Worried about winterizing your home generator? As the weather turns colder, ensuring you’ve properly maintained your generator provides the peace of mind you need in the face of snow and ice storms this winter.

Here are a few tips to help keep your generator working efficiently: 

Portable Generator Maintenance 

If you don’t use your portable generator very often, it’s important to store it with an empty fuel tank or use treated fuel to keep gunk from forming and clogging the fuel system. 

It’s equally as important to keep up with regular oil changes for your portable generator. This will keep it running smoothly and will lengthen the engine’s life. If the oil levels get too low, a lot of generators will automatically shut down to protect the engine. 

You’ll also want to pay attention to your generator’s air filter, fuel filter, and spark plug and change these out regularly. 

Standby Generator Maintenance

Similar to the regular tune-ups you give your vehicle, you’ll want to provide the same care and attention to the maintenance of your standby generator. 

Regular oil changes ensure that the generator’s engine lasts as long as possible. Colder temperatures may require a lower viscosity oil for easier starting, so changing to a dual viscosity oil might be helpful. Check your owner’s manual or call a generator expert or the manufacturer before switching to a different oil. Make sure you change the oil filter every time you change the oil because a clogged oil filter will reduce the flow of oil to the engine. 

Some standby generator models have cold weather kits and accessories to ensure easy startup in the winter months. Battery warmers, oil warmers, and block heaters are some of the most basic cold weather accessories you can purchase to ensure reliable starting. If you live where temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, cold weather kits are an inexpensive option to winterize your generator. 

It’s best to partner with an expert if you’re not comfortable maintaining preventative services on your standby generator yourself. Trust a certified servicing dealer to provide regular maintenance packages and be confident that your backup generator is ready to fight the winter and keep you and your family worm in case of a power outage. 

If you have any questions or concerns about preparing your portable or standby generator for the frigid winter months ahead, give us a call at 501-315-7213. 

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