Top Tips for Generator Winter Maintenance
If you follow our blog, hopefully you performed your winter maintenance back in the Fall; if you didn’t, here’s a reminder of a few things you can – and should – still do to help ensure your generator is ready to work when you need it this winter. And if you did prep your generator for cold winter back in the fall, you may still want to review to make sure you’re keeping up on ongoing maintenance tasks to keep your unit in top performing shape:
- Invest in a cold weather kit. These kits usually include both battery warmers and oil heaters, and may also include additional items like fuel additives, covers and a few basic replacement parts. Cold weather kits are designed for specific types of generators, so be sure you choose the one that’s best for your make and model. Depending on the items you already own, it may make more sense and save you more money by buying individual items. If you’re not sure what items you need or which brands are right for your generator, ask us; we’re always ready to help.
- Buy a battery warmer: Just as your car can have trouble starting cold weather, so can your generator. Battery warmer units are typically controlled by a thermostat, which means they turn on and off automatically. Some units sit under the battery, so be prepared to do a little minor disassembly to install one.
- Add an oil heater: During cold weather, oil turns from a liquid lubricant into a viscous sludge that often isn’t able to provide important protection to your engine and its moving parts. Like the battery heater, oil heaters turn on when the temps hit a certain level to make sure the oil in your generator remains at the right viscosity for proper use. Read instructions carefully; some heaters require you to fill your unit’s oil reservoir with a 5W-30 synthetic oil before use.
- Check your extension cords for wear, including “kinked” or bent areas that can cause shorts. The time to replace them is now before the snow starts to fly and shoppers run like mad to clear off the shelves of anything generator-related. While you’re getting a new cord, consider stocking up on other generator essentials to avoid the need to go out once a storm hits.
- Run your generator often: Not only does running it every few weeks ensure it’s running properly, but it also helps ensure bearings and gaskets stay lubricated. That’s especially important when the generator sits idle, since fluids can settle and gum-up, meaning they’ll be less effective and won’t do their job as well. Over time, that can lead to damage and unexpected problems when running during the cold months of winter. Don’t be lazy – be sure to take your generator outside and well away form your house before starting it up and let it run for 10 to 20 minutes or so. Wipe it off before putting it away to make sure to remove any moisture that could cause corrosion.
Taking these simple steps to proper maintenance is the best way to make sure your generator is ready for use when you need it. Questions? Give us a call. We’re ready to help.
Named by Generac® as the Top Dealer in the East Region!
Corbin Electrical Services, Inc. was awarded the top dealer in the East region at the Generac Annual Dealer Forum!
The Generac dealer network is comprised of over 5,000 generator dealers nationwide. It’s a great honor to be recognized by the factory as the best dealer in the region!
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Corbin Electrical Services is a full service residential and commercial electrical contractor servicing your community for over 40 years. We are licensed and bonded to conduct business in the State of New Jersey, Florida and Delaware. Our dedicated full time office staff is always ready to answer your questions and concerns. Our service technicians are the best troubleshooters in the industry. Our friendly and professional service technicians will offer you the most cost effective method to repair the problem at hand.
3 Winter Generator Issues and How to Prevent Them
Even before winter had officially arrived this season, news reports were rolling in from across the country, detailing the tremendous snow and ice storms that were sweeping through many states, wreaking havoc and causing major power outages in their wake. Although for many people, the result was days without power including loss of lights, heat and hot water, those who had generators on hand were better able to cope until power outages were resolved.
It’s true, having a home generator can be a real benefit in the winter months, but that doesn’t mean that simply owning a generator will be enough to solve all your weather-related electrical problems. Here are three of the most common winter-related home generator problems and the steps you can take now to help prevent them:
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: This is a major problem in winter when people have their homes closed up tight against the cold and wind, and most of the problems are due to the improper use of space heaters. However, a fair share are due to improper use of home generators. To avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning – which can be deadly – NEVER operate your generator in your home – even in a basement or garage – and when placing it outside, make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from any vents, doors or windows – yours as well as your neighbors’. Install carbon monoxide detectors in the living area and all the sleeping areas of your home.
- Shock hazards: Since generators are often used in the rain and snow, it’s important to take extra precautions to avoid electrical shock risks, which are increased in wet weather. When possible, store your generator under a covered area like a carport or open-sided shed or portable canopy so you’re standing on dry ground when operating it. Make sure the generator is not located in a depression where water can collect. Make sure your generator is properly grounded and where shoes with rubber soles when operating it.
- Power cord problems: Many people use extension cords to run their generators, and they can cause additional hazards. In addition to the obvious risk of tripping and falling, especially on icy ground, extension cords run through windows provide another place for carbon monoxide to enter. If you must run a cord through a cracked window, consider sealing the space with duct tape to prevent fumes from entering, and again, place the generator far away from the window. Plug cords into the generator with the power switch in the off position and, ideally, the breaker off as well. Turn on the generator and power on the breaker after the cords are in place. Inspect all cords – extension cords and dedicated power cords – before each operation, all along the length of cord as well as at both ends to check for worn spots and fraying that could cause shorts and shocks. Consider having a transfer switch installed to avoid extension cord problems.
Generators can be lifesavers – literally – when winter storms hit. Understanding their risks and issues as well as their benefits is the best way to ensure you and your generator weather the winter safely.
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