Preparing Your Generac Generator for Winter: Tips for Fall Installations and Maintenance

Tips for Winter Generator Maintenance for Generac Generators

Investing in a fall generator installation will ensure your home will still get power even during dangerous winter storms. To protect your generator and ensure it functions properly throughout the winter, it’s essential to complete essential fall and winter maintenance tasks. Regular maintenance will make sure your generator operates safely and reliably throughout the coldest months of the year, providing your home with power during winter storm power outages. Here are some helpful tips for winter generator maintenance for Generac generators. X`

Winter Power Outage Risks and the Importance of Preparation

New Jersey experiences harsh winter storms that greatly increase your risk of a home power outage. Proper preparation can mean the difference between a safe, continuous supply of power and a devastating outage. Fall generator installation will help you prepare for winter storms and ensure your home’s power supply automatically switches over to your generator moments after a power grid outage is detected. You can make sure crucial equipment like your home’s heating system, your security system, computers, phones, and medical devices will still function during an outage. Here are some ways to prepare for a winter power outage:

• Make an emergency kit that contains food, water, first aid, blankets, flashlights, battery-powered chargers, and other essentials.
• Regularly check the weather in your area.
• Make sure you have a battery-powered radio that can get emergency weather alerts from NOAA.
• Create an emergency evacuation plan with your family in case you are ordered to evacuate.
• Install a whole-home generator or standby generator so that your home gets heating and power even in an outage.

Key Cold Weather Maintenance Tasks

Even if your generator was just installed, you should take care of key generator maintenance tasks before winter weather sets in. Get your generator ready for winter storms by completing this checklist of Generac winter preparation essentials:

• Clean Away Debris – Clean away any debris that has accumulated around your generator.
• Do a Visual Inspection – Do a visual inspection of all exterior components to look for signs of damage and wear and tear.
• Check the Fuel System – Check the fuel system and make sure you have adequate fuel levels for extended outages. Check for signs of leaks or damage to the fuel lines. Inspect the fuel filters and replace them if needed.
• Test the Battery – Inspect the battery for signs of damage and corrosion. Test it to make sure it has adequate voltage and will hold a full charge. Check all connections to make sure they are tight.
• Check Oil Levels – Check the oil levels and change the oil if needed. Switch to winter-grade oil if recommended by your generator dealer or the generator manual.
• Replace Filters and Parts – Replace all filters that are dirty or clogged. Replace any other parts that are damaged.
• Test Control Panel and Systems – Test the generator regularly, even during mild weather, to make sure it operates properly. Check the automatic transfer switch to ensure proper power transitions. Test all electrical connections and perform a load test before winter weather begins. Make sure all settings on the control panel function properly.

Weekly Test Runs for Power Outage Readiness

Performing weekly generator tests will guarantee your generator is ready for a power outage. You can catch problems early and schedule generator repair before they get bigger and more dangerous. You can also maintain all necessary parts and ensure they are functioning properly. Regular testing also helps you become more familiar with how your generator works so that you can troubleshoot issues more effectively. Your generator has a built-in self-test feature that you should use weekly. If it doesn’t, start your generator manually and let it run for 15 minutes every week.

Remote Monitoring to Ensure Safety and Performance

Some models of Generac generators come equipped with Mobile Link technology. This allows you to use a mobile app to connect to your home standby generator remotely and monitor its status. As long as you have Wi-Fi, you can get real-time generator alerts, test your generator’s performance, and make sure it is running properly. This tool is especially helpful for people who own a second home in an area that experiences harsh weather conditions or for remote generator monitoring while on vacation.  

Call Now to Schedule a Fall Generator Installation

Seidel Electric has been installing backup generators and whole-home generators since 1944. When you contact us for fall generator installation, we will evaluate the size of your home, your typical power usage, and possible installation locations. We’ll then go over which appliances and equipment you want to power and talk to you about generator sizes and features. In addition to generator installation, we also offer maintenance and repairs. We can make sure your generator is ready to go for the winter so your home stays safe year-round. Call us now or contact us online to schedule generator installation in Blairstown, NJ, or anywhere in the tri-state area.