As is the case with any kind of HVAC equipment, things can go wrong with your generator. But what should you look out for? And when is it time to call in the professionals? Doc Dancer Heating & Air is here to help.
In this blog, we will go over the most common generator problems and explain how expert repair and regular maintenance prevent your generator from biting the dust too early.
Battery Failure
A standard household generator battery will last years before a replacement is needed, but if your generator’s battery is nearing the end of its life, you are likely to experience some failures. If your generator won’t power up at all or has a low power flow, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Additionally, if you’re constantly experiencing battery failure, that is a telltale sign that your generator’s battery is operating on borrowed time. This might mean you need to replace the battery entirely or look into installing a new generator.
Regardless of what’s going on, the experts at Doc Dancer will find the right solution.
Visible Damage
If you notice cracks, dents, or any other signs of damage surrounding your generator you should have a professional take a look. External damage to your generator can lead to many safety problems, including:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Fire
- Generator failure
- Electrical shocks
Coolant Leaks and Fuel Leaks
If you notice puddles forming around your generator, that is a key indicator your generator is leaking. This means there could be an issue with its fuel system or cooling system. Coolant and fuel or oil leaks happen when your standby generator runs for an extended period of time.
Sometimes leaks are a result of wet stacking. Wet-stacking happens when unburned fuel and debris build up in your generator’s exhaust system. When wet-stacking occurs, your generator will not perform optimally, and the risk of generator failure or shutdown increases exponentially.
Some other issues that lead to a leaky generator include clogged fuel lines and clogged fuel filters.
Regardless of the root cause, if you notice any leaks around your generator it’s time to call a technician to diagnose the issue and come up with a plan of action.
Clogged Air Filter
In order for your generator to function properly, the air filters must be replaced regularly. A clogged air filter can lead to several problems for your generator including:
- Restricted airflow to your generator’s engine
- Reduced overall power output
- Increased strain on the engine, which leads to more wear and tear
- Increased risk of overheating
Changing the generator’s air filters annually prevents your generator from overworking itself and reduces the risk of total generator shutdowns.
Empty Fuel Tank or Low Coolant
From diesel generator systems to propane generator systems, they all need fuel and coolant. If your unit fails to start, your generator’s coolant levels and fuel should be the first things you check.
If you find yourself using more fuel or coolant than usual, that’s a sign repairs are needed.
Additionally, if your system suddenly seems to run out of fuel but the fuel gauge indicates all levels are fine, you could be experiencing a gauge malfunction. This means the gauge is stuck in the full position while your tank is actually completely empty.
How Can You Tell Something is Wrong With Your Generator?
You should regularly inspect your generator to see what lights are showing up on your control panel. These lights let you know when generator maintenance or repairs are needed.
A yellow light means that maintenance is due while a red light indicates that a more serious problem is occurring. If you notice any red or yellow lights, it’s time to call professional generator services.
If you want more information about what your generator lights mean, check out our comprehensive blog on the subject!
Schedule Regular Preventative Maintenance With Doc Dancer
Routine maintenance is essential to prevent generator failure as well as any safety hazards from occurring. Keeping up with maintenance and repairs also ensures that your generator lasts as long as possible, preventing you from having to purchase a new generator too soon.
At Doc Dancer, our comprehensive maintenance plans make it easy for you to keep up with your routine maintenance for your generator and all other HVAC maintenance for your Fort Wayne home.
If your generator fails and you are in need of repair or installation services, we’ve got you covered there too. Doc Dancer has been providing quality HVAC services throughout Fort Wayne for decades – we know and love this community and are dedicated to serving it well!
With their extensive HVAC experience, our dedicated team of professionals can solve all common generator problems, as well as uncommon ones too. We have experience working with diesel generators, natural gas generators, propane generators, and everything in between.
Schedule your generator maintenance appointment today and gain peace of mind!