Winter Prep Tips to
Ensure Proper
Generator Operation
We are here for you, 24/7, all winter
long! The National Weather Service has
forecast a deep freeze over the region.
As you provider in Northern
Saskatchewan, we want to make sure you
have key information on staying warm
through it.
Our team is ready to make sure that you
keep safe, warm and comfortable at
home, providing year round system
repairs and more!
Saunders Electric installs, repairs, and
services GENERAC generators which
promise to keep you safe, warm,
and comfortable at home should you
lose power throughout cold SK winters.
We are here to help during emergencies
or when you need repairs.
Aside, we hope that you and your family
stay safe and well throughout major
storms, no matter the time of the year.
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,
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 wreck havoc on digital control panels,
preventing them from even turning on.
Check the Block Heater
Once temperatures dip make 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.
Source:
“5 Winter Prep Tips for
Backup Generators”