Power outages are always disruptiveโbut guess what? When the power goes out, you donโt have to live with candlelight. Instead, you can power your home with a residential generator. The team of professionals at Reliable Power Systems are ready to keep your system running for years to come.
Our experienced specialists come with the knowledge and state-of-the-art tools to perform comprehensive installations, repairs, and preventative maintenance. We are proud to offer trustworthy residential generator services for homes in areas of South Florida such as Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Deerfield Beach, Naples, and Wellington. Give our professionals a call at (561) 408-5147 or book an appointment to receive assistance.
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Schedule NowAre You Having Issues With Turning on Your Residential Generator?
While residential standby generators are reliable backup power sources, they are still machines. Like all machines, they can experience issues every now and then. Here are a few issues to look out for:
Fuel Problems
A residential standby generator runs on fuelโso if something is wrong with the fuel source, the generator wonโt work. Some fuel problems to look for include:
- Inadequate Fuel Quality – Fuel, when low quality or contaminated, can cause issues like clogged filters, engine damage, or problems with the carburetor. Using high-quality fuel is essential in keeping the generator running smoothly.
- Low Fuel – An insufficient fuel supply causes the generator to shut down prematurely or not start at all. By regularly refueling and monitoring levels, your generator should run consistently.
- Leaking – Generator leaks can occur due to factors like faulty connections, damage to the fuel lines or the seals degrading. Regular inspections by a professional at Reliable Power Systems can catch issues before they pose any sort of danger to you.
Damaged Battery
The battery is the initial power source of a residential backup generator. Common battery problems include old age, temperature, or inconsistent generator maintenance. If the battery of your backup generator is damaged, contact our team of residential electricians to inspect your unit.
Malfunctioning Control Panel
Your control panel gives you access to key functions of your generator. If your panel is not functioning correctly, it could be due to a few issuesโthe most common being your panel is not set right. Luckily, our team of technicians offer residential generator services for homes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and will help fix your control panel. Our specialists can find the source of your issues and repair them quickly.
Clogged Fuel Lines
Fuel lines allow for consistent system operation, providing the energy needed for the engine. By keeping these lines maintained, your generator provides an uninterrupted backup power supply.
Clogs within the lines can occur due to debris build-up. The clogging stops the flow of fuel, which then affects the generatorโs function. If you donโt clear your lines, you risk problems like engine misfiring or your system completely stopping.
Defective Spark Plugs
The spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture that occurs within the engine cylinder. This creates a spark that starts the combustion. That combustion pushes your engine to produce electricity through mechanical power.
Common problems with spark plugs include:
- Wear and Corrosion – Material breakdown results in weak spark production
- Fouling – Deposit buildup on the spark plugs preventing ignition
- Improper Gaps – Causes ignition failure or misfiring
Air Filter
As the name suggests, air filters are responsible for filtering out contaminants or dirt. However, these filters can accumulate dirt and debris if not cleaned regularly, reducing their effectiveness. This also results in the filter becoming clogged or even damaged, allowing unfiltered air to get into your system.
Refrigerant Levels
This is the core component that regulates your generatorโs temperature. Without it, your generator risks overheating during the combustion process.
Having insufficient refrigerant not only causes overheating but it is also responsible for other issues including reduced performance, wear and tear, complete engine failure, leaking, and pressure buildup.
This is why our team of qualified electricians offer extensive residential generator services for consumers in Delray Beach, Florida. Our staff has the tools and training necessary to inspect your refrigerant levels.
Software Issues
A modern residential backup generator utilizes software to manage operation. The software performs functions such as:
- Regulating the power output
- Initiating safety protocols
- Monitoring the systemโs parameters
- Data analysis and diagnostics
- Creates easier operation
If your system contains outdated software, it may start experiencing failures. Generator issues may also be due to software glitches, poor functionality, compatibility errors, and even failing to update for better performance. If you are unsure about your software, a specialist from Reliable Power Systems can help you.
How Does a Residential Backup Generator Work?
Itโs important to understand how your residential generator works. Below is a general breakdown of how a residential backup generator works:
Fuel Supply
A generator utilizes natural gas to start and run its engine. If your home uses a propane tank, the generator will take the supply from there. Homes that only use electricity should have a backup propane tank as a fuel source. Our team of professionals can hook up your fuel supply to the generator during installation.
System Engine
The engine begins spinning the rotor shaft to generate electricity. Powered by the battery, the starter motor turns the engine over to rotate the rotor shaft.
Backup Generator
The rotor shaft spins the small armature core inside a magnetic field. The field occurs inside the generator to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. This energy is what powers your home during a power outage.
Controller
When a power outage is detected by the transfer switch, it signals the generator controller. The controller then starts the engine and prepares the unit to supply power. From there the controller signals the transfer switch, connecting the generator power to the homeโs electrical system.
Additional functions that the controller performs:
- Allows manual and remote changes to controller settings
- Schedules necessary maintenance with a service provider like Reliable Power Systems
- Monitors the performance of areas like the engine to detect possible problems
- Runs test cycles to keep the engine lubricated and the seals maintained
Wiring and Transfer Switch
The wiring is what connects the output of your generator to the transfer switch. The transfer switch monitors the primary utility power, sending a signal to the generator controller when it encounters a power failure. The switch then connects the power from the residential backup generator to your homeโs electrical system.
Residential Backup Generator Installation and Repair Services in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Other Areas
To prepare for electrical outages and severe weather, you need our available residential generator services in South Florida. Our experts are certified and trained to work with all popular brands of residential standby generators. From Generac, Kohler, or Briggs and Stratton, our team is ready to assist with any concerns you have. Our comprehensive services cover everything from installation to repairs to necessary maintenance.
Our team of electricians is proud to offer residential and commercial generator services for the homes and businesses in areas of South Florida including Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, Naples, Deerfield Beach, and Stuart. No need to worry about the next outage when you have Reliable Power. Call our staff at (561) 408-5147 to book an appointment.