Do I Need a Cold Weather Kit?
Cold weather kits are essential for protecting generators during winter months, especially in the Northeast. By keeping the engine, battery, fuel system, and components at an optimal temperature, a cold weather kit reduces wear and tear on the generator, prolonging its life and ensuring it operates reliably when you need it most.
How Does the Cold Affect Generator Performance?
If you’ve ever tried to start your car on a really cold morning, you already know that batteries don’t like cold temperatures. In addition to making your generator harder to start, extreme cold can affect the viscosity of lubricants, cause fuel to gel and make your generator run less efficiently.
What’s in a Cold Weather Kit?
Most cold weather kits have two essential components: a battery warmer and a crankcase heater.
The battery warmer goes underneath the battery and will automatically turn on when temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
The crankcase heater keeps the oil in your generator from turning to sludge, ensuring that the engine remains lubricated. When using a crankcase heater, 5W-30 Synthetic Oil is recommended.
Keeping the Power On this Winter
Winter power outages can be dangerous. Not only can winter storms leave your home cold and dark, they can also disrupt your daily routine and potentially cause damage to your home and possessions.
To make sure your generator is operating properly, we recommend turning it on once a week for 10-20 minutes in the winter. When you “exercise” your generator in this fashion, oil travels through the engine and ensures everything is well lubricated. Plus, it’s a great way to catch any issues before they become a serious problem.
After a heavy snowfall, be sure to make sure the generator is clear on all 4 sides approximately 3 feet to ensure proper airflow and ventilation. Don’t forget the rear panel as well since there is an air intake in the back!
The experts at DS Home Services are here for all your generator needs, so you can keep your home warm, your appliances running, and your family safe this winter.
