Generators Only Matter When the Power Is Out
The problem with a generator that isn’t working is that you usually don’t find out until a storm has already knocked out your power. At that point, a repair call isn’t convenient, it’s urgent. Five Star provides generator repair in Palatine with the same responsiveness and diagnostic precision we bring to every electrical service call. Whether your generator won’t start, runs rough, shuts off under load, or is showing a fault code you don’t recognize, our electricians will identify the cause and give you an upfront cost to fix it before any work begins.
Common Generator Problems We Repair
Generator issues range from straightforward maintenance-related failures to more involved electrical or mechanical faults. Among the most frequent problems we see are dead batteries that prevent the generator from starting, stale fuel or clogged carburetors in units that sit unused for long periods, failed automatic transfer switches that prevent the generator from detecting a power outage and starting automatically, faulty voltage regulators that cause output fluctuations, and worn spark plugs or air filters that cause hard starting or rough running. We work on both portable generators and permanently installed standby generators from major brands.
Standby vs. Portable Generator Repair
Standby generators and portable generators share some common failure points but differ significantly in how they’re diagnosed and repaired. Standby generators are permanently wired to the home through an automatic transfer switch, run on natural gas or propane, and are expected to start automatically within seconds of a power outage. When they fail to do so, the transfer switch, control board, or fuel system are common starting points for diagnosis. Portable generators are simpler in design but often suffer from fuel system issues related to extended storage. Five Star handles both types and will diagnose the specific system that’s causing the problem rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
Regular Maintenance Prevents Most Failures
The majority of generator failures we respond to are preventable with consistent maintenance. A generator that is tested monthly, has its oil and filters changed on schedule, and has its fuel system managed correctly between uses is significantly less likely to fail when called upon. Five Star offers generator maintenance visits that cover all of the checks and service items needed to keep your unit reliable, and we’ll let you know if anything we find during a maintenance visit warrants attention before the next storm season arrives.
