Winter Prep Tips to Ensure Proper Generator Operation

We’ll be here for you, 24/7, all winter long!

The National Weather Service has forecast a deep freeze over the region. As the largest premiere service provider in Westchester & Putnam County, we want to make sure you have key information on staying warm through it.

Our team is ready for the storm and working around the clock to make sure that you keep safe, warm, and comfortable at home, providing oil deliveries, heating system repairs, and more!

We can install, repair, and service whole house generators to keep you safe, warm, and comfortable at home should you lose power. We can also assist with any plumbing emergencies or repairs and have our remediation team at 911 Restoration available to clean up. Our local teams are here around the clock 24/7 to respond to your needs.

We hope that you and your family stay safe and well throughout this major winter storm. Contact us today!

Winter is here. Blizzards, ice storms, and high winds can all cause power lines to go down and backup generators to kick in. When that happens, you need to know that your generator is going to work as expected, which means putting in some prep work ahead of time.

Cold weather can cause sluggish batteries, thicker oil, and slow-moving parts – all of which can cause engine strain. We hope you follow the manufacturer’s recommended cold weather procedures and perform basic maintenance year-round, but we especially recommend taking these precautions before the cold hits. Take some time in the late fall to change the oil and filter, and check the spark plugs, fluid levels, and batteries.

That said, here are a few more things you can to do help ensure your backup generator works when you need it to.

• Schedule More Tests

  Test your generator in winter conditions to see how it operates and if there are any start-up problems. You might want to run more tests in winter to keep the parts lubricated and identify any areas of concern. Be sure to test any digital controls once the temps hit single digits; subzero temperatures have been known to wreak havoc on digital control panels, preventing them from even turning on.

• Check the Block Heater

  Once temperatures dip makes sure your engine block heater is plugged in and functioning. Without this important piece of equipment keeping the engine and liquids even slightly warm, the machine may not start at all.

• Check the Battery Charger

  Dead batteries are a leading cause of generator service calls. Make sure your battery charger is plugged in and connected to prevent batteries from losing too much power due to cold temperatures.

• Keep an Eye on the Fuel

  It’s a good idea to treat the fuel in the tank with anti-gel and anti-microbial additives to help ensure it is usable when the time comes.

• Don’t Skip the Visual Inspections

  A visual inspection should be part of general generator maintenance and you should keep that up in winter. Make sure the area around the generator is clear of debris. Look for leaks, staining, and puddles, which can indicate a broken component. Check the exhaust and ventilation for blockages.

  Winter prep can help ensure that your generator starts without having to wait through a lengthy warm-up period and can reduce the chances of the generator failing in cold weather conditions.

  If your generator has seen better days and you aren’t sure any amount of winter prep work is going to ensure its operation this winter, Robison today.