5 Common Whole House Generator Problems and How to Avoid Them
A whole house generator is one of the best investments a Binghamton-area homeowner can make — but like any mechanical system, it needs attention to perform reliably when you need it most. The last thing anyone wants is to discover a problem with their generator in the middle of a February ice storm.
The good news? Most generator issues are preventable. With a little awareness and regular professional maintenance, you can keep your backup power system running smoothly for years. Here are the five most common problems we see — and what you can do to stay ahead of them.
1. The Generator Won't Start When the Power Goes Out
This is the most frustrating issue a homeowner can face: the utility power fails, you wait for the familiar hum of your generator kicking on, and nothing happens. In our experience, the most frequent culprit is a dead or weak battery. Generator batteries sit idle for long stretches between outages, and just like a car battery, they can lose their charge over time — especially during Binghamton's cold winters, which accelerate battery drain.
Other common causes include a fuel supply issue (an empty propane tank or a closed gas valve) and a tripped internal breaker. Your generator's weekly self-test, sometimes called the "exercise cycle," is designed to catch many of these problems early. If you notice your generator isn't running its scheduled exercise, that's a sign something needs attention. A qualified electrician can inspect the battery, fuel system, and breaker connections during a routine service visit to make sure everything is ready when the next outage hits.
2. Frequent or Unexpected Shutdowns
If your generator starts up but then shuts down shortly after — or cycles on and off repeatedly — it's usually pointing to one of a few issues. Low oil pressure is a common trigger, as modern generators are equipped with safety sensors that will shut the engine down to prevent damage if oil levels drop too low. This is actually a protective feature, but it means you need to stay on top of oil changes and filter replacements.
Overloading is another possibility. If your home's electrical demands exceed what the generator is rated to handle, the unit may shut down to protect itself and your home's wiring. This can happen if new high-draw appliances — like an EV charger, a hot tub heater, or a second HVAC system — have been added since the generator was originally sized. If you've made significant changes to your home's electrical load, it may be time to revisit your generator sizing or discuss panel upgrades with your electrician.
3. Unusual Noises During Operation
Generators aren't silent — you'll always hear the engine running during an outage. But there's a difference between normal operational sound and noises that signal trouble. Knocking, grinding, or rattling sounds can indicate loose internal components, worn bearings, or debris that's found its way into the unit's enclosure. A high-pitched whine might point to a belt or alternator issue.
If you hear something unusual during a power outage or during the weekly exercise cycle, make a note of it and contact your electrician promptly. Catching a mechanical issue early almost always means a simpler, less expensive repair. Ignoring it can lead to more serious engine damage — and a generator that's out of commission when you need it most. Generac units with Mobile Link™ monitoring can even send you alerts when something is off, which is a helpful early warning system.
4. Visible Fuel or Coolant Leaks
Any visible liquid pooling around or beneath your generator unit warrants immediate attention. Fuel leaks — whether natural gas or propane — can create safety hazards, and coolant leaks (in liquid-cooled models) will eventually cause the engine to overheat and shut down. Even small leaks tend to get worse over time, not better.
Fuel line connections can loosen slightly due to vibration during operation or ground settling beneath the generator pad. Coolant hoses and fittings can degrade with age and exposure to temperature extremes — something Binghamton's freeze-thaw cycles don't help. During a professional maintenance visit, your technician will inspect all connections, hoses, and fittings for signs of wear or seepage. If you notice a leak between scheduled service appointments, don't wait — call for a repair before running the unit again.
5. Error Codes and Warning Lights
Modern Generac generators are equipped with onboard diagnostics that display error codes when the system detects a problem. These codes cover everything from low battery voltage and high engine temperature to issues with the transfer switch. While the codes are helpful for your technician, they can be confusing for homeowners who aren't sure what they mean or how urgent the issue is.
The most important thing to know: don't ignore an error code, even if the generator seems to be running normally. Some codes indicate conditions that could lead to bigger problems if left unresolved. Your owner's manual will list common codes and their meanings, and your electrician can diagnose and clear them during a service call. If you have Mobile Link™ set up, many of these alerts will come straight to your phone — giving you time to schedule service before the next outage.
Preventative Maintenance: Your Best Defense
Every one of the problems above can be caught early — or avoided entirely — with consistent maintenance. At a minimum, your generator should receive a professional inspection and service at least once a year. Most Binghamton-area homeowners find that scheduling this in early fall, ahead of winter storm season, is the best strategy. Our post on preparing your generator for winter covers the key seasonal steps in detail.
Between professional visits, there are a few simple things you can do yourself: keep the area around the unit clear of leaves, debris, and snow; visually check for leaks after the weekly exercise runs; and make sure the unit's access panels are secure. These small habits go a long way toward keeping your system reliable.
When to Call Albrite Electric
If your generator is showing any of the warning signs above — or if it's been more than a year since its last service — it's time to schedule a maintenance visit. Even if everything seems fine, an annual checkup is the best way to make sure your investment continues to protect your home and family. A backup generator that pays for itself over time only does so if it's ready to perform when the power goes out.
Albrite Electric has been serving the Greater Binghamton area since 1999. As an authorized Generac dealer, we service and maintain all whole house generator installations — whether we installed the unit originally or not. Our technicians are trained to diagnose and resolve every issue on this list, and we stand behind our work with transparent pricing and honest assessments.
Don't wait for the next storm to find out if your generator is ready. Call Albrite Electric today at (607) 748-2105 or request a service appointment online. We're here to keep your backup power running strong.
