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. 

Frozen air filter

The enclosure of our home standby generators is designed to allow adequate air flow while also preventing external moisture and other environmental hazards from entering the intake and causing operational issues during extreme whether events. However, a strong blizzard with high winds and blowing snow may cause snow and ice buildup, which can introduce excessive moisture in the generator's air intake. In rare cases, this can cause the air filter to freeze and prevent the generator from functioning.

The best way to stop this from happening is to be prepared for a snowstorm: What should I do to prepare my home standby generator if I know a snowstorm is coming?

Customers who live in climates where blizzards regularly occur may also consider installing a breather heater kit in colder areas to mitigate these issues: What are the cold weather accessories for my home standby generator?

Additionally, it is best practice to keep an extra 2-3 air filters on hand and store them in a Ziplock bag.

Environment

This article applies to air cooled home standby generators.

 

Diagnosing a frozen air filter

A generator's air filter may be frozen if...

• The generator suddenly stops running during a snowstorm
• The generator's intake or exhaust areas are blocked with snow and ice.
  

If it has been determined that the generator's air filter is frozen, proceed with the steps below to resolve. 

 

Shutting the generator down

Click here if the generator is running during a power outage

 

Important: After setting the generator MLCB to OFF (OPEN), allow the generator to continue running without loads for a minimum of 5 minutes, then allow the generator to cool for an additional 5 minutes. Immediate shutdown after running under load can cause damage to engine components.

It is very important to remove the load (devices and equipment pulling power from the generator) prior to shutting it down. This is accomplished in step 2 below.

1. Set the main utility disconnect to OFF (OPEN).

2. Set the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to OFF (OPEN).

3. Allow the generator to run without load for a minimum of 5 minutes.

4. At the controller, set the generator to OFF. Then allow the generator to cool down for additional 5 minutes.

5. Remove the 7.5A fuse from the controller.

 

Click here if the generator is not running

 

1. Set the generator MLCB (generator disconnect) to OFF (OPEN).

2. At the controller, set the generator to OFF.

3. Remove the 7.5A fuse from the controller.

Accessing and removing the air filter

1. At the generator, lift the lid. Then, remove the front panel.

2. Remove cover clips (A) and air filter cover (B).

Air filter location (10 kW)


Air filter location (14-26 kW)


3. Remove the air filter element (C).

4. Using a dry towel, thoroughly wipe the air filter enclosure of any ice, snow, or excess moisture that may be present.

5. Replace the air filter cover, clips, and the front panel. Close the lid.

Defrosting and drying the air filter

1. Take the air filter indoors to a warm, dry place with adequate ventilation. 

2. Place it on a towel and allow it to thoroughly dry for at least 8 hours. The time required to dry the filter may vary depending on the humidity of your environment and how frozen the filter is.

3. Do not replace the air filter until it is completely dry.

 

Replacing the air filter

1. At the generator, lift the lid. Then, remove the front panel.

2. Set the generator MLCB to OFF and turn the generator to OFF.

3. Remove the cover clips and air filter cover.

4. Replace the dry air filter.

5. Replace the air filter cover and cover clips.

(13–22 kW units only): Verify air inlet duct (D) is correctly connected to the air cleaner cover.

6. Replace the generator side panel.

7. Install the 7.5-amp fuse.

8. If desired, set the generator to AUTO mode. If no utility power is present, the generator will start.

9. Set the generator MLCB to ON.

 

If you need additional support in resolving an issue with your home standby generator, contact a Generac authorized service dealer.