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Disclaimer

Disclaimer

This page outlines important disclaimers and common situations to help you understand our repair process, our policies, how we quote our services and what to expect when you bring your equipment to us for repair. We value your business and want to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.lick here to add text.


Work Order

All charges for service and/or repairs are due and payable upon picking up your equipment or upon the expiration of three (3) days after notice that the service and/or repairs have been completed. Notice shall be deemed to have been given upon voicemail, text or email notification. If your equipment is not picked up within three (3) days after such notice is given, you will be charged $5.00 per day for storage. Storage charges will not be charged for Saturday, Sunday or any other day we are closed.


Cost of Repair vs. Value of Equipment

We understand that many of our neighbors operate on a budget and often rely on older, well-loved equipment. We pride ourselves on providing affordable services, but it’s important to acknowledge that for some older equipment, the cost of repair can sometimes exceed its current market value. We will always strive to provide transparent estimates and discuss this possibility with you upfront. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision about whether repairing your equipment is the most economical choice. 

Here are examples of when repair costs exceed the value for different types of generators:

1. Portable Generator Example (Small/Medium)

  • Scenario: A 10-year-old 4000-watt portable generator has a damaged carburetor, a rusted fuel tank, and requires a new starter rope.
  • Repair Cost: $250 - $350 (Labor + Parts).
  • Value of New Unit: A new 4000W portable generator can be purchased for roughly $300-$500, such as a Predator or Harbor Freight model.
  • Conclusion: Replace. The repair cost is nearly 70-100% of a new unit.Reddit +2

2. Standby Generator Example (Home)

  • Scenario: A 15-year-old home standby generator (e.g., Generac) suffers a major engine failure (e.g., broken piston rod) or an alternator failure.
  • Repair Cost: $2,000 - $3,000+ (Major engine work).
  • Value of New Unit: A new, more fuel-efficient, and warranted standby generator might cost $5,000 - $10,000+ (unit cost only).
  • Conclusion: Replace. While the repair is less than 50% of the total, the age (15+ years) means other parts are likely to fail soon, making it a poor long-term investment.RCA Electric & Generators +4

3. Cumulative Repair Example (The "Money Pit")

  • Scenario: A 12-year-old, frequently used generator needed a $300 fuel pump repair in January, a $200 battery/starter repair in July, and now needs a $400 control board repair.
  • Repair Cost: $900 in one year.
  • Replacement Value: $1,500 for a new unit of similar size.
  • Conclusion: Replace. Cumulative repairs over a short period indicate the unit is end-of-life.Assurance Power Systems

Key Indicators to Replace Instead of Repair

  • Age: The generator is older than 10-15 years.
  • Parts Availability: The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) no longer supports the model, making parts hard to find.
  • Fuel Consumption: The unit has become inefficient, costing more to run than a modern unit.
  • Safety Hazards: The unit has excessive rust or emits high carbon monoxide levels.

 


Wear and Tear

It's common for equipment, especially older models, to experience wear and tear over time. While we understand concerns about repair costs, the need for parts due to normal aging is often unavoidable. We will always provide transparent breakdowns of part costs. For many of our neighbors in the Concho-Vernon-Show Low area, older equipment is common. Please be aware that for some older machines, the cost of necessary repairs and replacement parts might exceed the current market value of the equipment itself. We will always discuss these situations with you transparently before proceeding.

 

Key Examples of Generator Wear and Tear:

  • Engine & Fuel System Issues:
    • Failed or Weak Battery: A dead battery is the #1 reason for failure, often due to aging or lack of regular charging.
    • Clogged Filters: Air and fuel filters clog with dirt over time, reducing efficiency.
    • Degraded Fuel: Stale fuel can clog the carburetor and engine parts if the unit sits idle for months.
    • Worn Spark Plugs: Corrosion or fouling prevents consistent ignition.
    • Oil Leaks: Damaged seals and gaskets cause oil to leak.
  • Mechanical & Moving Parts:
    • Broken Pull Cords: The rope can break or the starter spring can fail.
    • Loose Mounting Bolts: Vibration can loosen bolts, causing shaking and misalignment.
    • Worn Bearings: Failed bearings can cause a grinding, loud noise.
  • Electrical & External Components:
    • Corroded Terminals: Batteries and electrical connections often suffer from corrosion, preventing current flow.
    • Loose Wiring: Vibration can cause electrical connections to come loose.
    • Damaged Housing: Rust or broken plastic housing from environmental exposure.
  • Performance Degradation:
    • Underperformance/Low Output: A worn-out engine cannot handle its rated load.
    • Constant Need for Repairs: As engines get older (15-20+ years), parts fail more frequently.
    • Overheating: Caused by blocked air filters or poor maintenance.

Deposit and Drop Off

To ensure commitment from both sides, we require a deposit for all repair work. This deposit serves as a good faith gesture, confirming your seriousness about proceeding with the repair. It allows us to allocate resources, order necessary parts, and dedicate our technicians' time to your specific needs. This practice helps us maintain efficiency and provides assurance that we are fully committed to resolving your equipment issues promptly and professionally.