Troubleshooting Your Home Generator Failure

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You need your generator, but when you flip the switch it just doesn't work--what happened?

You have probably fallen prey to one of the common reasons for power failure on our list. Read up so that you cannot only learn how to prevent these common reasons for generator failure, but so you can also trouble-shoot when the time comes.

 

Running Out Of Fuel

Although it might seem obvious at first, generators run out of fuel for more than one reason. Your home generator could have run out of fuel because of a clogged fuel filter or an inaccurate fuel gage—both of which need to be fixed in order for your home generator to operate optimally. You can prevent this problem by regularly checking the fuel tanks, lines, and filters for problems as well as keeping up with your regularly scheduled maintenance. After all, if your generator doesn’t have the fuel it needs, how can it do the job it must?

 

The Battery Failed

Battery failure is actually the most common reason people call generator maintenance. Like other equipment batteries, the failure is usually due to an accumulation of sulfate on the blates of the battery. When enough of this build up occurs on your home generator’s battery, it can’t provide enough power to your unit and must be replaced.

If there isn’t an accumulation of sulfate on the battery, then the problem is usually human error. If the charger hasn’t been turned back on after service or maintenance then it won’t work either.

As with the fuel problem, most battery problems can be nipped in the bud with regular home generator maintenance and servicing. This tightens the battery connections, cleans the connection points, and will help you spot the accumulation of sulfate before it stops your power.

 

Your Coolant Is Low

Just like cars, generators need to have a system to cool them down. If you have low coolant levels this could cause your generator to overhead or overload, causing a temporary shut-off and potentially permanent damage. The most common reason for low coolant levels in your home generator is a leak. An external leak will leave drops (or puddles) of coolant near your generator, and an internal leak can change the color of your generator’s oil. Have your eye out for these signs of a leak so that you can fix them before they cause you a problem.

 

You have probably guessed by now that regular maintenance from a professional is the best way to keep your home generator running. Like any machine, components wear out, things occasionally malfunction, and parts get worn. Having a regularly-scheduled inspection could mean the difference between having power when you need it or being left in the cold.

 

Contact your generator dealer if you need maintenance referrals, it is the smartest thing you can do for your home generator.

 

If you are looking for a replacement generator, then fill out the simple form at www.360Generators.com.  This helpful website takes all the hassle out of comparison shopping for FREE.  All you have to do is fill out a short form describing your generator needs and up to 4 generator vendors will contact you with their best offers.

Start shopping for your home generator now by filling out your short form here!

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