How to Keep Portable Generators Running Properly in Winter

When winter hits, you want to avoid getting caught in the cold with no power for your business operations or industrial applications. For those that rely on portable generators for backup power – you can help your generator run all winter long with proper generator preparation and maintenance. Use these tips and strategies to maximize your commercial or industrial operation’s generator efficiency during the winter.

Preparing Your Generator for Winter

As the colder months approach, you need to start preparing your commercial generator for winter. Industrial and commercial applications and facilities depend on generators for an uninterrupted power supply — without proper preparation, your equipment could fail when you need it the most. Harsh winter conditions, especially the cold, can make it difficult for your generator to run or operate efficiently. Too much winter stress can lead to inconvenient downtime. Understanding how to get your generator winter-ready is essential for protecting your operation.

Components to Check

You’ll need to check your generator components before winter hits to help protect it from the cold. Pay special attention to these parts to ensure you’re ready for winter:

• Batteries: Cold temperatures can quickly compromise your battery’s efficiency and can even lead to battery failure. Make sure your battery has adequate charge levels and corrosion-free terminals to prevent problems. You can also invest in thermostatic warming blankets to ensure the battery stays warm as the temperatures drop.
• Air filters: Air filters are critical for optimal engine performance. Keep air filters clear of debris to avoid clogs. Any winter-related clogs can increase fuel consumption and reduce efficiency, impacting your operation.

How to Safely Operate a Portable Generator in Winter

Generators work differently in cold weather compared to warmer weather. To help your generator run efficiently year-round, you’ll need to use different strategies to ensure optimal generator performance in winter.

How Cold Weather Affects Generator Operation

Colder temperatures can lead to reduced fuel efficiency and starting difficulties. They can also affect the viscosity of lubricants and battery warmth. Extreme cold can make your fuel gel. Regularly treating fuel with anti-gel additives can help prevent this issue. Without winter-grade oil and proper battery insulation techniques, you might experience generator problems.

Remember that additives are designed to work with a specific amount of fuel. Adding too much additive to the fuel can damage fuel injection system components, like the injectors or the injection pump. Following the additive directions helps ensure you add the right amount of additives to your fuel.

Safety Tips for Operating Generators in Winter

You need to use effective safety techniques to keep your generator running through the winter. With the right methods, you can protect your generator from damage and your operation from power loss. Use these tips to help your generator this winter:

• Keep well-ventilated: While portable generators are often stored indoors when not in use, portable generators must be in well-ventilated areas when operating to prevent safety issues. Avoid enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Portable generators like standby generators that are installed outside of the facility need to be operated outside, away from windows and high-traffic areas. If your commercial generator isn’t wired into your facility’s electrical system, make sure you have an adequate length of cables overall to ensure that the portable generator can connect to the facility’s electrical circuit, while maintaining adequate distance.
• Inspect regularly: Perform regular equipment inspections to help you spot hazards early. Inspections let you stop issues in their tracks, correcting them before they become dangerous or render the generator inoperable. Inspection could include checking fuel and fluid levels, battery, and looking for any other items that might require attention.
• Clear debris: Clear snow, ice and debris from your generator vents and exhaust systems. Keeping everything clear will help prevent overheating and blockages. You can also use a shelter to protect your generator from snow and debris when not in use. To set up a portable generator shelter, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the generator isn’t completely enclosed.
• Keep everything dry: Make sure your generator and any cords are kept away from snow, puddles and moist areas. Always ensure the generator is off when plugging anything in, and consider elevating the generator to help it stay dry. Avoid running your generator in the snow — the moisture can lead to safety and performance issues.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors: Use carbon monoxide detectors to help keep your team safe. They’re essential when you have a generator since carbon monoxide from the exhaust can quickly cause health problems.

Maintaining Cold Weather Portable Generator Performance

If you want your generator to perform well during winter, you’ll need to do more than check on it before the cold hits. Keeping your generator running through winter means investing in preventive measures and regular checks. Here are some strategies to help you keep your generator working smoothly this winter:

• Engine block heater: Use an engine block heater to maintain your generator’s optimal operating temperature. This prevents the engine from getting too cold, ensuring smooth starts and efficient performance despite the cold.
• Winter-grade fuel: Invest in winter-grade fuel to keep your fuel lines and filters from freezing. This specialized fuel is designed to withstand colder temperatures, enhancing your generator’s cold-weather performance.
• Battery maintenance: Regularly check the battery for charge levels and terminal corrosion. With a well-maintained battery, you’ll increase your chances of a reliable start and avoid battery problems.
• Air filter inspections: Check out your air filters and swap them as needed to keep everything running efficiently. Clogged air filters will increase generator fuel consumption and reduce efficiency. With clear air filters, you’ll improve the generator’s function.
• Fuel system monitoring: Go over your fuel system regularly to check for blockages and other fuel efficiency issues. Catching and addressing these problems early will help ensure your generator has a consistent fuel supply. You’ll also want to ensure you have an adequate backup supply of fuel.
• Oil changes: Regularly change out oil with winter-grade oil to keep everything lubricated when the temperature drops. Winter-grade lubrication will help with generator efficiency and performance.
• Radiator Fluid: There are winter-grade radiator fluids that can also be used to help prevent freezing of radiator fluids and keep the generator running at optimal temperatures.
• Equipment inspections: Along with your main generator components, perform regular inspections on other parts to catch problems. Thoroughly check equipment, looking for wear, damage and loose connections. Spotting these issues early helps your generator reach optimal performance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator for Cold Weather

If you’re looking for a portable generator that can stand up to the cold, you’ll need to consider several factors. Identifying what you need beforehand will help you narrow down your options, ensuring you get the best model for the job. Consider these factors to help you pick the right cold-weather generator for your operation:

1. Cold start technology: Generators with advanced cold start features allow your generator to withstand the cold better. These technologies help your generator start quickly and efficiently in low temperatures, minimizing winter downtime.
2. Power output and capacity: Assess your generator’s power output to ensure you can meet your needs with it. Make sure the generator can handle the combined load of all your essential equipment.
3. Fuel type: Always take fuel type into account. The most common fuel type used with portable generators is diesel fuel, but there are portable natural gas generators available in the market that may be used due to situation needs. Some fuel types perform better in winter than others. Talk to your generator professional for the best advice on winter generator fuels.
4. Weatherproofing: Having a durable weatherproof generator enclosure is a must. You want a generator that resists winter corrosion and harsh winds or weather. Invest in moisture protection and sturdy enclosures to keep it in top form all winter.

Stay Powered up All Winter With Woodstock Power

If you’re looking for a reliable winter power solution, check out commercial portable generators from Woodstock Power. We’ve got used and new options to suit all your power needs. At Woodstock Power, we prioritize quality, ensuring you get reliable power solutions for your commercial or industrial operation. Trust us to provide a generator that delivers uninterrupted power when you need it most.

Invest in a reliable power supply with generators from Woodstock Power. If you have any questions about generators, contact us online today!