Total Replacement Or A Generator Repair Service? Which Is Best? | Marion, SC
Your family’s home generator can provide security and comfort during power outages and storms that occur in Marion, SC. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure your home generator works properly. Also, be on the lookout for signs that may indicate a problem. Some signs that you need to book a generator repair service include:
Your Home Generator Has No Power
If your generator isn’t starting or is slow to turn on, it is likely that there is something wrong internally or it needs maintenance. Your Marion, SC home generator can be affected by a dead battery, broken parts, or normal wear and tear.
Your Home Generator Leaks
The storage tanks and lines that supply fluids to home generators include coolant, fuel, oil, and other fluids. The functionality of your home generator can be seriously affected if the fluid lines or tanks are damaged or leaking. This must be fixed immediately.
Your Home Generator Has Visible Damage
A problem inside your generator could look as small as a scratch on the outside. It’s crucial to inspect your home generator immediately if you see any signs of damage, even if you believe it’s a minor scratch. The team at Mister Sparky Generators offers a cost-effective diagnostic and generator repair service for all home generators.
The Diagnostic Light of Your Home Generator Is Yellow or Red
The majority of home generators include a diagnostic indicator lamp that will turn green, yellow or red after completing an automated diagnostic test. Call an expert immediately if you notice the light turning yellow or red.
To avoid a costly generator repair service, how often should I have my generator checked?
Your backup home generator should be serviced and maintained at least once a year. Ideally, you should have your generator inspected every 200-hour period (approximately 8 days of continual running), to prevent issues from forming. This will ensure your unit works properly and is ready to go in any emergency. This will also help you avoid expensive home generator repairs that may be required if you neglect its maintenance.
Total Replacement vs Generator Repair
Your standby generator is an essential piece of equipment. You will be completely without power if there is a blackout or brownout in the grid. Sometimes, it’s better to replace your standby home generator completely. Other times, a generator repair service will do the trick. But how do you know when enough is enough and it’s time to plump for a new backup power solution?
What if the generator will not start?
Your generator will eventually stop working and won’t restart effectively numerous times in a row. If your generator stops starting up after multiple attempts and continues to require a generator repair service on a regular basis, this could indicate that your generator’s life expectancy has ended. However, this is not always the case. Before buying a new generator, you should investigate other possible causes of a generator not starting, such as:
- Low fuel
- Low oil levels
- Malfunctioning oil sensor
- Dead battery
- Unplugged cables
- Choke control position
- Clogged air filters
- Clogged carburetor
- Clogged fuel valve
- Dirty spark plugs
What if it’s an old home generator?
Standby generators can run for anywhere between 1,000 and 10,000 hours. The generator’s serviceable life expectancy will end once this threshold has been reached. The average time it takes for a generator to reach the end of its lifespan depends on maintenance, quality of installation, run hours, and other factors. Typically, a well-maintained backup generator can survive for an average of 25-30 years. If you know you’ve had the generator for a long time, it might be better to opt for replacement rather than a generator repair service.
What if the repair frequency is increasing?
Generators are machines and need regular maintenance. As your generator gets older and starts to fail more frequently, you’ll find that fixes tend to become more complicated over time. A generator with complex issues will take longer for even the best generator repair technician to fix, adding substantially to repair costs over time. If the repairs are frequent and costly, it can be better for your wallet to buy a new generator now than spend more money and time fixing a failing system.
What if its carbon monoxide emissions are on the rise?
Standby generators can emit different levels of carbon monoxide. If a generator starts emitting too much carbon dioxide, it is a sign that the generator is nearing its end of serviceable life. Carbon monoxide is a serious danger to safety and health. Prolonged exposure to small amounts of carbon monoxide can lead to neurological symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating. It can also affect your vision, memory, balance, and breathing. In extreme cases, overexposure to carbon monoxide results in death, so booking a generator repair service is crucial if you suspect a leak.
What if its consistency is gone?
If your generator is not performing at its best, it could be a sign that you have not maintained it properly. If appliances aren’t getting the power they require, or lights begin to flicker, this could be an indication that your generator may be starting to fail. If your generator’s output is becoming variable, despite having a recent inspection or undergoing a generator repair service, it can be a sign that you need to replace it completely. Replacing it entirely will protect critical systems and appliances from potential damage.
What if it’s using an unusual amount of fuel?
Generators that suddenly start to guzzle more gas indicate that they are not operating as efficiently. This happens because mechanical parts wear out and stop working as efficiently and smoothly as they should. If you’re looking for consistent, energy-efficient backup power generation, a modern generator is the way to go.
What is the cost of a home generator repair?
There are a few factors that will affect the cost of fixing your Marion, SC home generator during a generator repair service. These include the fuel type and the type of repair needed. Larger, older units are more difficult and more expensive to repair. Call now to get a customized repair diagnosis from Mister Sparky Generators.