Generator Repair

A portable generator runs on gasoline or propane, requires manual setup and operation, and must be used outdoors due to carbon monoxide risk. It can power selected appliances through extension cords or a transfer switch but won't run indefinitely and requires fuel management. A standby generator is permanently installed outside the home, connected directly to the electrical system and a natural gas or propane supply, and starts automatically within seconds of a power outage — without any action required from the homeowner. For whole-home protection and genuine peace of mind, a standby generator is the more complete solution.

A standby generator connected to a natural gas supply can run for an extended period — days or even weeks — as long as the fuel supply is uninterrupted and the generator receives proper maintenance. Propane-powered standby generators are limited by the size of the propane tank. Most manufacturers recommend allowing the generator to cool down and performing basic checks after extended run periods. For practical purposes in most power outage scenarios, a properly installed standby generator will run as long as needed.

A generator that won't start has a predictable set of likely causes — a dead or weak battery, stale fuel or a clogged carburetor from sitting unused, a tripped low-oil shutoff, or a fault in the control board or ignition system. Generators that sit idle for extended periods are particularly prone to fuel system issues. Rather than guessing at the cause, a licensed technician can diagnose the specific problem and get the unit running correctly — ideally before the next outage makes it urgent.

Signs that a generator may need attention include failure to start during a test run, unusual sounds during operation, the unit starting but shutting down after a short period, error codes or warning lights on the control panel, or a transfer switch that isn't functioning correctly. Generators that haven't been tested or serviced in more than a year should be evaluated — problems that develop during inactivity often don't announce themselves until the generator is actually needed.

The most common issues we see with standby and portable generators include battery failure — particularly in units that sit idle for long periods — fuel system problems from stale fuel or carburetor buildup, worn or failed transfer switches, control board faults, and low oil conditions that trigger the safety shutoff. Most of these issues are preventable with regular maintenance and periodic test runs. When they do occur, accurate diagnosis by a technician familiar with both the electrical and mechanical sides of generator systems is the most efficient path to a reliable repair.

A thorough generator maintenance visit typically covers inspecting and testing the unit, changing the oil and air filter, checking and testing the battery, inspecting fuel system components, testing the automatic transfer switch, checking all fluid levels, and running the generator under load to confirm it's performing correctly. The specific scope varies by generator type and age — a licensed technician familiar with both the mechanical and electrical components of the system is best positioned to ensure nothing gets missed.

A generator that isn't maintained regularly is one that may not work when you actually need it. The components most likely to fail — batteries, fuel systems, and transfer switches — are the ones that deteriorate quietly during the long periods of inactivity between uses. Regular maintenance catches these issues before they become failures, extends the service life of the equipment, and gives you confidence that the generator will perform when a power outage occurs. A generator that fails during an emergency provides no protection at all.