Now that hurricane season is over, it’s time to prepare for the coming colder weather and inevitable winter storms that can leave you and your home without power.
Maintenance Agreements can be obtained by your local dealer. Having your own maintenance kit is always a good idea, too. Battery warmers can also help batteries respond in colder temperatures. Here are a few other basic things you can do to safeguard your generator for winter in order to ensure a reliable source of emergency power.
Cold weather / battery warmer kits like this Generac model can help your generator avoid issues due to cold weather and can keep your generator running optimally all year round.
One of the most common causes of generator failure is a defective or discharged battery. Being the power source in an emergency situation, the battery should always be used with care. The battery is kept thoroughly charged by the charger connected to the main utility power. You want to make sure that the first thing you do is to make sure the charger is in working order and have your battery tested by a licensed electrician or local authorized generator dealer.
With portable generators, a common problem that can cause starting and running problems is fuel contamination. Make sure to check the fuel system and any external storage tanks to protect against water access. Remember, gasoline has a shelf life that can be extended by adding fuel additives! But, if you store your portable generator for extended periods of time (with fuel in the tank) it may breakdown and clog the fuel system.
Last but not least, it is important, if not mandatory, to regularly start and test your portable generator to identify potential problems before they become an issue. Starting and monitoring your portable generator monthly will ensure a happy and healthy life for your generator. Standby generators on the other hand run regular tests automatically without any involvement.
By following these tips with your scheduled maintenance checks you can ensure a well running winterized generator, and will give you the confidence of knowing that you and your family will be warm and have power this winter season… No matter what!
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