A whole-home generator is designed to provide peace of mind during power outages, but like any mechanical system, it requires proper care and timely repairs to stay reliable. For homeowners in Mobile County, recognizing early warning signs of generator trouble can prevent inconvenient failures when backup power matters most. Peaden Air Conditioning, Plumbing & Electrical helps homeowners understand when it is time to call our Peaden Pros for professional repair for their whole-home generators in Mobile County.
Your Generator Does Not Start During an Outage
One of the most obvious signs you need generator repair is when the system fails to start automatically during a power outage.
- The generator does not turn on at all
- There is a noticeable delay before power is restored
- The system attempts to start but shuts down
Automatic operation is a key benefit of a whole-home generator. When that function fails, internal electrical, fuel delivery, or control issues are often to blame and should be addressed by trained professionals.
Inconsistent or Flickering Power
A generator should provide steady, consistent electricity throughout your home. Fluctuating power is a clear sign that something is wrong.
- The lights flicker when the generator is running
- Appliances cycle on and off unexpectedly
- Specific circuits lose power while others remain active
These symptoms may indicate voltage regulation problems or failing components. Continued operation without repair can damage appliances and electronics.
Unusual Noises During Operation
While generators are not silent, they should not produce sudden or excessive noise.
- Knocking, rattling, or grinding sounds
- Louder operation than normal
- Vibrations coming from the unit
Unusual noises often point to loose components, engine issues, or wear that requires immediate professional attention. Ignoring these sounds can lead to more extensive damage.
Warning Lights or Error Messages Appear
Modern whole-home generators include monitoring systems designed to alert homeowners when something is wrong.
- Warning lights remain illuminated
- Error codes appear on the control panel
- Alerts indicate maintenance or fault conditions
These indicators should never be ignored. Our Peaden Pros are trained to interpret generator diagnostics and correct problems before they lead to failure.
Fuel or Fluid Leaks Around the Generator
Leaks compromise safety and performance. Visible leaks are a serious warning sign.
- Fuel odors near the unit
- Oil or coolant pooling beneath the generator
- Damp or discolored soil around the base
Generator repair should be scheduled immediately to prevent fire hazards or internal engine damage.
Your Generator Fails During a Test Run
Regular test cycles help ensure your generator is ready when an outage occurs. If the system struggles during these tests, repairs may be needed.
- Generator shuts off mid-test
- Power output seems weak or unstable
- Test runs do not complete as programmed
These issues often reveal problems before an actual outage, making prompt repair essential.
Do Not Wait Until an Emergency
Waiting until a major outage to address generator problems often leads to frustration and limited service availability. Scheduling generator repair at the first sign of trouble helps ensure your system is ready when you need it most. When your backup power system shows warning signs, trusting the Peaden Pros helps protect your comfort, safety, and peace of mind year-round.
