Is your generator not working but you can't figure out why? Here are 7 common issues that might mean you need a generator repair.

Power outages related to severe weather in the United States have increased nearly 70% since the year 2000, and they're continuing to trend upwards.

With power outages happening more frequently it is important to be prepared. No one wants to be stuck without power during a freezing winter storm for hours or even days.

Using a generator can be a great safeguard to keep your home safe and warm during inclement weather. When the power grid goes down all you need to do is start your generator up and your house will be back to normal.

Generator repair is just as crucial to keep your generator up, running, and ready to go. Keep reading to learn about 7 common issues that require professional service on your home's generator.

Generator Has Difficulties Starting

Going to start your generator and dealing with difficulties is frustrating, especially when you are in a situation where you are depending on your generator.

If your generator doesn't start up quickly and easily it could be a sign that it has internal damage that requires service or repairs. The most common reason for issues with starting is bad or old fuel.

You may also have generator issues due to a bad fuel filter. Although your generator may start with enough attempts, this is still an issue that may require a generator repair service sooner than later.

Power Output Is Inconsistent

This is another sign of potential damage that will require a generator technician that is easy to put off or ignore. If your generator works but is not consistent that may be a sign that it has damage that requires generator repair.

Some signs that your generator isn't working correctly are flickering lights and your generator shutting down at random intervals. This is usually a sign of internal damage and will require repairs.

This could also be a sign that the generator that you purchased isn't powerful enough to support your electrical needs. It is important to know which size of generator you need for your home or business.

Abnormal Smells or Noises

If your generator is releasing strange or unusual smells, this means that your generator could have a gas leak. If you think there is a gas leak, schedule a generator repair service as soon as you can.

Running your generator during a gas leak is a major safety concern. It can lead to a fire as well as health damage to your body from toxic fumes and smoke.

Additionally, there are some noises that you should keep an ear out for. If you hear rattling or squeaking sounds your generator may have internal damage. These are noises that a healthy generator will not make.

Noises like squeaking and rattling are hard to diagnose, so hiring a generator mechanic is a good route to take in order to get your generator up and running like it is brand new again.

It Has Sat Idle for Too Long

Electricians recommend that you should run your generator at least once every 6 months, even if you don't have a need for it. Running your generator will keep its starter battery charged and ready to go at a moment's notice.

Even if you have an automatic generator, it is a good idea to start it up once every 6 months to let it run. This has the added benefit of giving you the peace of mind that it still works and will be ready in the event that the power goes out.

A common issue is that generator owners don't discover that their generator is not working until after the power has gone out and they require the use of it.

Depending on the damage, it is a quick fix for a generator technician. If you have let your generator sit for a very long time then the damage could be more severe and costly to get generator repairs.

Internal or External Leaks

This is a pretty simple issue to spot. If your generator is leaking fuel or coolant fluid you will notice from the mess that it is making. Keeping an eye out for fluid with a rainbow-colored tint to it is a great way to make sure your generator isn't leaking.

If your generator is leaking, it is a good idea to move it to an area where it is well ventilated so that the fumes of the fuel don't build up. Also, check the hoses to make sure that the leak isn't coming from there.

It is important to schedule regular maintenance on your generator with a certified generator repair service to ensure that your generator doesn't develop any leaks.

Improper Installation

In order for a generator to work properly, it needs to be installed on a level surface. If it is installed on a tilted surface the fuel will not be fed to the motor evenly which results in inconsistent performance.

Getting your generator installed professionally by a generator technician is a great decision that prevents future issues and costs with your generator.

Are You in Need of Generator Repair?

Generators can be real lifesavers in times of severe weather and power outages. It is important to keep your generator maintained and inspect it for damage or concerning issues like rattling noises.

If you need generator repair it is best not to put it off. Delaying generator repair service will lead to bigger and costlier issues down the road.

Click here to schedule your generator repairs in Northern VA. Make sure that you're ready when that next big storm hits.

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How Generac Generators Keep Your Home Running

By Vance Electric • February 28, 2025

Is there anything as disruptive as a power outage? Whether there's an issue with the power grid or a powerful storm, a blackout can prevent you from enjoying the comfort of your home and adversely affect your work. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about one in four American households experience a power outage annually. Acquiring a Generac generator is a necessity if you want to avoid the inconvenience caused by an outage. Standby generators automatically detect outages, ensuring you don't sit in the dark or have the food in your freezer go bad. Let's explore Generac generators and why you need one in your home. How Generac Generators Work Installing a Generac standby generator ensures your home has backup power whenever necessary. The main types of generators are standby and portable. Generac generators function in the following ways: Detecting Power Outages These generators can come with a transfer switch that automatically monitors the flow of electricity in your home. When there is a power outage, the generator kicks in, supplying power to your home. A home Generac generator doesn't need you to connect any cables or physically switch it on. It will automatically supply your house with electricity, ensuring your appliances keep running. Continuous Running and Automatic Shutdown As a new generator owner , you'll realize that Generac generators run continuously as long as the power outage lasts. The generators are specifically designed to handle long run times and provide power for an extended period. They automatically shut down when the grid comes back on and go back to standby mode, acting as a reliable energy solution for future outages. Benefits of a Generac Generator Owning a Generac generator offers more benefits than just a continuous power supply. These generators can start running when the lights go out in under 30 seconds. The automatic function means you don't have to be home to turn it on. So, you will not incur any losses as your business or home will continue running smoothly. A Generac generator also adds value to your property and can help you get a high resale price if you decide to sell. Having a Generac generator can also reduce your homeowners' insurance premiums . Here are a few tips to extend your generator's life and optimize its benefits: Make preventive repairs Regularly inspect the battery Exercise the generator Test and replace the fuel Features of Generac Generators The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that Americans experienced about five and a half hours of power interruptions in 2022. Unexpected power outages can result in heavy financial losses resulting from missed work and perishable goods going bad . These features of Generac generators enhance their reliability and efficiency: User-friendly control features All-weather features Fuel efficiency and durability Smart monitoring with some generators having features such as Wi-Fi Further, modern generators minimize sound output, reducing noise pollution in your house. Talking with one of the best Generac dealers in Springfield can help you understand the features of any unit prior to the purchase. Generac generators run on liquid propane or natural gas; you don't need to refuel them since they will connect directly to your house's fuel line. This feature also makes them less expensive to maintain than generators that run on gas. How Long Do Generac Generators Run As a business or homeowner, nothing comes close to the disruption of a power outage. Although weather conditions are the leading cause of outages, the power grid can go down for various reasons. Consequently, having a standby or home generator guarantees continuous, uninterrupted power. They don't run on gasoline, meaning you don't have to continually refuel them when the power grid is off for a prolonged period. The main factors that determine how long a Generac generator will last include: The generator model The load capacity Fuel type Natural gas generators, such as Generac generators, can last indefinitely. The continuous gas supply from your home's fuel line keeps the generator running as long as necessary. However, portable generators may not run continuously as standby models. One of the reasons to buy a Generac standby generator is that it can run 24/7 regardless of weather conditions. Maintenance Tips for Generac Generators Generator maintenance is necessary for smooth, continuous running when you need backup energy. One of the first maintenance tips you should follow is to get maintenance service from a reputable commercial dealer . But how can you know that a company has a good reputation? Some of the indicators of a great dealer are: Great online reviews from previous customers Level of experience Certifications and qualifications of individual vendors Referrals and level of customer service The maintenance needs of generators will vary depending on the type or model. A Generac vendor can help you understand the warning signs your generator needs maintenance. However, you shouldn't wait for visible signs to appear before getting your generators regularly serviced. Some of the signs your generator needs maintenance work include: Low power output Difficulty starting Fluid leakage Strange noise and faulty parts Age is another sign that your generator needs maintenance. Like other machines, generators experience wear and tear, so it's only normal that they'll need greater maintenance as they get older. Who Needs Generac Generators According to the Climate Central Organization, power outages are more common across the United States. The main reason behind this is the changing climate, which caused approximately 83% of all power outages from 2000 to 2021. Getting a Generac generator is a priority for any homeowner or businessman. You need to understand that there are different types of generators , such as: Backup generators Portable generators Standby generators Industrial generators Choose a generator that can meet your needs. Backup generators are ideal if you experience short-term blackouts, whereas standby generators are better suited if you need a continuous power supply . Keep Your Home Running With Generac Generators Today Generac generators are the best bet if you want an uninterrupted power supply for your home or business. A standby generator can run for weeks and even months if necessary. Vancelectric has experience dating back to 1998, and we've gained a reputation built on providing high-quality Generac generators . We also offer installation and maintenance services to keep your unit running smoothly. Check out our website today to see all our energy solutions.