer assistance in optimizing and fine-tuning your situation to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Additionally, we help you determine the correct generator size that suits your needs.
Learn more about certified Generac Generator repair near you.