It can be a frustrating experience to have your whole house generator not work when you need it most. The best thing you can do is call in a skilled technician to repair it.
A common issue that many home generator owners encounter is a problem with their control panel. Most of the time, this is just a result of human error and can easily be fixed.
Air Filter
The air filter may not get the credit for making your generator run, but it is an important part of the operation. A dirty air filter can reduce your engine’s performance and even shorten its lifespan, which is why it’s a good idea to inspect it on a regular basis.
The best air filter is a good quality HEPA model. These filters use a multi-layered netting to capture large and small particles alike.
A HEPA air filter may be a little expensive, but the technology behind it is a good investment and well worth it. In fact, a HEPA-rated air filter could be the key to making your home or office a healthier place to live. It’s best to speak with a knowledgeable technician to learn more about the many benefits of installing this energy efficient device in your home. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary estimate. The experts at G&S Heating, Cooling & Electrical are here to help!
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are essential components of the internal combustion engine. They take in electricity from the ignition coil or magneto and produce a spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture, burning it to create combustion and power your vehicle.
They are composed of a shell, an insulator and a central conductor. The shell is usually made of a steel billet (bar stock) and is typically plated to improve durability and provide rust and corrosion resistance.
The centre electrode of the spark plug is typically made of copper or a nickel alloy. These types of spark plugs require more voltage than others to produce a spark, which helps to reduce carbon buildup and enhance the longevity of the spark plug.
These types of spark plugs also have platinum coating on both the centre and ground electrodes. This makes the plugs more efficient and helps to last longer than single platinum or nickel alloy plugs.
Fuel Levels
Generators can only work if they have enough fuel to start. This is a problem with both gasoline-powered generators and propane-fueled ones.
A good rule of thumb is to keep a generator’s fuel tank filled at all times, and avoid running it with stale gas that can damage the engine. Stale gasoline should be drained from the generator’s fuel tank and carburetor before adding fresh gas.
Newer models of generators have low oil sensors that will trigger if there’s too little oil in the crankcase. It’s vital to check the oil levels periodically with a dipstick.
Another possible reason why your whole house generator is not working is that it’s running out of fuel. This is a common occurrence in generators that are not used much.
One way to prevent this is to have a fuel shutoff valve that’s closed when the generator isn’t in use. This helps prevent stale gasoline from circulating unnecessarily in the system and hoses.
Electrical Connection
If your generator isn’t providing the power you need to keep your home functional during a blackout, it may be time for an upgrade. Call the pros at Godby Heating Plumbing Electrical to get a quote on a new system that will be sure to give your family a little peace of mind during an extended outage.
The main reason your whole house generator isn’t working is probably a lack of electricity flowing into the system. The best solution is to have a professional electrician connect your unit to your electrical wiring. It’s also worth considering your HOA restrictions before jumping into the installation process. It’s always better to have a backup than to have to replace your furnace or HVAC equipment after the fact. A whole house generator will give you the confidence to know that your home is ready for an emergency if it does happen. The latest model boasts modern technology that helps prevent malfunctions from occurring in the first place.