Generators are essential to keeping your household powered in the event of an outage. If you’re a homeowner, you likely already have one – but is your generator working properly?
As generators age, you need to maintain and test them regularly for full functionality. Generators will usually show early warning signs when they need to be repaired or maintained, so it’s important to know the basics.
That’s why we’re here to help. Read our quick generator guide on the 5 most common home electric signs to call an electrician today!
1. Start-Up Delays
Start-up delays are a common problem for generators. If your generator doesn’t start right away, there’s an issue that needs to be addressed.
Don’t ignore a start-up delay because generators with this issue will keep getting worse until they stop working. There is a wide range of reasons for a start-up delay, so we recommend calling an electrician instead of diagnosing the problem yourself.
2. Fuel Tank/Oil Is Low
For a generator to work properly, it needs to have enough fuel and oil. The keeps all of the elements moving smoothly, while the fuel is the necessary energy to produce your electricity.
As long as you know what fuel your generator uses, you can fill the fuel tank yourself. To check the oil level, just look at the dipstick.
Here is a generator maintenance checklist for basic maintenance you can do at home. At-home generator maintenance is more than just fuel and oil checks.
3. Strange Smells/Noises
Strange smells and noises are clear signs that something is wrong.
If you smell anything coming from your generator, it’s a big red flag to call an electrician. It can signal major problems like burning electrical components or gas leaks.
Strange noises usually signal a mechanical or electrical issue, which is often difficult to diagnose without a professional. Ignoring this issue can lead to more serious damage over time, so be proactive to avoid more costly damages down the line.
4. Inconsistency
Is your generator becoming unreliable? Maybe you’ve noticed lights flickering or your microwave shutting down?
Inconsistent output is an early sign that your generator may be shutting down or in need of repair. Request electric service as soon as possible because your generator won’t be reliable in an emergency.
5. Signs of Damage
Physical signs of damage are the most obvious indicator of a problem, but you may not notice these signs unless you look for them.
Check your generator for any frayed wires or corrosion. Any physical signs of damage, especially around electrical components, need to be fixed immediately to prevent more damage. Sometimes, they may point to an external issue like pests.
Fix Your Home Electric Issues Today
Ready to check out your generator?
While this isn’t a comprehensive list, these 5 home electric issues are signs that you need to repair or maintain your generator as soon as possible. Make sure you call an electrician to handle the job.
If you found this guide helpful, look through our other articles on electric issues and other interesting topics!