If a blackout sweeps through your neighborhood, you can rest easy knowing your home generator has your electrical needs covered. Although what if generator noise is keeping you—and your neighbors—up? Why are generators so loud, anyway?
It’s normal for a generator to produce noise, but a generator producing loud, strange operational noises isn’t normal. Continue reading to understand the common causes behind these sounds and learn how to respond to restore your generator.
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Top Causes of Loud Standby Generator Operational Noises
While appearing compact in design, the interior components are anything but. Different elements of your generator contribute to high performance, but if one area malfunctions, it can lead to noisier operation.
If your generator has started making rattling and popping sounds, it could be due to the following reasons:
1. Imbalanced Fan Blades
The fan blades are a consistently moving part of your generator. When imbalanced, the blades can begin to rattle, causing a significantly noisier operation. Usually, simply rebalancing the blades using a kit will resolve the noise pollution issue, but if the problem persists, it may be time to call for professional generator repairs.
2. Defective Exhaust System
The culprit behind a malfunctioning exhaust system is typically the muffler. If your standby generator is making loud noises, the source of the issue may be a damaged, disconnected, or clogged exhaust system. Since exhaust systems are sensitive to work with, it’s better to rely on expert electricians for generator maintenance.
3. Dirty Air Filters
Your generator’s air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the unit, which can disrupt functions like combustion. Dirty or clogged filters can block airflow, resulting in the generator straining and running harder than usual, which can make it noisier. Conducting routine maintenance on your filters prevents disruptive clogs and keeps your generator running smoothly.
4. Fuel Issues
If left unaddressed, the fuel system can cause your generator to become louder. This is due to components such as the fuel injectors getting stuck in the wrong position or debris clogging up the fuel filter. These issues result in significantly poorer generator performance and increased operational noise. It’s best to have a professional inspect your generator’s fuel system and address any problems.
5. Low Gas Levels
Just like a car, running low on fuel is never a good thing. Insufficient fuel supply can often result in the unit making odd noises to supply the backup power. The best solution is to check your generator‘s fuel supply or consider getting a larger fuel tank.
6. Malfunctioning Battery
A drained battery means two things for your generator: it’s running on low energy, and it’s going to make a lot more noise when trying to run. Take the time to check your battery and replace it when necessary to ensure your generator is running correctly.
Read More: How to Choose a Correct Size Generator for Your Home
7. Incorrect System Placement
While you might not think about it, where your generator is placed can directly affect its performance, especially the amount of operational sound. Placing your unit near any enclosed areas or windows will amplify the present operational noise, making it sound much louder.
8. The System Is Too Hot
When a backup generator starts making loud noises during a cycle, this can be a sign of overheating. This issue can be caused by a generator that is struggling to meet your electrical demands.
If the cooling system is overworked, it may struggle to keep the unit cool, resulting in excessive noise during operation. Make the cooling system a regular part of your maintenance routine, and consider adding enhancements to improve its performance.
Common Types of Loud Generator Operational Noises You Should Be Familiar With
While generators are not entirely silent, it’s not normal if they begin making new, noisier sounds. Some sounds may sound normal, but others should raise a red flag about your generator’s condition.
A faulty generator can produce a wide range of noise during operation, including:
Grinding Sounds
A grinding sound is typically indicative of two metal parts rubbing against each other during operation. The usual suspects are the various pistons and metal bearings throughout the unit.
Unfortunately, the grinding sound suggests that there may already be severe internal damage. The best solution is to hire a professional for a thorough inspection and effective repair, if necessary.
Chattering Noises
No, your generator isn’t cold. A chattering noise is typically due to a loose or failing internal component.
Ignoring this problem can leave your generator inoperable when you need it the most. You can prevent a sudden breakdown by having a professional inspect your system and address any malfunctioning components.
Read More: Can a Standby Generator Get Wet?
Shooting Sounds
Sudden shooting sounds indicate a problem with combustion. This can be attributed to the unit having a low fuel-to-air ratio, which causes the combustion process to occur far more slowly, resulting in the exhaust valve not opening when needed.
The result? Your system malfunctions, causing internal damage and producing a loud, explosive sound. As soon as you hear this, turn off the generator immediately and contact a professional electrician for a full inspection. We can determine whether a new generator installation is needed.
Professional Backup Generator Repair and Installation Services
If your gas backup generator is creating excessive noise pollution, contact our team at (561) 408-5147 to receive support. Our professionals offer reputable generator repair services in South Florida and have the tools required to fix your standby system.
Our staff also provides extensive generator installation services in Fort Myers, Florida and the surrounding areas. With our years of experience and modern repair methods, we will restore or replace your system, having it ready to support your home for the next blackout. From electric to gas generators, our team is the reliable crew to keep the lights on 24/7.
Our professionals provide South Florida with expert generator inspections and swift repairs, quickly addressing the noisy issues with your system. Sudden noises can indicate potential performance issues and even signal future breakdowns. To receive assistance with a defective backup generator, contact our team to receive assistance.
