Your generator can be a lifeline in an emergency, giving you power, light, and heat when an outage strikes. But a generator that needs repairs and fails the moment you turn to it is no better than having no generator at all. Knowing the warning signs, and the repairs a generator most often needs, helps you get problems fixed before the next storm.
Celco Heating & Air Conditioning has served Fairfield County homeowners for 50 years and provides generator installation, repair, and maintenance.
Signs Your Generator Needs Repair
Worn or Damaged Electrical Components
Look for frayed wires, loose connectors, buttons that stick when you press them, or overloads that shut the generator down when they shouldn’t. A weak battery is another common culprit. If the battery isn’t holding its charge, it may need to be replaced.
Leaks
As a generator ages, hoses, lines, and pans can begin to leak. Depending on the type of generator, that could be oil, fuel, or the coolant that keeps the engine from overheating. If you see puddles around the unit, call a technician.
Trouble Starting or Running
Long periods without use can drain the battery and affect other engine parts. If your generator is hard to start or runs unevenly, it’s time for service.
Common Generator Repairs
Sealing Leaks
Generators that use stored fuel such as propane can develop leaks if they go too long without attention or are damaged by weather. A technician will locate the leak and repair it.
Repairing Natural Gas Fuel Line Problems
Many homes with access to a natural gas line use gas-powered generators for their convenience and dependability. Low flow in the gas line can hurt performance, and the line can become blocked. A technician can resolve this safely. Never try to tamper with a natural gas line yourself.
Replacing Corroded Spark Plugs
Spark plugs can corrode and fail. Usually a technician simply replaces them with new plugs.
Lubricating Motors
The motors inside a generator need occasional lubrication to prevent mechanical stress that could lead to burnout.
Fixing Electrical Components
Like spark plugs, generator wiring can corrode over time and disrupt the flow of voltage, and wires can fray and break connections. Technicians replace and tighten wiring where necessary.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
A generator that was poorly installed or is the wrong size for your home may overload your circuit breaker panel or fail to supply enough power. There is usually little that can be done to repair a generator that is the wrong size, so often the best option is having a professional replace it with a properly sized unit.
Catch Problems Early with Regular Inspections
Inspect your generator every few months and let it run for 15 to 30 minutes while you watch for trouble. The best way to find needed repairs, though, is professional generator maintenance. An inspection and tune-up in the fall lets a technician find and fix problems before winter outages.
Schedule Generator Repair with Celco
If you notice any of these warning signs, call Celco Heating & Air Conditioning at 203-371-0055 or schedule a service online. Learn more about our generator services.
