Warning Signs Your Home Generator Is Not Up to the Task
Think back and tell us when you last put your standby generator through its paces. Can you be sure it will start on a dime should the power fail? Should a storm come in tonight, is your family going to be comfortable or left in the dark?
Homeowners are wont to put off such considerations until there is no time for them. We at Pioneer Generators have been in Tennessee since 1981, over four decades of making sure homes and businesses have power when the grid does not. Any uncertainty as to whether your generator is up to the job? Give us a ring at (615) 551-4487 and we will put your mind at ease.
You purchase a home generator with the hope of never having to use it. Yet the day you do, it has to perform. The trouble is, one that has been left to its own devices for months can harbor issues that only show themselves when you are most reliant on it. To avoid a stressful, dark and cold evening, it pays to be aware of the warning signs.
A Reluctance to Start
There is no mistaking the red flag of a generator that will not fire up or takes its time about it on a test run. Usually you are looking at a clogged fuel line, old fuel or a battery past its prime. A unit that is hard to start in calm conditions will make short work of an emergency once the temperature falls and the demand is on.
For those running propane or natural gas, a problem with the supply could be the culprit; a faulty gas line can imperceptibly stop the flow. We see this enough to include gas and propane service with our generator work.
Unusual Noises, Smoke or Odors
Under normal operation your generator will have a sound you know. Be on the lookout for:
- Anything from a sputter to a grinding or knock
- Rattling or too much vibration
- Black, white or blue exhaust
- Raw fuel or the scent of oil burning
- Irregular engine speed
Such things are indicative of internal wear and tear. Put them off and you will be facing a more costly repair later.
Error Codes and Warning Lights
The control panel on a modern generator will let you in on its condition. A fault message or warning light is there to put you on notice before an outage, so do not expect it to go away on its own.
Real-time monitoring is worth having for this. It will put you in the picture on any problems as they happen, even if you are not at home, so there is no guessing as to the state of your unit.
Over a Year Since the Last Maintenance
An engine requires tending. Oil becomes contaminated, filters get clogged, batteries discharge and fuel degrades. You would be wise not to trust a generator that has not seen service in a year or more.
We typically put in the time for:
- Changing the oil and filter
- Testing or putting in a new battery
- Seeing to the spark plugs and air filter
- Inspecting the wiring and connections
- Cleaning out the fuel system
- Running the unit under load for a proper test
Not doing so is why generators so often give out when you need them.
Inconsistent Power or Frequent Cycling
Lights that flicker and odd behavior from your appliances while the generator is on can mean it is having trouble with the load. Maybe the transfer switch is on the way out, or the generator is undersized for what your home requires now. Either way, an unstable unit is as good as none.
Then there is the matter of age. All generators have their limits. When yours is long overdue for retirement, the repairs add up and it is better to replace it than to keep funding an old unit. We do the installation and replacement of residential and commercial units, the full range of Generac included.
Let us help you ensure your home is powered when it counts. Our team is here around the clock and we can provide a free estimate on service and arrange financing with our partners for any generator work. Contact Pioneer Generators at (615) 551-4487.