Key takeaways:
- Whole-home generators can fail without maintenance or if they weren’t installed properly.
- Common issues include fuel supply problems, worn-out electrical components, and more.
- W3 Electric can fix your backup generator if you’re running into problems.
When the power goes out, your whole-home generator is supposed to be your reliable backup. But what if that fails too?
Common issues like dead batteries, insufficient fuel, and faulty controls can occur, especially as your backup power solution ages.
Let’s take a closer look at common generator issues in Rockwall, TX, and what to do about them.
Fuel Supply Problems
Not getting enough fuel is one of the most common causes of generator failure. Here’s what can happen:
- Your fuel tank might be empty.
- The gas valve could be stuck in the off position.
- The gas line delivering fuel to your generator could be damaged.
Propane and natural gas are both stable fuels that never go bad, but the tank storing your fuel can corrode and let the fuel escape. If you’re getting fuel delivered to your generator via a gas line, there is a risk of moisture getting inside that line and freezing into a blockage if the weather gets cold enough.
Battery and Starting Issues
Whole-home generators run on natural gas or propane, but they rely on an electric starter motor. This motor is powered by a battery, and this battery can become depleted or get corroded connectors, especially if you don’t use your generator very often.
Electrical Issues and Faulty Controls
The battery isn’t the only electrical component that can go bad:
- If your generator has a transfer switch, it can wear out over time. A bad installation can also lead to issues with the generator not starting when it should.
- The electrical interface that allows your generator to send power to the circuits connected to it can also fail.
- Over time, these electrical connections can loosen, and the wiring can become corroded.
- Your generator also uses many sensors to measure parameters such as fuel intake, pressure, and temperature. If these sensors fail, they can detect issues that don’t actually exist and shut down the generator.
Installation Issues
There are strict rules to follow when installing and wiring a whole-home generator. If you failed to hire a licensed pro for this project, you might run into issues down the line.
- The last technician who serviced your generator might have forgotten to set it to AUTO, so the generator is now not starting automatically.
- There might be a mismatch between the generator’s capacity and how much power you’re trying to draw, which leads to overloaded circuits and the generator tripping offline.
- Choosing the wrong spot to install a backup generator can expose it to moisture, cold temperatures, and pests.
Lack of Maintenance
Just like any other appliance, your whole-home generator needs regular maintenance. If you get behind, your generator will be more likely to develop the following issues:
- Air flow can become restricted due to a blocked intake or exhaust. This causes the unit to overheat and shut down.
- If you don’t check the engine oil regularly, it can run low and cause issues. Using oil with the wrong viscosity can also affect moving parts.
- Larger generators often use liquid coolant. This fluid can run low or leak if a coolant line is damaged.
- Lack of regular service can lead to excessive wear on the engine, issues with old spark plugs or ignition coils that go bad.
The best way to prevent these issues from happening is to keep up with a few basic generator maintenance tasks. You should:
- Let your generator run for a little while in manual mode once a month.
- Check oil levels in the engine when you do this, and refill the oil as needed.
- Replace filters and spark plugs after every 50 to 100 hours of use.
- Take a look at the battery every three months or so to look for signs of corrosion.
A generator tech can take care of these routine maintenance tasks and do more advanced checks, such as verifying that the electrical connections between your generator and your home are still good.
Schedule Whole-Home Generator Repairs or Maintenance With W3 Electric
Do you have a generator for your Rockwall home? Don’t wait until it fails to call a pro.
At W3 Electric, we can handle routine maintenance to keep your generator ready for the next power outage. We can also recommend repairs and upgrades if your generator is starting to show signs of trouble.
Give us a call at 972-793-0733 or contact us online to learn more about our generator repair and maintenance services.
FAQ
Why didn’t my generator start during a power outage?
Whole-home generators often fail to start due to fuel supply interruptions, dead batteries, faulty controls, improper installation, or lack of maintenance. Common triggers include an empty tank, a closed gas valve, corroded battery terminals, or the unit not set to AUTO mode.
What are the most common fuel-related generator problems?
Fuel issues include an empty tank, a stuck gas valve, damaged gas lines, or moisture freezing in lines during cold weather. Propane and natural gas don’t degrade, but tank corrosion or blockages can still affect fuel delivery.
How do battery problems cause generator failure?
Batteries power the electric starter motor and can deplete or corrode if the generator sits unused. Infrequent testing leads to weak batteries or loose, corroded connections that prevent cranking.
