Snow and ice storms that cause power outages are common throughout the winter season. Is your generator capable of the job? Generators, far from being a stow-and-go appliance, should be properly maintained and thoroughly inspected before being used during a winter outage.
Even though modern engines have greatly improved in recent decades, they still do not start easily when it is cold - and your generator is no exception. Oil thickens in colder temperatures, and fuel burns less efficiently, making it more difficult to start your generator when you need it most. Fortunately, with a little regular, pre-season maintenance and attention, you can ensure that your generator will not leave you out in the cold and in the dark during wintry weather extremes.
Make sure that your generator is easily accessible.
Because of the carbon monoxide emissions, generators are installed outside. This does not mean you should hide it under some rubble outside; it will be difficult to find when it's snowing. Place it somewhere you can easily access during the winter.
Calculate your fuel requirements carefully.
During an emergency, fuel may be scarce and difficult to obtain. To get by, you'll need more than a small container. For continuous operation, 12-20 gallons per day are required. The wattage guide on your generator can help you determine your fuel requirements more precisely. Make sure to add fuel stabilizer to any fuel that will sit unused for more than 30 days. Follow the stabilizer instructions exactly. Stale gas will not start and may damage your generator. However, if properly stored with a stabilizer, fuel can be kept fresh for up to a year. Bonus: When used in the generator, fuel stabilizer eliminates the need to empty the tank.
Keep the battery in your generator warm and charged.
Freezing temperatures can be harmful to lead-acid batteries. To help solve this problem, keep your battery charged at all times, purchase a larger battery, or purchase a thermostatically controlled warming blanket for your battery.
Have a Maintenance Kit on Hand
A maintenance kit keeps you prepared for any unexpected problems with your generator. Extra oil, filters, spare parts, and other items are included in the kit. You can make the kit yourself or buy one.
On-Call Expert
Keep a qualified electrician information handy. This is the person you should contact in an emergency or if all other attempts to restart your generator have failed.
Conclusion
Power outages during the winter should not cause inconvenience in your home; keep it on standby and fully prepared for the season! You can also contact us for any backup generator requirements.