Read the manual thoroughly and understand all of the instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, or contact Generac Customer Service at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or www.generac.com with any questions or concerns.
Home standby generators and snowstorm preparedness
When expecting a snowstorm or dealing with snow accumulation around your home standby generator, it is crucial to take proactive steps to ensure its operational integrity and safety. This article is a guide to managing your home standby generators during snowy conditions.
Environment
This article applies to all Guardian air-cooled Home Standby Generators 10 kW – 26 kW.
Contents
Clear Surroundings: Clear snow and ice from and around the generator enclosure. Maintain at least a three-foot clearance around the unit to guarantee proper airflow during operation.
Elevation: In areas prone to high precipitation or if required by local codes, consider installing the generator on a raised platform. Ensure the base is level and adheres to the spatial recommendations in the installation manual, as well as compliance with local and national codes.
Wind Protection: If blowing or drifting snow is a concern due to prevailing winds, consider installing a windbreak at a safe distance to shield the unit.
Preparation for Absence: If you expect to be away during potential snowstorms arrange for a trusted neighbor or family member to monitor the generator. Alternatively, you can turn the unit off and remove the 7.5 Amp fuse in the generator's control panel to prevent operation. For extended off periods (more than 90 days), follow the "remove from service' procedures detailed in the owner's manual.
Enclosures: Generac’s generators are not designed or intended to be enclosed in a secondary enclosure. Generac’s home standby generators include an all-weather housing with venting designed and tested to provide proper airflow and exhaust for the engine in open air.
See also
Airflow Maintenance: Regularly check and clear the intake and exhaust areas of the generator to prevent ice build. Ice can restrict airflow and cause operational failures.
Air Filter Management: In conditions where blowing snow can fill the airbox with ice and snow, it's crucial to keep the air filter area clean. Although not a defect, such conditions can affect generator performance. Remove the air filter, clean out the airbox, and allow the filter to dry indoors. Consider installing a breather heater kit and oil filter heater in colder areas to mitigate these issues.
Spare Supplies: Keep additional supplies on hand, such as 2-3 air filters (store extras in a Ziplock bag), oil and oil filters, especially for extended run times. Check the oil every 24 hours for home Standby Generators.
Ice Removal: In case of ice storms many operational issues can be resolved by simply removing ice from the generator's intakes and exhaust. Ensure the air filter is not frozen and maintain it clean and dry.
During snowstorms or extreme cold, equipment performance can be impacted by specific weather-related issues. Key areas of concern include:
Airflow restrictions
Snow buildup around air intake or frozen moisture in the air filter can block airflow, causing starting or running issues and could trigger the following:
Battery performance
Extreme cold reduces battery efficiency, leading to potential starting problems, and could trigger the following:
Gas supply concerns
For Liquid Propane (LP) gas, levels below 35% in extreme cold can disrupt proper fuel delivery and could trigger the following:
- Yes, home standby generators 10 - 26 kW have a Cold Smart Start setting. This setting allows for a longer warm-up time for the engine before a load is applied.
- What is Cold Smart Start?
- Yes, Generac does offer Cold Weather and Extreme Cold Weather Kits. This may include a battery warmer, an oil warmer, and/or a breather warmer.
- For more information on Generac Cold Weather Kits, contact your local Generac Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD).
- How Can I Find a Generac Service Dealer in My Area?
- An older battery may not have the power to start the engine when temperatures fall below freezing.
- As the temperature drops, the chemical reactions within the battery that produce electric current take place at a lower rate than during warmer temperatures. The colder it gets, the slower the reactions.
- A battery near the end of its life or one that has seen above average use might not have all the energy it needs to start the engine during cold weather.
- A fully charged battery will typically display a voltmeter reading of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If your voltmeter is showing a voltage anywhere between 12.4 and 12.8, that means your battery is in good shape. See How can I test if my home standby battery is still good (multimeter test)?
- For areas where temperatures regularly fall below 32⁰ F a battery warmer is recommended.
- If using an AGM-style battery, a battery warmer is not required.
| State of Charge | Voltage |
|---|
| 100 % | 12.7-13.2 |
|---|
| 75% | 12.4 |
|---|
| 50% | 12.2 |
|---|
| 25% | 12.0 |
|---|
| Discharged | 0-11.9 |
|---|
