Why Is My Generator Running But Not Powering the House?

27kw Whole home standby generator installed in a landscaped front yard.

A generator running but not powering the house can feel confusing. You hear the generator start. The engine sounds like it is working. But inside the home, the lights stay off, the AC does not start, and your outlets still have no power. This usually means the generator started, but power is not reaching your […]

Generator Battery Problems: Causes, Signs, and Fixes

27kw Whole home standby generator installed in a landscaped front yard.

Generator battery problems are one of the most common reasons a standby generator fails to start when the power goes out. Your generator may sit quietly for weeks, then need to start automatically during a storm, outage, or electrical failure. If the battery is weak, dead, corroded, loose, or not charging properly, the generator may […]

Home Backup Generator Oil: What Type Should You Use?

Generac generator oil, filter, and maintenance supplies on a table.

Choosing the right home backup generator oil helps protect your standby generator and keeps it ready for the next outage. For many Generac home standby generators, 5W-20 full synthetic oil is commonly recommended. Some models may allow other oil types, such as SAE 30, 10W-30, or 5W-30 synthetic oil, depending on the generator model and […]

Generator Maintenance Kit: What It Includes

Generac Generator

A home standby generator needs regular care to stay ready for the next power outage. Oil, filters, spark plugs, and other small parts all help the engine run properly. That is where a generator maintenance kit can help. A generator maintenance kit usually includes the basic parts needed for routine maintenance. Generac notes that maintenance […]

Generator Status Lights: Green, Yellow & Red Meaning

Your standby generator uses status lights to show whether the system is ready, needs maintenance, or has a problem. These lights are usually easy to spot, but they can be confusing if you do not know what each color means. For many home standby generators, green, yellow, and red lights help homeowners understand the generator’s […]

Generator Safety During a Hurricane: Key Tips

Generator Safety During a Hurricane

When a hurricane cuts the power, a generator can keep your home running. It can also create serious safety risks if it is used the wrong way. Carbon monoxide, electrical shock, fire, and unsafe wiring mistakes are some of the biggest concerns. That is why generator safety during a hurricane matters just as much as […]

Is a Whole House Generator Tax Deductible?

person reviewing home generator costs and tax documents with a calculator

A whole house generator can be a smart investment for backup power, especially in places where outages are common. But one question comes up again and again: is a whole house generator tax deductible? For most homeowners, the answer is usually no under federal tax rules. A standard whole house standby generator for personal residential […]

Generator Battery Replacement: When to Replace It 

Maintenance Tips for your Generac Generator

A standby generator is only useful if it starts when your home needs backup power. Many homeowners think about fuel, engine size, or the transfer switch first. But one small part can decide whether your generator actually turns on during an outage: the battery. Your generator battery gives the system the starting power it needs. […]

Can You Cover a Generator With a Tarp?

Technician installing a transfer switch for a home standby generator

Yes, you can cover a generator with a tarp, but only when it is done the right way. A tarp should never sit directly on a running generator. It should also never block the exhaust, air vents, engine area, or any part that needs airflow. Generators produce heat while running, and they also release carbon […]

Generator Making Noise? What It Could Mean

Close-up view of a standby generator engine compartment

A generator never runs without making noise. A home standby unit always makes some sound when it starts, tests itself, or powers your home during an outage. Generac explains that these units run scheduled practice cycles, and Briggs & Stratton confirms that many newer units regularly self-check during normal operation.  Ever notice your generator suddenly […]