Read the manual thoroughly and understand all instructions, cautions, and warnings before using this equipment. If any section of the manual is not understood, contact your nearest authorized dealer, contact Generac Customer Support at 1-888-436-3722 (1-888-GENERAC), or visit 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 important to take proactive steps to ensure safe and reliable operation. This article provides guidance for managing your home standby generator during snowy conditions.
Environment
This article applies to:
- Generac Next Generation Series 10–28 kW air-cooled standby generators
- Generac Guardian Series 10–26 kW air-cooled generators (2017 to present)
Contents
Before the snowstorm
Clear surroundings: Clear snow and ice from and around the generator enclosure. Maintain at least a three-foot clearance around the unit to ensure 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 installation manual’s spacing recommendations and all applicable 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.
If you will be away: 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 placed 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
During snow accumulation
Airflow maintenance: Regularly check and clear the intake and exhaust areas of the generator to prevent ice buildup. Ice can restrict airflow and cause operational issues.
Air filter management: In conditions where blowing snow can fill the airbox with ice and snow, keep the air filter area clean. Although not a defect, such conditions can affect performance. Remove the air filter, clean out the airbox, and allow the filter to dry indoors. Consider installing a breather heater and an 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 Ziploc 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 removing ice from the generator’s intakes and exhaust. Ensure the air filter is not frozen and keep it clean and dry.
Generator issues and error codes during snowstorms or extreme cold
During snowstorms or extreme cold, equipment performance can be affected by weather-related issues. Key areas of concern include:
Airflow restrictions
Snow buildup around the air intake or frozen moisture in the air filter can block airflow, causing starting or running issues and may trigger the following:
Battery performance
Extreme cold reduces battery efficiency, which can lead to starting problems and may trigger the following:
Gas supply concerns
For liquid propane (LP) systems, levels below 35% in extreme cold can disrupt proper fuel delivery and may trigger the following:
Are there specific generator settings that help in extreme cold?
- Yes. Home standby generators 10–28 kW have a Cold Smart Start setting that allows for a longer warm-up time before load is applied.
- What is Cold Smart Start?
Does Generac offer accessories that help in extreme cold?
What should I know about batteries and the cold?
- An older battery may not have the power to start the engine when temperatures fall below freezing.
- As temperature drops, the chemical reactions within a battery slow down, reducing the current it can deliver.
- A battery near the end of its life or one that has seen above-average use might not have enough energy to start the engine in cold weather.
- A fully charged battery will typically display a voltmeter reading of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If your voltmeter shows anywhere between 12.4 and 12.8 volts, 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 32 °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 |
|---|
