When temperatures drop and winter storms hit, your standby generator becomes your home's most valuable asset. Following a few winterizing steps will ensure it's ready for the cold months ahead. In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare your standby generator for winter and cold weather.

To make the process even easier, schedule professional generator maintenance with a trusted power expert. They’ll cover everything in this winterizing checklist and more to ensure your generator is ready when you need it most.

Essential Winterization Steps

1. Check the Battery Health and Connections

Cold weather can reduce your generator's battery power. Inspect the battery for signs of corrosion around the terminals and clean them if necessary, making sure to disconnect the battery before starting. Test the voltage with a multimeter to ensure it's holding a full charge. Replace any weak or worn batteries to guarantee reliable startup in freezing conditions. 

2. Inspect and Change the Oil and Oil Filter

Generator oil can thicken in cold temperatures, impacting engine operation. Switch to winter-grade oil with a lower viscosity for efficient cold-weather performance. Replace the oil filter as well to ensure no contaminants interfere with your generator's operation.

3. Add a Cold Weather Kit 

When the weather reaches freezing, a cold weather kit is an excellent investment. These kits typically include a battery warmer and oil heater to keep critical components warm. This helps prevent your generator from freezing and ensures it can start up when you need it most.  

4. Inspect the Fuel System

Fuel quality can degrade over time, especially if your generator has been idle. For propane or natural gas generators, check fuel lines for leaks and secure all connections. If you have a gasoline-powered generator, drain and replace old fuel. You might also consider a fuel stabilizer to prevent cold-weather gelling.

5. Test the Transfer Switch

Your transfer switch is the critical link between your generator and your home electrical system. Conduct a full load test to ensure proper power transfer. Many standby generator issues stem from transfer switch problems, so addressing any issues now can prevent future headaches.

6. Inspect Air Intakes and Exhaust System

Ensure all vents, air intakes, and exhaust pipes are clear of debris, snow, or ice. Restricted airflow can cause overheating, while exhaust blockages may lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Make it a habit to inspect these areas regularly throughout winter.

7. Check for Common Generator Problems

Be vigilant for any odd sounds, smells, or error codes while your generator is running. Regular inspections for leaks, loose wires, or signs of wear and tear will help you catch and resolve problems early.

8. Perform a Test Run

After completing these maintenance steps, conduct a full test run. Operate the generator for about 20-30 minutes, allowing it to reach full operating temperature. If you notice anything unusual, consult a professional technician.

Taking the time to winterize your standby generator ensures reliable power throughout the cold months. By following these steps, you'll prevent common generator problems, maintain optimal performance, and safeguard your home from unexpected outages.

Speak to a Generator Expert

While some maintenance tasks can be done on your own, it's best to schedule professional generator maintenance for a more comprehensive inspection. Remember, a well-maintained generator is a reliable generator, ready to power your home whenever you need it most.

For help with winterizing your generator or for any generator-related services, don't hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Home Power Systems. Call us at (716) 314-1743 to ensure your generator is prepared for whatever winter brings.

Stopping the generator during a utility power outage – Only if required

1. Turn the generator main circuit breaker OFF
2. Allow the generator to run for 1 minute without load to cool down
3. Turn the Auto/Off/Manual switch to the OFF position
4. Check the oil level and add if needed.

If the oil level is low, make sure you are using the manufacturer’s recommended oil specification. We suggest keeping 2 quarts on hand in case you need it.

Re-starting the generator

1. Turn the Auto/Off/Manual switch back to the Auto After a brief delay the generator will start if the utility power is still not present
2. Allow the generator to warm up for 1 minute
3. Turn the generator main breaker back on. Once the utility power is restored the generator will automatically turn itself off.

Call us at 716-314-1743 if you need assistance or experience any issues.  We offer 24/7 Emergency Assistance.

 

An air-cooled Generac generator with a steel or aluminum enclosure can now be installed as close as 18” from your home providing you install it at least 5ft. from a window or door opening, dryer vents, furnace vents, etc. and 3ft. from the exhaust or intake end of the generator (please see links below for the installation drawing from the Generac owner’s manual and for the Formal Interpretation of NFPA 37 section 4.1.4). Do not install with the exhaust end towards a wall with vinyl or wood siding.

Please note: This does not apply to the 7Kw Generac Core Power generator.

• Air Cooled Installation Drawing from Generac
• Formal Interpretation of NFPA 37
• Application for Variance or Appeal

Navigating a Planned Power Outage

Living in Upstate NY has its charms, but occasionally, unexpected challenges arise that can disrupt our daily lives. If you're a National Grid customer in the region, you might already be aware of the upcoming planned power outage scheduled for Saturday, January 6th. In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of the outage and explore how having a backup power solution can help you avoid the inconveniences associated with such events.

National Grid recently discovered a critical infrastructure issue during routine upgrades to the electric system in the area. The urgency of the matter led to the decision to replace two aging structures supporting a transmission line. As a result, approximately 7,300 residential and business customers across Livingston, Ontario, and Monroe counties will experience a power outage from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The outage will affect various communities, including Avon, Caledonia, Lima, Livonia, Bloomfield, West Bloomfield, Henrietta, Honeoye Falls, Mendon, and Rush. Understandably, this has sparked concerns among residents.

The timing of the outage is less than ideal, with cultural and religious celebrations coinciding on January 6th. Residents, especially those observing Epiphany or Orthodox Christmas Eve, find the timing particularly challenging. Many churches have already canceled services, and some businesses, like the Honeoye Falls Marketplace, are adjusting their hours due to the power outage.

For those reliant on well water, the outage poses an additional challenge. With wells set to be offline during the power outage, residents won't just be without electricity but also without water. This has prompted National Grid to advise customers with wells to store potable water for various needs, including bathing, drinking, cooking, and even flushing toilets.

In times like these, having a whole home standby generator can make a significant difference. These generators automatically kick in when the power goes out, ensuring that essential appliances and systems continue to function seamlessly. From keeping your heating systems running in the chilly weather to maintaining access to water through well pumps, a standby generator offers peace of mind during unexpected outages.

While we can't control when power outages occur, we can certainly prepare for them. As the planned outage approaches, consider the impact it may have on your daily life and explore options such as investing in a whole home standby generator. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the inconveniences and ensure that you and your family stay comfortable and safe during unforeseen challenges.

 

With more of us working from home than ever before, why wait to have the peace of mind of a standby generator? With our new financing program now you can not only have the best generator installation possible, but also the best financing options!

 You can finance your generator installation in part or in full,  with no early prepayment penalty. With flexible 0% interest financing terms from 18-60 months, we can help make your standby power project affordable with monthly payments starting from $120-150 per month in many cases. We also offer longer, low interest terms as low as $55-75/mo., and a Free 7-year parts and labor warranty is available.

 

Your standby home generator has always been an essential part of your home, and now more than ever. The security of uninterrupted power will be important as families rely on their homes to protect their loved ones, continue their jobs and try to create some normalcy during a time of increased uncertainty (including suggested home-based quarantines and potentially mandatory ones limiting people to their homes).

Home Power Systems (HPS) is aware of the sensitivity of having technicians at your home for routine or emergency service visits, and has taken the following steps to increase everyone’s safety:

 

Generac PowerPro Premier Dealer Eleven Years Running

 PowerPro is the highest level of distinction available to members of Generac’s independent dealer network and is open only to those that meet the most rigorous set of sales and customer service criteria.  Our customers receive a best-in-class sales and service experience from a National top-tier dealer.  Home Power Systems has been named a performing Premier-level Generac dealer since 2010.

Have You Thought About Replacing or Upgrading Your Standby Generator?

---

As any piece of equipment ages, warranties expire and the need for repairs may become more frequent. While a well-maintained generator can last for many years, some people prefer the added security of owning newer equipment, as well as the peace of mind of a new full parts & labor warranty.

Here are some things to consider:

• Over the past decade advancements in technology have made the generators of today smarter, quieter, more economical to run, more dependable, and better looking.
• While equipment costs may have gone up, installation costs may be significantly less than the original costs if adequate utilities, foundations, & wiring are already in place.

If you are interested in exploring a generator replacement, I wanted to let you know about an exclusive new promotion worth over $1,300 being offered only to Home Power Systems customers!

You will receive the following with every new 10-22kW generator replacement through 3/1/20:

• A FREE Generac 10 Year Parts & Labor Warranty – a $995 value, FREE!
• A $250.00 discount on any replacement generator installation
• Generac $50 rebate - if you refer a friend or neighbor and they install a generator, Generac gives $50 to you both
• HPS $50 referral check – as above, if you refer a friend or family member to us, we will send you $50 in addition to the Generac $50 rebate
• 18 months 0% interest financing in addition to fixed-length terms as low as $90/month

We would be happy to discuss with you the options available and can schedule a free site survey to help you determine if replacing your backup power system is the right decision for you.

If you would like to schedule a site survey or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 716-314-1743.

Selecting your Home Generator

Home stand-by generators have come a long way recently. They seem to have no limit to their capabilities and functionality. Whether it is a select circuit, whole house, or off the grid applications, stand-by generators are more capable and efficient than ever before.  The newest lines of generators produce clean power that is safe for you, your family and your possessions.

When deciding what type of generator is right for you it is important to ask yourself these questions:

1) What are you looking to power up within your home?

Generators have almost no limits these days.  It is very important to know what solutions will have the capabilities you will need. So what kind of back up will you need when the power goes out?  Do you want to provide power to your entire house (Whole House) or just certain parts of your house (Select Circuits)?  Here is some help with that question:

Selected Circuits – This option is an excellent choice for the budget conscious consumer.  Because you are choosing what your generator is actually powering in your house you can spend less money on the generator, and less on fuel.  The only disadvantage is that your house’s power will be limited by the size of the generator and number of circuits you have connected to that generator .

Whole House – This option is designed to provide power to everything in your house including any major electrical draws like an air conditioner.  A whole house generator will run all your appliances, lights, computers, etc.  If you decide to power your whole house there is less flexibility in choosing a generator because your generator will need to be a specific size to provide power to all the necessary circuits in the house.  Your local generator professional can help you make sure you pick the right size generator to power all your circuits when there is a power outage.

2) Do you have any major electrical draws in your home?

Certain items in a home can have a major impact on the amount of power you will need. Major electrical draws include electric appliances, (stove, well pumps, or air conditioning units.) You can use the sizing chart below to get an idea of the capabilities of certain generator models.  Major electrical draws will require a more powerful unit to make sure that your family stays warm or cool, and safe when the power goes out.

3) What is your budget?

When considering your generator solution, cost may be a driving factor in your final selection. Selected circuit solutions are the least expensive as they are pre-wired and make for an easier installation, but there are limitations to what they will power.  Whole house transfer solutions are more expensive, but everything works in the event of an outage.  No disappointments.

Remember, there are two types of generators, Select Circuit and Whole House.  By asking yourself the 3 questions above you should be able to narrow down the options and make an informed and relatively easy decision.