The wind is howling and an ice storm has begun. Thankfully you and yours are snuggled up within your home, safe and sound and warm. That is, you were warm before the power went out. But wait! You have a working generator!
The situation above is one that residents of Chicago are familiar with. They are also likely familiar with the (ironically) icy feeling of dread that creeps up the spine when their generator won’t turn on and things are getting colder by the minute in the house.
Even if your generator is working, if it is in need of repairs, it won’t be the reliable power provider that is usually is. This is why repair needs should be addressed as quickly as possible once they are identified.
But how do you know your generator needs repairs?
3 Signs Your Generator Needs Repair
There are three main indicators that you can search for that will tell you if your generator needs repairs.
#1 – Its Electrical Components Are Worn or Damaged
Take a few minutes to take a look at your generator’s wires, buttons, and additional electrical elements. Check for signs of damage such as frayed wires, loose connectors, or sticking buttons. You should also test the battery voltage is good to go, and check for any overloads that could shut your system down at the worst possible time. Any signs of damage, battery issues or system overloads should immediately prompt a call to an electrician.
#2 – It is Leaking
Don’t walk away from your generator just yet! The next issue that you should be hunting for is a leak. Think about your system’s age. The older it gets, the more likely it is to have a leaking hose, line or storage pan. Check for leaked oil, coolant, or, if you have a gas-powered system, leaked fuel. If you notice any puddles under or around your generator, schedule repairs ASAP.
#3 – It Struggles to Start Up or Runs Erratically
If you try to turn on your car and it refuses, or it starts after a large amount of sputtering and protest, you know it needs to go to the shop. The same goes for your generator. If your generator has been sitting around unused for a long while, there is a change that the battery could have been drained or that parts could have been damaged, triggering problems with its ability to run continuously or to start up at all.
Your best option is to check for these signs every few months and letting your system run for more than 15 minutes to make sure it isn’t having problems. Incorporate this into your home upkeep patterns if it helps. It might seem like a hassle but it will save you a lot of cold-induced pain later.
Who Can Fix My Generator?
If you aren’t sure whether or not your generator needs repairs, your best bet is to reach out for professional help. When you contact the team at ServiceMax, a trained electrician will visit your home to take care of your generator. They are also able to help you with any other electrical services in Chicago, IL that you might need, as long as you schedule an appointment.
ServiceMax Is Open 24/7—All Day, Every Day, so contact us now to schedule an appointment. We are here to help you and yours keep warm this winter, no matter what.