Winter is right around the corner, which means it’s time to brace yourself for power outages galore. When nature decides to throw a hissy fit of snow, ice, and frozen winds, the first thing that tends to crаp out is your electricity. Unless you’ve got a trusty backup generator prepped and ready for battle!
But just like your furnace and space heaters, generators need some TLC before the cold sets in. Otherwise, you could be left in the dark (literally) when you need that portable power plant the most. Trying to get an unprepared generator fired up in freezing temperatures is about as fun as a snowball fight with an angry yeti.
Don’t let a winter storm catch you with your generator’s pants down. A little preventative maintenance is all it takes to ensure your home’s backup power supply is ready to work overtime when the cold comes knocking. From checking the fuel system to battery care and proper storage, we’ve got you covered with all the tips to winterize your generator properly. Avoid a total meltdown this winter by following the steps in this guide!
Inspect and Clean Your Generator
Before you even think about firing up your generator this winter, you’ll want to give it a thorough inspection and cleaning. A season’s worth of dust bunnies and gunk buildup can seriously mess with its performance. It’s like trying to breathe through a clogged straw!
Start by removing that air filter cover and checking the filter itself. If it’s looking overly crapped up and clogged, just go ahead and replace it with a fresh one. While you’re in there, locate the spark plug and give it a good cleaning too. Check that the gap between the electrodes is set to the manufacturer’s specifications. A fouled or incorrectly gapped plug can cause all sorts of starting and running issues.
Next, inspect the fuel system for any clogs, leaks, or other shenanigans. Drain off any old fuel sitting stagnant in the tank or carburetor bowl. Crud and debris buildup in there can quickly turn into a headache. Use a fuel system cleaner to flush everything out nice and squeaky clean if needed.
Don’t forget to check all the other fluids while you’ve got ‘er opened up too. Top off the oil if it’s running low and look for any leaks or other sketchiness. Ditto for the generator’s coolant system if it’s liquid-cooled. The last thing you want is your generator overheating or starving for oil mid-outage.
Once all the internal bits are inspected and refreshed, finish up by giving the generator’s exterior housing a good degunking. Leaf debris, cobwebs, bird nests – get all that junk cleared out so airflow isn’t obstructed. A clean generator is a happy, healthy generator!
Winterize the Fuel System
We all know gasoline tends to go stale and gummy if it sits for too long. And there’s nothing generators hate more than gunked-up fuel! So if you’ll be storing your portable power pal for a while, taking some preventative measures on the fuel system is an absolute must.
Start by using up any old fuel that’s been sitting in the tank for more than a month or so. Dump it into your car’s gas tank or grab an approved container to store it safely elsewhere. Stale gas can quickly clog up carburetors and fuel lines into a nightmare. While you’re at it, replace the fuel filter if your generator has one. Those get grimy over time too.
With that old fuel out of the way, it’s time to treat the tank with a high-quality fuel stabilizer. These special formulas help prevent the gas from deteriorating and developing gunk for months on end. Just follow the instructions to add the proper amount to a freshly filled fuel tank.
For generators with carburetors, you’ll want to go one step further to really winterize that fuel system. Run the generator for a few minutes until the stabilized fuel cycles all the way into the carburetor. Then, shut it off and immediately drain that carburetor bowl to remove any remaining unstabilized fuel.
Finally, double-check that you’ve turned the fuel valve to the “off” position to prevent any lingering fuel from evaporating out. And if you’ll be storing that stabilized gas for the long haul, be sure to use an airtight fuel storage caddy approved for the task.
No matter how much of a hassle it seems, taking these fuel system precautions is absolutely critical for preventing a whole heap of cold weather starting woes. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way!
Battery Maintenance
For generators with electric starters, keeping that battery charged and healthy is key for reliable winter operation. A dead battery means no fun when you’re trying to fire it up in the freezing cold!
Start by checking the current charge status on that battery. Most units have a little gauge window that’ll show if it’s fully juiced up or running low. If it’s reading anything less than a full charge, hook it up to a trickle charger until it tops off. Letting batteries go fully dead for too long can permanently damage them.
While it’s charging away, take a look at the battery terminals themselves. Corrosion and buildup on those connectors can weaken the electrical flow. Use a stiff brush to scrub off any crud you see. A diluted baking soda solution can help dissolve stubborn deposits too. Just be sure to disconnect the battery first before getting in there!
If your generator’s battery is starting to show its age and won’t hold a full charge anymore, your best bet is to bite the bullet and replace it. Batteries are relatively inexpensive compared to the headache of a dead one when you need portable power the most.
Speaking of which, if you’ll be storing your generator for a few months over winter, it’s smart to just remove the battery entirely. Batteries self-discharge over time, even when not in use. Taking it out and storing it somewhere dry can extend its lifespan significantly.
For extended storage periods, you’ll also want to invest in a battery tender or trickle charger. These smart little devices provide just enough juice to keep that battery topped up without overcharging it. That way, it’ll be ready to rock come spring when you reinstall it in your generator.
Shelter and Storage
Once you’ve got your generator prepped mechanically for winter, the next crucial step is ensuring it’s stored properly to protect it from the elements. Exposure to frigid temps, moisture, and weather can wreak havoc!
First thing’s first – pick a smart storage location. The ideal spot is somewhere dry, protected from precipitation, and with decent ventilation. A sealed cabinet, shed, or garage works great. Just be sure to avoid storing it anywhere that could expose the generator to moisture or condensation buildup. That’s a fast track to corrosion city!
Next, invest in a durable, weatherproof generator cover or tarpaulin if you don’t already have one. This acts as a vital protective barrier against rain, snow, ice, and any other winter fun that could make its way inside. Even if you’re storing it indoors, a cover helps prevent dust buildup too.
Be sure to let the generator cool down fully before covering it up though. Throwing a tarp or cover over a hot generator is just asking for moisture problems! Once it’s cooled off completely, secure that cover snugly but leave enough room for airflow and ventilation underneath.
For extra protection against critters and pests, you may want to consider setting up rodent repellent devices nearby. Nobody wants to fire up their generator in spring only to find a family of mice has taken up residence over winter!
Finally, if you’ll be storing that generator for more than just a couple months, invest in a quality fuel stabilizer and battery tender as mentioned earlier. Properly treated fuel and a trickle-charged battery will make getting it started back up again a total breeze.
Cold Weather Starting Tips
Okay, so you’ve prepped and properly stored your generator through the winter months. But what about when it’s actually time to fire that bad boy up again during a cold snap? Getting a generator to cooperate in freezing temperatures can sometimes be a battle in itself.
The first key is ensuring you’re using the proper oil weight for winter operation. That old heavy-duty stuff can get thicker than molasses in the cold, making your generator struggle to turn over. Consult your owner’s manual, but you’ll likely want to swap over to a lighter viscosity oil like 5W-30 or 10W-30 before attempting a cold start.
While you’re at it, take a few minutes to prime that oil by pulling the starter cord a few times before actually cranking it. This will help circulate and warm up that oil a bit so it flows more freely at first startup.
For generators with electric starters, definitely use that starter instead of pulling the recoil cord when it’s freezing out. Your arms will thank you! Just be sure you’ve got a fully charged battery installed first.
Next, focus on getting that fuel system primed and ready to go. If you properly stabilized the fuel over winter storage, it should fire right up. But it never hurts to prime the carburetor by choking it a few times before starting. You may also need to let it idle and fully warm up for 5-10 minutes before applying any heavy load.
One other handy trick is trying to preheat the generator’s engine before that first winter fire-up. Letting it sit in a heated space like a garage can help the cold-soaked components warm up a bit first. Or you can invest in an electric engine heater pad designed specifically for generators. Just don’t try using an open flame or torch – fire hazard!
Finally, avoid overshooting and overloading that generator right from the jump. Let it run for 10-15 minutes at just 50% load before ramping it up all the way. A cold generator will struggle if you try spiking it to full power immediately.
Maintenance Schedule
Even after all that winter prep, don’t just set and forget your generator! Ongoing maintenance is key for keeping it happy and healthy all season long.
At a minimum, you’ll want to do a visual inspection each time before firing it up. Check all fluid levels, ensure there’s no leakage, clear away any debris, and verify the air filter is clean. Every few months, go ahead and change that air filter and spark plug too.
Be sure to also change the oil at whatever interval your owner’s manual recommends, usually around 100 hours of use. And definitely make a habit of running your generator for 15-30 minutes each month to keep everything lubricated and in working order.
Stick to a routine maintenance schedule, and your generator will be that reliable backup you need through any winter storm!
Your Winter Generator Guardian
There you have it, the full guide on preparing your generator for winter duty. From cleaning and inspecting to fuel system care and proper storage, taking these preventative maintenance steps is crucial.
Follow the tips closely, and your portable power source will be ready to work hard when winter storms hit. No more being left in the freezing dark during outages! You can rest assured your generator will fire up reliably to keep things running smoothly.
Of course, if the idea of all that generator maintenance sounds like a hassle, you do have another option. Contact the experts at Gene Johnson and let us handle it. We offer comprehensive whole-home generator installation and service to make blackouts a non-issue. Our technicians will ensure your backup power system is properly prepared and set to automatically activate when the utility power goes out.
Don’t get caught unprepared this winter season – call us today at (206) 792-7495 to discuss our generator services. One simple call, and you can cross “generator prep” off your cold weather to-do list for good.
