Warning Signs and Common Problems With an ATS
Last verified: September 2026
The best time to find a problem is on a calm day, not in a storm. Here are the warning signs to know, and when to call. Spotted something odd? My number is (330) 200-8042.
Warning Signs, at a Glance
The best time to discover your backup system needs attention is on a calm day, not in a storm. Learn the warning signs — a warning light, a rough self-test, hard starting, new noises or smells, leaks, or critters — so a small problem never becomes a big one. A gas smell is urgent (leave and call); most others mean 'call soon, calmly.' You notice; a licensed pro repairs. There's a printable 29-page version up top.
Common Questions
1 What's the most important warning sign?
A warning light or 'attention needed' message — your system telling you plainly that it noticed something. Never ignore it; note what it says and call.
2 My generator starts slowly during its test — is that a problem?
Usually it's the battery, the top cause of a no-start. Report it so a pro can check and replace it before it fails when you need it.
3 I smell gas near the generator — what do I do?
Treat it as urgent: get everyone to fresh air and call your gas company or 911 from a safe distance. Don't flip switches or try to find the source yourself.
4 A breaker keeps tripping — can I keep resetting it?
No — reset it once, but repeated tripping is a warning. Forcing it on is unsafe. Call a licensed electrician.
5 Can I open the switch to see what's wrong?
Never. The switch and panel insides are off-limits for owner troubleshooting. Notice the sign, note it, and call a licensed pro.
6 How do I catch problems earlier?
Listen to your weekly self-test, glance at the unit each season, and consider monitoring for phone alerts. The system usually warns you first if you're paying a little attention.
Would You Rather I Just Help?
When your system does something new, a quick call can tell you whether to relax or ring a pro — and I'll help you set up alerts to catch trouble even earlier. $99 flat for a visit, 30-day come-back-free.
Would you rather I just do this for you?
No shame in it — plenty of folks would rather hand it off, and that's what I'm here for. I'll come to your home, set it up right, and make sure it's working before I leave. Flat $99 per visit — no jargon, no upsell, and every visit is 30-day come-back-free.
Not a hardware job? I can often fix it remotely for $49 — a secure screen-share, up to 2 hours, that you watch the whole time and can end whenever (included free for $39/mo Support Plan members, and it counts toward the $99 if it turns out I need to come out).