Signs Your Generator Needs Immediate Service
When the next major storm hits, the last thing you want to worry about is if your generator will work. It’s the one piece of equipment that you rely on for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Sudden power outages can put homeowners at risk, interrupting critical medical equipment, spoiling food, and leaving you completely in the dark.
Luckily, generators typically don’t fail without warning signs. They give you subtle hints that, when recognized in time, can help you avoid costly repairs and prevent failures. This guide will explore five signs your generator needs maintenance.
Common Warning Signs
The five most common warning signs are good indicators to watch for to ensure your generator is prepared for storms. Here are the generator repair signs to pay attention to at home:
- Strange Noises
If you hear your generator making unusual noises, such as rattling, grinding, or knocking, they could indicate your unit needs repair. Oftentimes, these unusual sounds can be tied to loose or damaged components within the unit. It’s best to check on this immediately to avoid further damage and prevent the issue from worsening over time.
- Frequent Starting Failures
It’s a major red flag if your generator struggles to start. This is one of the tell-tale signs that your generator needs maintenance. If the motor struggles to start, almost like a car whose engine won’t turn over, call a professional. Starting issues can indicate issues with the fuel tank, a weak battery, or clogged air filters.
- Low Voltage Output
If your generator is running but delivering inconsistent power, you may have an issue on your hands. You might notice lights flickering or fluctuations in power output. If you notice this inconsistent power output, your generator needs professional servicing or repair.
- Warning Lights
Most modern generator models have built-in warning lights on the unit to signal issues to homeowners. If you notice flashing lights or alerts on the control panel, they indicate there is an issue that needs to be addressed. Do not ignore warning lights—acting right away helps prevent bigger issues.
- Fuel or Oil Leaks
The last sign to watch for is fluid leaks or puddles around the generator. If you notice stains, puddles, or a full-on leak, addressing the issue promptly is critical. Whether it’s fuel, oil, or coolant, a fluid leak is not a good sign. Each of these fluids plays an important role in the proper operation of the generator. Ignoring leaks leads to environmental hazards and performance issues.
Risks of Ignoring These Signs
Now that you know the generator repair signs to watch for, let’s discuss why you should never ignore them. There are three primary risks of ignoring the warning signs:
System Failure
The number one risk of ignoring the signs your generator needs repair is system failure. If problems like fluid leaks or warning lights aren’t addressed promptly, you put your generator at risk of failure. System failure often comes at the worst possible time—during a power outage.
Avoid a failed generator during a storm by scheduling routine maintenance and annual inspections.
Costly Repairs
Costly repairs are another risk of ignoring generator warning signs. Ignoring unusual noises or frequent starting failures can lead to much bigger issues down the line. Generator repairs can be expensive, especially if a generator has been neglected.
Generators are complex, and when components are forced to operate under stress, they tend to wear out faster. Addressing small issues early saves you money and helps extend the life of your generator.
Safety Hazards
Neglected generators can also cause safety hazards such as fire hazards, carbon monoxide exposure, or electrical shocks. Issues, such as fuel leaks, overheating, electrical malfunctioning, and more can lead to serious safety hazards for families.
Additionally, when a generator isn’t operating properly, it can feed electricity back into the utility grid, potentially endangering electricians working to restore power during an outage. That’s why it’s vital to pay attention to the warning signs and take quick action.
How Professional Inspection Can Prevent Emergencies
Professional inspections are key to preventing generator emergencies. If you notice any of the warning signs mentioned above, contact a professional electrical company like My Reliable Power.
Professional electricians can complete diagnostic testing to identify the root cause of any issue and make repairs. Technicians can also replace worn or damaged parts to ensure smooth operation of your generator and prevent failures. These professionals can provide tune-ups for your generator, checking and changing the engine oil, replacing air filters and spark plugs, and inspecting the battery and fuel system.
Why My Reliable Power is the Go-To Service Provider
My Reliable Power supports homeowners in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other areas of South Florida. Our local technicians are skilled in generator installation, maintenance, and repairs, and provide quality service every time.
With quick response times and emergency service options, My Reliable Power is South Florida’s go-to generator service provider. We pride ourselves on our commitment to local customers and always put the customer first. Our master electricians provide holistic generator services, including remote generator monitoring so you can have peace of mind.
FAQs
Can I troubleshoot the generator myself?
Sometimes it is safe to attempt generator troubleshooting, but in general, due to the nature of electricity, troubleshooting should be left to a professional. You can complete simple tasks like checking the oil or cleaning a spark plug, but more complex issues require a professional to prevent damage or safety hazards.
How do I know it’s an emergency?
If you notice physical damage, unusual smells or noises, or leaks, you should call a professional immediately. These are indications that something is wrong with your generator, and it should be shut down for inspection.
How quickly should I call for service?
It’s always best to call immediately for service. Our professional technicians can assess the generator issues over the phone and get you on the schedule as soon as possible. We’ll be able to tell if you need emergency service or if repairs can wait a few days.
Contact My Reliable Power for Generator Repair Services
If your generator is acting up and you think it might need repair, give us a call at 888-960-4553. One of our service technicians will be there in no time to inspect your generator and make repairs. For over 20 years, we’ve been serving South Florida—schedule an appointment today!
