Generators are essential for any business or household to use in the event of a power outage. They make it possible to maintain an energy supply during emergencies, which is critical to protecting both people and equipment.
Routine maintenance will help keep your things running smoothly, but generator problems can still arise. If you find yourself with a problem generator, here are five common generator problems to be aware of.
1. THE BATTERY IS DEAD
If you have an electric generator, the starter won't work if your battery is dead. When experiencing generator problems, this is one of the first things you should look for.
In order to fix this problem, take a look at your recoil starter or try charging the battery. Charge your battery by using a DC charging outlet or by jump-starting it with jumper cables. If this doesn't work, it is likely time to replace your battery.
2. LOW COOLANT
Low coolant in your generator might indicate a failed block heater or a coolant leak. Coolant leaks are often caused by wear and tear on the system's hoses.
Some generators have alarms in place to notify you when the coolant is running low. To prevent leaks, inspect your hoses regularly for signs of damage and replace them as needed.
3. FUEL SUPPLY ISSUES
When using a gas generator, an issue with your fuel supply can prevent it from starting up. Fuel supply issues occur when fuel is low, there's a fuel leak or excess air in the system.
Ensure that your generator has enough fuel, that all the valves are open, or change the fuel if it's over two months old.
4. ACTS OF NATURE
Generators are vital during storms, but like most things in your home, acts of nature can damage your system.
Things like water, weather, debris, and insects can result in a damaged generator. Excess water from leaks or weather results in rust, corroding wires, and bad electrical connections. Insect infestation may also cause damage to wiring and connections.
Inspect your generator often for signs of water, chewed wires, feces, and clogged filters due to build-up. To avoid this issue, store your generator somewhere safe from the elements.
5. IRREGULAR MAINTENANCE
Irregular maintenance on your home generator is one of the top causes of problems. Generator maintenance at regular intervals fixes any current issues and prevents further damage.
Inspect your generator every few months for any signs of damage. Consider calling in a professional once a year for service to keep things in running order.
GOT GENERATOR PROBLEMS? WE CAN HELP!
Generators can be a lifesaver on-site, but they are also very complex machines with many moving parts. That is why it is important to reach out to experts who can help troubleshoot your generator.
While there are some rules of thumb for getting your generator up and running again, it’s best to know exactly what’s broken before you can fix it.
Not sure what's wrong? Ronnie's Generator Service can troubleshoot the issue or perform generator repair in Ontario. Get in touch today to get started.