Generator in Flood Zone: What Broward Homeowners Should Know
A generator can be installed in a flood zone, but it must be placed, elevated, anchored, and permitted correctly. For Broward County homeowners, the right setup depends on your flood zone, base flood elevation, local code requirements, generator model, fuel type, and property layout. Because many Broward homes are exposed to heavy rain, storm surge […]
Why Is My Generator Running But Not Powering the House?
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
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?
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 Safety During a Hurricane: Key Tips
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 […]
Can You Cover a Generator With a Tarp?
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 Lifespan: How Long Does a Home Generator Last?
Power outages strike unexpectedly. When they do, homeowners need reliable backup power. So, how long will a generator last? Homeowners measure a standby generator’s lifespan in years and run hours. Many sources estimate that careful maintenance helps residential standby generators last approximately 20 to 30 years. Usage, maintenance, and system care directly influence the actual […]
Can You Refuel a Generator While Running?
The simple answer is no. Never refuel a generator while running. Always shut it off and let it cool; spilled gasoline on hot parts can ignite. Why Refueling a Running Generator Is Dangerous A running generator gets hot enough to ignite spilled fuel, so always let it cool before refueling. Refueling while running increases these […]
How Does Generac Get Power? How It Works During Outages
A Generac generator does not pull electricity from the grid when the power goes out. Instead, it makes its own electricity using fuel. In most homes, that fuel is either natural gas or liquid propane. That is what allows the generator to keep running even when the utility power has stopped. Where Does a Generac […]
Gas vs Propane Generators: Which Is Better for Your Home?
When homeowners compare gas and propane generators, the real issue is typically the choice between natural gas and propane standby units. Home standby generators are permanent backup systems installed outdoors and usually run on a single fuel source: natural gas or liquid propane. They start automatically during a power outage. No single fuel is universally […]
