Living in Houston, we know all too well the havoc that storms can wreak on our city. From Hurricane Harvey to frequent heavy thunderstorms, power outages unfortunately happen more often than we’d like.
Having a Backup Generator in Houston, TX can provide some much-needed peace of mind that you’ll still have electricity to power your home essentials when the grid goes down.
However, like all mechanical equipment, generators can encounter glitches and require repairs from time to time. Knowing the most common problems to look out for can help you perform preventative maintenance and catch issues early before they cause bigger headaches.
Let’s look at some typical generator issues faced by Houston homeowners and when to call the pros for help.
- Failing to Start
One of the most frustrating generator issues is when you go to start it up manually during an outage and it won’t turn on. There are a few common culprits for failure to start:
2. Battery Problems
Most home standby generators have an integrated battery that allows them to start up automatically when power is lost. Weak batteries that are old and due for replacement can cause startup failure. Have a qualified Houston electrician test your battery at least every 3 years or so and replace it as needed.
3. Fuel Supply Problems
Whether your generator runs on natural gas or propane, any fuel line or tank disruptions can prevent firing up. Empty propane tanks, stuck gas valves, and leaks are common fuel-related issues. Routinely check your fuel levels and lines for problems.
4. Control Panel Failure
The generator’s control panel monitors the home’s electrical load and signals startup during an outage. If this brain malfunctions, the unit won’t switch on. Electrical surges are often to blame. Have a certified generator technician for Generator Services Houston inspect controls regularly.
Surging and Fluctuating Power
You go to plug in your lights or refrigerator when running your generator, only to have the power sputter sporadically. It not only damages appliances and electronics, but it also makes backup power unreliable. Some key reasons generators surge power include:
- Overload
Home standby generators have a capacity limit you cannot exceed, usually around 15–25kW. Plugging in more devices than the output threshold leads to surging as it struggles to cope. Audit your essential appliances and ensure you don’t need a more significant capacity generator.
- Defective Voltage Regulator
Power fluctuations usually indicate problems with the generator’s voltage regulator, which modulates output. Have this key component tested and repaired to stabilize electricity flow.
- Engine Problems
Like any gas or diesel engine, generators rely on quality maintenance for optimal performance. Issues like worn spark plugs, clogged air filters, old fuel injectors, and more can make the engine run erratically and affect electrical output. Stay on top of maintenance schedules.
Failure to Transfer Power
Home Backup Generator Installation Houston, TX is designed to automatically detect a power outage and supply backup electricity through your home’s electrical panel. Delayed or failed transfers from the utility line to the generator line leave you powerless if you depend on this functionality.
The transfer switch is responsible for transitioning your home load to the generator. Burned contacts, wiring problems, and general wear and tear can lead to transfer malfunctions over time. Have your system inspected after ten years at most to keep this critical part operational.
Won’t Shut Off
While most homeowners worry about their generators failing to start on demand, having one you cannot shut down can also pose headaches. It continues running nonstop, wasting valuable fuel during outages and making undesirable noise pollution.
Issues with the generator control panel are usually the culprit for a stuck-on unit, where the module fails to send the shutoff signal. Damaged wiring between the module and generator can also lead to this frustrating malfunction. Let a generator service tech remedy the issue promptly if faced with a continuously running machine.
Routine Maintenance is Key
While major generator issues will likely require a professional Generator Repair Houston technician, you can avoid many common problems through smart routine maintenance at home. Follow your generator manual guide for tasks you can handle independently to keep your unit running reliably for years.
Final Thoughts!
Essential monthly and annual to-do’s like checking fluid levels, changing oil and filters, testing batteries, inspecting air filters and spark plugs, turning the machine on for exercise, and cleaning around the unit can prevent many headaches. Let trusted experts handle complicated repairs. You can call anytime, day or night when problems arise unexpectedly.
Waiting it out or hoping problems fix themselves often backfires. When you notice any red alerts above, please pick up the phone for expert diagnosis and solutions right away before it’s too late! Your home — and wallet — depend on having a finely tuned generator ready for the next threatening weather emergency headed to Houston.
