Generator

Winter Preparation for Your Standby Generator

Diesel Engine Generator

Yes, winter is coming! That means heavy snow and ice storms can cause loss of electricity in this winter season like previous. Now my question is, is your backup generator up to the task? For getting uninterrupted electricity, your generators should properly maintain and carefully inspected before the winter. In this article, I am going to discuss all the Winter Preparation for Your Standby Generator.

Generator Spend Hard Time in Cold Weather:

Sometimes it’s really hard to start an engine when it’s already frizzed. Just consider your body and how it’s fell when you start to move your body after a cold water bath. Your generator is not exceptional. It will have the same issue when you try to start it for the first time in the winter season. Oil is thicker in colder environments and fuel doesn’t burn as efficiently. For this reason, it’s more difficult to get your standby generator up-and-running when you need it most. But good thing is that just a bit of regular pre-season maintenance, you can make sure your standby generator won’t leave you out cold and in the dark during extremes winter weather.

Winter Preparation Tips for Your Standby Generator:

Your Preparation-

Maybe throughout the year, you did not start your generator for a single time. Yes, it can happen. So, in this case, I will suggest you, read the manual and memorized how to operate a generator once again. Check the generator surrounding water, dust and other stuff. After all of this, a practice run is also recommended to you that you can see exactly what your generator will be able to power your home during an emergency.

Calculate The Amount of Fuel Needs-

During an emergency (heavy snow and ice storms), fuel may be in short supply and it can be hard to access. The generator can consume 12-20 gallons/day for 24/7 operation. But your generator’s wattage guide can help you more closely to determine fuel needs for 24/7 operation. Be certain to add fuel stabilizer to any fuel that will sit unused over 30 days and before you should follow stabilizer instructions carefully. Old, stale gas will not run and it could damage your generator. Generally, fuel will stay fresh up to 1 year.

Check The Oil Level of Your Generator Regularly-

Engine oil is essential to the efficiency and total lifespan of your standby generator. It will be quick if you check oil levels whenever you add fuel. You should add enough engine oil to maintain the oil level to the ‘FULL Mark’ but no more. Change the oil after the first 5 hours of initial use and every 1000 hours thereafter. But always check manufacturer instructions carefully for the exact type of oil your generator requires. Generator manufacturers always suggest the best engine oil for their engine. Don’t forget to keep a few extra quarts on hand for emergencies.

You Should Inspect Your Generator Regularly-

There are some most common parts you will need to change over the period of time. Some serviceable parts such as the fuel filter, air filter and spark plug as recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions need to change. Throughout the winter season, you should run your generator at least once monthly for around 20 minutes. This run will burn all moisture in the alternator, lubricate internal engine parts and recharge the battery. This easy and simple maintenance will ensure your generator up to the task when you need it most.

Transfer Switch-

It’s freezing cold out there and also a holiday. So, you should keep your neighbors and electrical workers safe with a transfer switch. It is s simple manual transfer switch for a portable generator. This switch will isolate generator power from outside utility lines’ power. Transfer switch also keeps your generator and home appliances from becoming overloaded. It also prevents power back-feeding that can lead to fatal shocks to utility lines and others down the grid. Because you really don’t want to mass with the utility line.

Smart and Safe Operation-

Take the final decision where you will place the generator. But remember you should store it undercover and never run a generator inside your home, garage, crawlspace, basement, porch, or shed. Generally, an exhaust fan or open door/window is not enough to protect you against deadly levels of colorless, odorless carbon monoxide. This GAS can quickly buildup and linger. For this reason, you should operate your generator outside only which is far from doors, windows, vents, and openings.

Now if you find this post helpful then please share with friends and let them know some tips from it. Thanks!