As the fall and winter months approach, homeowners start to prepare their homes for colder temperatures, harsh weather, and potential power outages. One of the most essential items homeowners need to take care of is their home generator. Generators can provide stable and reliable backup power to homes, but even the highest quality generator won't be of any use if it’s not well-maintained.

In this blog post, we’ll be discussing tips that can help homeowners maintain and prepare their home’s generator for the upcoming fall and winter seasons.

How to Prepare Your Home’s Generator for Fall and Winter

Preparing your generator for fall and winter can help ensure your home's backup power source doesn’t let you down when you need it most. Here are five tips that can help homeowners get their home generators ready for fall and winter:

1. Have a Professional Perform Routine Maintenance – One of the best ways to ensure your generator is ready to go for fall and winter is to have a licensed electrician perform routine maintenance on it. A generator that's not well-maintained can be dangerous and prone to failure. Before using the generator, make sure it has been carefully inspected for any damage, rust, or debris. Also, the generator’s spark plugs may need to be replaced.
2. Have the Oil and Filters Changed – To prepare your generator for the upcoming cold weather, its oil may need to be changed. In the instruction manual, you can find the recommended frequency for oil changes based on your backup generator model. Don't wait too long for a regular oil change. You should also consider switching to a low-viscosity option that is better suited for colder temperatures. In addition, keep in mind that standby generators typically have three types of filters: oil, air, and fuel filters. As the end of fall approaches, these filters will likely need to be cleaned or replaced to ensure optimal performance before the temperatures drop significantly. If you have used your generator sparingly and the filters have been changed within the past year, a cleaning should suffice. However, if your generator has been heavily used or it has been more than a year since the last filter replacement, it's probably a good idea to have the filters replaced.
3. Have the Fuel Tank Checked – Keeping your generator’s fuel tank full while it’s stored can help prevent corrosion. However, fuel that sits for a long time can degrade, leading to engine damage. In some cases, this issue can be solved by using a fuel stabilizer. By using a fuel stabilizer, you may be able to extend the usable lifespan of your fuel and safeguard your generator's engine from potential complications.
4. Have the Batteries Checked – Some generators have a battery backup that kickstarts the unit once the power goes out. Not all generators have batteries. If your home generator has batteries, they should be checked before the winter season sets in. If your batteries aren’t checked, during a power outage, you might find yourself in the cold for an extended period with dead batteries. In some cases, your batteries may need to be charged. If your batteries are outdated or showing signs of corrosion, it's advisable to replace them. Neglecting a faulty battery can result in a significant system failure, rendering your generator useless. That’s why it's essential to address any battery issues promptly, so your generator functions properly throughout the fall and winter. You should also test your battery at least once per month year-round.
5. Protect Your Generator – It's crucial to protect your generator from harmful weather conditions. Be sure to store your generator in a dry and safe place because excess moisture can lead to corrosion and rust. A sheltered area, such as a garage or shed, can do the trick. Additionally, it’s important to install a cover to protect your generator from precipitation and debris.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your generator remains in optimal condition and provides reliable backup power when you need it most.

Let Us Help You Maintain Your Home’s Backup Generator and Prepare It for Fall and Winter

To ensure your standby generator performs when you need it most during a power outage, proper maintenance is key. Just like your HVAC system, it's important to have your generator inspected by a professional twice a year. Additionally, after using your generator continuously for 24 hours or more, make sure to have it serviced. By taking good care of your generator, you can extend its lifespan and rely on it for decades of power outages.

Carter Services helps homeowners in Torrance with backup power generator installation and maintenance. Our team of highly skilled and licensed electricians has been delivering top-quality solutions to homes in Southern California since 1974. Count on us to handle the job with expertise and reliability.

Don't wait for a power outage to find out your generator isn't working – let us assist you in maintaining it and preparing it for fall and winter.

Give us a call at (310) 872-1898 or contact us online today to discuss your situation with our experienced home generator installation and maintenance technicians.