April 22, 2025
Winter can be an incredibly beautiful time of year. From holiday lights and displays to cups of cocoa and catching up with friends, a snowy setting can add to the festive moments as well as the peaceful ones. Unfortunately, winter weather also has the potential to cause issues with your emergency generator and interfere with your power supply. Homowners and business owners alike may wonder about the following points when it comes to winterizing their generator installations:
Keep reading to learn about winterizing commercial generators and emergency generators for homes, as well as how Northeast Generator can help!
As highlighted in this familiar New England story, as shared by CBS News, blowing winds at significant speeds and icy precipitation during the winter months often result in power outages. Other factors, such as extremely cold temperatures or fallen trees and power lines may have similar consequences. Therefore, a generator is a crucial backup power solution for homes or businesses, as it provides continuous power during outages. Winter poses specific challenges on properties without power, such as the loss of heating capabilities. Such issues are safety concerns for building inhabitants and have the potential to result in frozen pipes and the accompanying increased risk of water damage to buildings. Fortunately, proper generator maintenance for standby generators helps mitigate the risks of power loss and supports the generator’s condition during the winter months.
With power outages being more common in winter due to weather-related issues, a well-prepared generator installation becomes indispensable for maintaining warmth and the smooth operation of essential appliances. To prepare for this season, important generator servicing tips have been outlined to safeguard your generator and ensure uninterrupted service and reliable functionality. Our experts have provided guidance for optimizing your generator’s performance throughout the winter months with attention to considerations such as fuel efficiency, battery performance, and overall engine operation.
One of the primary tasks in winterizing your generator is to inspect the fuel system. Specifically, check for any leaks, blockages, or contaminants that might interfere with fuel flow. To prevent fuel degradation which can be more pronounced in colder temperatures, consider using a fuel stabilizer.
Cold weather can significantly impact battery efficiency. Before the challenging winds, temperatures and other impacts of this season arrive, ensure the battery of your business generator or the emergency generator for your home is fully charged and in good condition. To improve starting capabilities in the cold, consider installing a battery warmer. A well-maintained battery is crucial for reliable generator operation during winter emergencies.
It may seem strange to worry about the coolant system in anticipation of winter, but frozen coolant can lead to engine damage. Therefore, inspecting the coolant system, regularly checking the coolant levels and topping up the coolant if necessary helps to prevent freezing. Additionally, an antifreeze solution can also be used to protect the engine from the harsh winter temperatures.
Check the oil level of your backup generator and choose a winter-grade oil suitable for colder conditions. Cold weather can cause oil to thicken, affecting lubrication. However, using the right type of oil ensures proper engine function in low temperatures.
A clogged air filter can lead to reduced performance and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, a clean air filter is essential for proper airflow and combustion. Throughout the year, regularly inspecting and cleaning the air filter supports efficient generator operation.
Don’t wait until a power outage seems imminent to test your standby generator. Regularly start and run your generator to confirm that it starts promptly and runs smoothly. Also, be sure to address any issues immediately to avoid surprises during power outages. At Northeast Generator, we offer testing and monitoring as part of our generator services for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
Power outages are one winter threat with which home and business owners have to contend. However, exposure to winter conditions also endangers the functionality and condition of generators. For example, ice and snow accumulations near your standby generator may cause blockages or frozen fuel lines, which can result in performance interference or system damage. Thickened engine oil or battery issues may mean that a generator won’t start when you need it most. Additionally, continuous moisture exposure can cause corrosion and rust of interior components, ultimately reducing the lifespan of a generator. Fortunately, the professional generator service providers near you, like Northeast Generator, are available to help winterize your generator and ensure its readiness for use, if needed.
Whether to winterize the emergency generator for your home or ensure the performance of a commercial generator in the spring or any other time of year, Northeast Generator is here to help! Seasonal generator servicing and annual and semi-annual preventative maintenance are proactive and crucial steps in ensuring a reliable backup power source, especially during the colder months. To learn more about our residential and commercial generator maintenance plans, contact us today, so we can help ensure safe and reliable generator operations this winter and beyond.
Learn more about the importance of annual or semi-annual maintenance
As winter fades and the days grow longer, spring in New England brings a welcome change. However, along with blooming flowers and warmer temperatures, the season also brings heavy rains, strong winds, and unpredictable storms—all of which can lead to power outages. Being prepared now can save you from the inconvenience and potential dangers of losing power when the next storm hits.
