Home Generator Repair in Des Moines, Iowa

When the power goes out, your standby generator should be ready to take over. If your generator will not start, displays a warning code, runs poorly, or fails to provide power to your home, Holt Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can help.

Our technicians diagnose generator and transfer switch problems, clearly explain what they find, and provide repair options based on the condition of your system.

Generator Diagnosis and Repair

Generator problems can originate in the engine, battery, fuel supply, controls, circuit breaker, automatic transfer switch, or related electrical components.

Our technicians evaluate the system to identify the cause of the problem—not just the symptom. Once the issue has been diagnosed, we will explain our findings and always review your repair options before work begins. We can even monitor your generator remotely—ask us how!

Common Generator Problems We Address

Generator will not start: A weak battery, charging problem, starter issue, fuel-supply interruption, or system shutdown may prevent the generator from starting.
Generator runs, but the home has no power: The problem may involve the generator breaker, automatic transfer switch, control system, or electrical wiring.
Generator runs poorly or shuts down: Low fluids, dirty filters, fuel or airflow problems, overdue maintenance, or an internal mechanical issue can affect operation.
Warning lights or error codes appear: Modern standby generators monitor their own operation. A warning or fault code indicates that the system needs attention.
Generator misses its weekly exercise cycle: A missed or unsuccessful self-test may point to a battery, fuel-supply, controller, or engine problem.

Prevent Unexpected Generator Problems

Standby generators may sit unused for long periods before they are needed. Without routine maintenance, small problems can go unnoticed until the next power outage.

Regular service can help identify aging batteries, leaks, filter and fluid needs, warning codes, and other developing concerns. Depending on the generator and its manufacturer’s requirements, maintenance may include:

Oil and filter replacement
Battery and charging-system testing
Inspection for leaks, damage, or corrosion
Review of stored warning and fault codes
Operational testing of the generator
Inspection of the automatic transfer system

Following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule can improve reliability and help extend the life of your generator.

Why Homeowners Choose Holt for Generator Service

Your generator helps protect your home and maintain essential power when utility service is unavailable. Our goal is to make generator service straightforward.

We carefully diagnose the problem, explain it in plain language, and recommend a solution appropriate for your home and budget. Whether you need routine maintenance, a repair, or help determining whether replacement makes more sense, our Holt team is ready to assist. If replacement is the right choice, we also provide complete home standby generator installation.

Schedule Generator Service

Don’t wait until the next outage to find out your generator isn’t ready. Contact Holt today to schedule generator diagnostics, repair, or preventive maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Generator Repair

1. How often should my generator be serviced?

Always follow the maintenance schedule provided by the generator manufacturer. Many residential standby generators should be serviced at least once per year or after reaching a specified number of operating hours. Additional service may be needed after an extended outage or when the generator displays a maintenance alert.

2. What are the signs that my generator needs service?

Common warning signs include failure to complete its weekly exercise cycle, slow or difficult starting, warning lights or error codes, unusual noises or vibration, fluid leaks or visible corrosion, unexpected shutdowns, or running without supplying power to the home. If you notice any of these conditions, schedule an inspection before the next power outage.

3. Can I perform my own generator maintenance?

Homeowners can keep the area around the generator clear of leaves, snow, vegetation, and other debris. You can also check the controller display for visible alerts and observe whether the generator completes its scheduled exercise cycle. Engine, fuel, electrical, and transfer-switch work should be handled by a qualified technician. Never attempt to remove electrical covers, bypass safety devices, or attempt repairs inside the generator or transfer switch.

4. My generator is running, but my house has no power. What could be wrong?

The problem may involve the generator circuit breaker, automatic transfer switch, controller, or another part of the electrical system. If it is safe to do so, note any warning or error code shown on the generator’s display. Do not open the transfer switch or electrical panel. A technician can safely diagnose why power is not being transferred to your home.

5. Is an older generator worth repairing?

That depends on the generator’s age, overall condition, service history, availability of replacement parts, and the cost of the repair. We can inspect the system and help you compare the cost and expected reliability of repairing it versus replacing it. If replacement is the better long-term option, Holt also provides complete home standby generator installation.

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"I highly recommend Holt! I needed my water heater replaced, and they came out and took the time to discuss all of my options and to make sure that I fully understood everything about the project. They did quality work, with all of the plumbing in traditional copper. That was important to me because I didn't want any of that PEX in my home! My entire basement looks cleaner and tidier because of the work they did! I was also very impressed that they didn't talk down to me as a woman. I like to do my own appliance maintenance and repairs when possible, and they respected my desire to understand everything about the installation and the prospective maintenance into the future."

Karen

"The best experience you could ever ask for. Nick is very skilled and knowledgeable about his industry. We were in a challenging situation and Holt and Nick were there to help us. Nick is very professional, extremely polite and friendly and very skilled. Thank you all so very much"

Victoria A.

"Looking for a no fluff, no BS review of Holt? I got you... Over the past 15 years I've been a home owner, We've tried more companies that I could count. Lots of shady businesses out there... We were coming of a brand new HVAC installation just two years ago and the previous company completely botched it. It had problems within a month of installation and they were completely MIA. We ran it as long as we could to try and recoup the some cost, but it was a constant worry. Decided to give Holt a chance and we're so glad we did! Yes, they were more expensive, but it's the classic "you get what you pay for". 100% worth it! It's so hard to find a company that has the perfect mix of quality, punctuality, and honesty and Holt nails it. I genuinely appreciate their level of service and will pay a bit more to have someone I have the utmost confidence in doing the right thing. You should definitely give them a look if you need heating, cooling, or plumbing work."

Michael N.

"We had never heard of Holt Heating and Plumbing until today. We had an emergency and needed service immediately and Holt was available. Israel was our technician and he was amazing! They will have our business for years to come! Thanks Israel and Holt!"

Rhonda

"Holt heating and air conditioning installed our heating and air conditioning system and now we have the maintenance program with them. All the different people we'd have had out to do the semi annual maintenance have been courteous and professional in there attire and speaking to us. I would use them for other services in a heartbeat."

Pam