10 Tips for Preparing Your Industrial Generator for Winter

Is your business ready for the cold weather months ahead? The plummeting temperatures can adversely impact your power systems, so it is essential to take steps to winterize them in advance. This is especially true of your industrial generator. The cold weather can make batteries drain faster, thicken oil, gel diesel fuel, and cause other complications that can negatively affect generator reliability. Follow these tips from Valley Power Systems this winter to ensure your unit will work effectively when you need it most.

1. Drain the Fuel Tank

Diesel fuel can gel in cold temperatures, which can clog generator filters and fuel lines. If you won’t be using your unit regularly, you should ensure that the tank is emptied and stored in a safe place during the winter months. For your safety, it’s best to allow a generator technician to handle this task for you. Diesel fuel can be flammable, but a professional will know the right precautions to take when emptying the fuel tank.

2. Clean the Carburetor

Sometimes fuel can remain in the carburetor after the tank is drained. Leaving it can lead to sludge buildup, which can have a detrimental effect on your engine. It’s a good idea to have the carburetor cleaned by a professional technician at least once a year to remove any fuel deposits.

3. Use a Battery Warmer

When temperatures drop, a battery warmer can help maintain an optimal temperature for your generator battery. The warmer has an integrated thermostat that will activate the warmer when exterior temperatures fall below a certain level. This ensures that your battery will be able to start up effectively regardless of the season. To find out more about battery warmers and cold weather kits, speak to the professionals at Valley Power Systems.

4. Get an Oil Change

Oil can thicken under frigid temperatures. This can make it circulate through the engine more slowly, which can put a strain on your engine and battery. Oil with high viscosity can cause a host of issues during the winter, including power failure, reduced efficiency, increased fuel consumption, and engine damage. At Valley Power Systems, we always recommend an oil change to prepare for the winter months. Fresh oil will keep your engine’s parts and components nicely lubricated. This will minimize friction between moving parts, which also reduces wear and tear on your system. Our technicians will be able to recommend the right kind of oil to sustain the cold temperatures and keep your generator protected this season.

5. Clean or Change Filters

Winter is a great time to check in on your filters. These can quickly accumulate dust and dirt, especially if you experience any heavy rain, wind, or snow this season. You should inspect the filters frequently—at least once a month or immediately following a major weather event. Clear out any obstructions to keep air flowing properly through your system. When the filters begin to look dirty even after cleaning, it’s time to replace them.

6. Check Hoses and Connections

As hoses are subjected to extreme temperatures, they can begin to wear down and may eventually crack, resulting in leaks. Left unattended, leaks can cause extreme damage to your generator as it’s forced to work harder to perform. The unit will experience a substantial loss of efficiency and increase its fuel consumption. This can ultimately cause a significant reduction in the expected lifespan of your industrial power system. You don’t want to have to purchase a new generator any sooner than you have to, so if you suspect that your unit has a leak, it’s essential to have a professional technician inspect it right away. They can assess your hoses and connections for any issues and get them repaired quickly so that your system is ready to go this winter.

7. Invest in a Generator Cover

If you don’t currently have a weatherproof generator cover, now is a great time to purchase one. An enclosure will protect your unit from the elements. It will also help ward off dust and debris that can stir up in the air during winter storms. This will also help reduce filter clogs to keep your engine clean and promote a longer lifespan.

8. Conduct Generator Cleaning

Generators naturally collect dust and dirt on their exterior during their normal operation. You can keep these at bay by wiping your generator with a clean, soft cloth. Avoid spraying any water or chemicals on the generator, however, as these can cause significant damage to the system. Excess moisture can lead to rust and corrosion of generator parts and components, requiring expensive repairs or even replacement.

It’s also crucial to keep the generator area as clean as possible. You should perform a weekly inspection to clear away any dirt or debris around the generator vents. It’s also recommended to clean the area right after major weather events as these can bring about more debris that can quickly clog your filters and dirty your system.

For comprehensive generator cleaning, be sure to reach out to the professionals at Valley Power Systems. We know how to conduct proper generator cleanings without damaging your system, ensuring your generator is nice and clean for the winter months.

9. Start the Engine

One important step in the winter preparation process is to power up your engine. This will charge the battery and allow you to note any obvious performance problems. You should run the unit for at least 30 minutes once a month during the winter to ensure that it will start up when you need it. If the unit has problems coming on, starts up roughly, or experiences power fluctuations, you should bring in a professional for a full inspection. They will be able to address any repair needs for your system promptly so that you’re readily prepared for the next power outage.

10. Schedule Generator Maintenance

To ensure that your unit is properly winterized this season, it’s a good idea to schedule a tune-up for your generator from Valley Power Systems. Our highly experienced technicians work with gensets of all sizes. We are proud to offer customized maintenance contracts to ensure that your unit receives the right level of care. During maintenance, we focus on addressing basic needs such as oil and filter changes while also looking for hidden problems. By handling minor repairs now, you can prevent needing bigger, more expensive repairs later. The last thing you want to worry about is a generator failure in the middle of a power outage this winter.

Need Help With Generator Winterization?

Get the generator winterization assistance you need with Valley Power Systems. We provide power solutions to businesses across California. Whether your system requires simple maintenance or more intensive work to be ready for the cold weather months, our highly trained and experienced technicians are up for the job.

We also offer a wide range of state-of-the-art power systems if you’re looking for an upgrade this season. Valley Power Systems is proud to partner with some of the top manufacturers in the industry, such as Atlas Copco and Blue Star Power Systems. Contact us today to learn more about our generator products and services.

Follow us on Facebook and Linkedin for more updates.