You never know when a power outage will strike, and having a whole house generator installed can make all the difference. It will automatically start up and power your home’s essential systems until utility power is restored – whether it’s in two hours or a week.
It can also help you save money on energy by shutting down items that are drawing too much energy, such as your television, refrigerator, and air conditioner.
Pull the Recoil Cord
The Recoil Cord is a very important part of any generator, it helps start the engine. It’s usually easy to remove and replace, but it can sometimes become tangled or broken.
To fix a broken Recoil Cord, start by disconnecting the generator from your home. This can be done by unplugging the connectors from the back of the generator or from the power inlet box outside your house.
Next, thread a new cord through the hole in the recoil housing. Make sure the two holes are aligned.
Once the new cord is in place, thread it through the pulley in the recoil housing. Tie a knot on one end to secure the cord.
Lastly, attach the recoil housing to the engine by screwing the bolts in securely.
After you’ve reinstalled the recoil housing, try starting the generator with the Recoil Cord. If it doesn’t start, you may need to rewind the recoil spring or replace the entire unit.
Pull the Electric Start Button
Most generators have an electric start button that can be pressed to begin the process of starting the engine. It is a simple and effective way to get your generator running quickly.
When you press the start button, a small battery drives a small motor to turn over and start the engine. This process is very similar to the way you would start a car or motorcycle.
The electric start system is found on most generators, and it is a very popular option. However, it is important to note that this type of start works only if the battery has a charge.
To ensure your generator is ready for a power outage, Generac offers a range of maintenance kits and cold weather accessories to keep your generator operating at its best. For more information on routine maintenance for your Guardian, PowerPact, Centurion or EcoGen generator, click the link below to download a PDF spec sheet.
Pull the Choke
When your power goes out, the backup generator senses it and turns on automatically via a transfer switch. It then delivers power to your circuits until utility power is restored.
Generac whole house generators use propane or natural gas, so they can run for as long as your fuel supply lasts. The size of the tank and how much you use it will determine how long your generator can last.
The choke controls the air flow into the carburetor during startup to regulate the air-fuel ratio. This prevents the engine from stalling because it’s not getting enough air to start up.
Most generators have a manual choke lever that can be found directly above the air filter or built into the power control knob (such as with the WEN Inverter series). It should be set to closed during startup, then moved to “open” once the engine warms up.
Fill the Fuel Tank
When you’re ready to start your generator, the first thing to do is fill it with fuel. This is the best way to make sure your engine starts right away.
Another way to ensure your generator is properly started is to check the oil level. This will also help you diagnose any problems that may be causing it to not start.
Depending on which model you have, you may be able to run your generator on gasoline or liquified petroleum gas (LPG), commonly called propane. The main advantage of running on propane is that it won’t go stale when stored for long periods of time, and will not gum up carburetors.
Whether you’re running on gas or propane, it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for filling your tank with fuel before starting your generator. This will help prevent any potential damage to the generator or your home. This also helps you avoid wasting expensive fuel during a power outage.