Generator repair in Port St. Lucie
Standby generator will not start? Get matched with a licensed local generator repair company in Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Fort Pierce.
When a generator does not start, the cause is often simple and fixable. Other times it takes a technician with the right tools. Knowing the common causes helps you describe the problem when you call.
Common reasons a standby generator fails
- A dead or weak battery, which is the most common cause
- Old or dirty oil, or a clogged air filter
- A closed or empty fuel supply, such as a propane tank that ran low or a shut gas valve
- Worn spark plugs
- A tripped breaker on the generator or in the panel
- A transfer switch that does not move
- Controller faults and sensor problems
- Pests, corrosion or water damage inside the enclosure
Check these first
Look at the controller for a fault code or warning light and write it down. Make sure the switch on the unit is in the automatic position. If it is propane, check the tank gauge. Do not open the unit or work on wiring yourself. Generators carry dangerous voltage, and the exhaust is poisonous.
Portable generators
Portable units fail for similar reasons, plus old gasoline. Gas left in the tank for months turns to varnish and clogs the carburetor. Fresh fuel and a cleaned carburetor fix many of them. A technician can tell you if repair is worth the cost or if replacement makes more sense.
Permits and licensing
Most repairs do not need a permit. Work that changes the wiring, the transfer switch or the gas piping may. Electrical work should be done by a licensed electrical contractor, and gas work by a licensed gas or plumbing contractor. Say so up front, and ask for the license in writing.
Questions to ask the company
Ask whether the technician is trained on your brand of generator, whether they carry common parts, and whether they offer a written warranty on the repair. Ask for the license number of the contractor who will do any electrical or gas work, and check it with the state before the work starts. A short call to confirm these things can save a second visit.
After a storm
Right after a hurricane, repair companies get busy fast. If you have a unit you rely on, a yearly maintenance plan keeps you from being at the end of the line.
What it costs
A simple repair, like a battery or filter, is usually a small bill. A control board, engine part or transfer switch replacement costs more. Price depends on the part, the model and the time needed, so get an estimate after the technician sees the unit.