Troubleshooting Common Generator Problems

For far too many households in Morris, Somerset, Union and Southern Sussex counties, power outages are a fact of life. Inclement weather can cause downed power lines. Plus, the extreme heat we’re seeing in the summer can lead to an overloaded electrical grid and widespread blackouts.

We probably don’t need to tell you how dangerous an extended outage can be when it’s sizzling hot or freezing cold outside. If you depend on electricity for at-home medical or mobility equipment, you can’t afford to be without power for a long time. Then, there’s the issue of lost food from your refrigerator and freezer going out of commission0

At Advantage Oil, we install whole-house standby generators powered by propane or natural gas. These fantastic devices switch on automatically when your home loses grid power and can run for days.

However, you still need to keep an eye on operational issues that can impact your generator’s reliability. Here’s a rundown of some common generator problems and how you can address them:

Battery Failures

If the battery in your generator stops working, the cause could be as simple as the electrical board being left off after service. Check your circuit breaker of switches that are off. There could also be dirty or rusted connections, which you can gently clean off with a wire brush. Finally, check for loose terminals. Tightening them might get your battery working again. If none of these steps do the trick, contact us at Advantage, and we’ll provide your equipment with some repair service.

Coolant Leaks

Leaking coolant can cause your generator to break down. You can prevent this by checking your coolant hoses a couple of times a year. Make sure they aren’t frayed or worn down. If there is an issue with a hose, you can typically buy a replacement at a hardware store. Alternatively, reach out to us, and we can probably fix the problem quickly.

Low Oil

Your gas-powered whole-house generator needs oil to function effectively. If the oil level gets too low for an extended period, your system can endure significant damage. We suggest that you check your generator’s oil levels at least twice a year. There’s typically a dipstick in the unit, like in your car. If the level is low, consult your generator manual for the correct lubricant and top off the oil.

Fuel Issues

As obvious as it might sound, your generator needs a steady stream of gas to keep powering your home. If you have a propane generator, we strongly suggest that you take advantage of our automatic propane delivery schedule and consider adding a propane tank monitor. We’ll track your propane usage and ensure your tank never runs too low.

If you have a natural gas generator, a low fuel issue could indicate a blocked or ruptured gas line. Reach out to us right away, and we’ll identify the problem.

Generator Maintenance from Advantage

At Advantage Oil, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive knowledge of the generators that our customers depend on. We can provide guidance on how you can regularly test your generator and do preventative upkeep.

We’re also here to perform maintenance on your generator that will keep it running reliably and for the longest service life possible.

When was the last time your whole-house standby generator received professional maintenance? Contact Advantage Oil  today to request service. We are always here to help!