Michigan winters don’t play around. Between heavy snow, icy winds, and unpredictable power outages, losing electricity can mean more than just inconvenience—it can threaten your comfort and safety. The good news? A standby generator can keep your home warm, your lights on, and your family protected when the grid goes down.
Whether you already have a generator or are thinking about getting one, proper care and safe use are key. Here’s how to make sure your system runs reliably all winter long.
1. Inspect and Clean Your Generator
Before the cold sets in, give your generator a thorough once-over. Look for dirt, rust, or loose parts, and follow your manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Keep it outside and away from buildings. Never run a generator indoors or in a garage, even with the door open—it’s a serious carbon monoxide risk.
- Wipe away dust and grime. Keeping the exterior clean helps prevent corrosion.
- Lubricate moving parts. Lightly grease internal components to reduce wear.
- Protect the surface. A quick coat of car wax can shield it from snow and ice buildup.
- Store it right. When not in use, keep your generator covered and dry to prevent rust and engine damage.
Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your generator but also ensures it’s ready when you need it most.
2. Install and Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors
A running generator produces carbon monoxide—an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly in enclosed spaces. That’s why every home with a generator needs working carbon monoxide detectors, ideally near bedrooms and living areas.
If you don’t already have one, choose a battery-powered or combination smoke and CO detector, and test it monthly. Change the batteries at least once a year, or sooner if the manufacturer recommends. It’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your family during an outage.
3. Give Your Generator Space to Breathe
Generators need plenty of ventilation to run safely. Keep yours outside, on level ground, and at least 15 feet away from your home, windows, and doors. Avoid placing it under an overhang or near air intakes where exhaust could be pulled inside.
Carbon monoxide builds quickly and can linger even after the generator shuts off. A little extra distance now can prevent a dangerous situation later.
4. Use the Right Fuel—and Handle It Safely
Every generator has specific fuel requirements, so always double-check your manual. Most models use gasoline, propane, or natural gas. If yours runs on gasoline:
- Let the unit cool completely before refueling.
- Never use gasoline with more than 10% ethanol, which can damage the engine.
- Store fuel in an approved container, away from heat sources or open flames.
- Add a fuel stabilizer if you plan to keep it for more than a month.
Using the correct, fresh fuel keeps your generator efficient and prevents gummed-up components or hard starts in freezing weather.
5. Keep It Covered and Protected
Snow, sleet, and moisture are tough on electrical equipment. When your generator isn’t in use, cover it with a weatherproof tarp or tent designed for outdoor power systems. This helps keep out water, dirt, and debris that can cause corrosion or short circuits.
Be sure to uncover it completely before running—it still needs airflow for safe operation. Think of it like parking your car under a shelter: protection when idle, open air when active.
6. Check Your Cords and Connections
Extension cords take a beating in winter, especially if they’re exposed to cold and moisture. Before using your generator, inspect all plugs and cords for cracks, frays, or exposed wires. Replace damaged ones right away.
Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords that match your generator’s wattage capacity, and never plug one generator into another or directly into a wall outlet. If your system powers your home through a transfer switch, make sure it’s professionally installed and tested before winter.
These small steps reduce fire risk and protect your generator’s electrical system from overloads.
7. Maintain or Replace the Battery
Some standby generators use batteries for startup power, and cold weather can drain them fast. A generator battery can lose up to 60% of its charge at 0°F, so it’s important to keep it charged and warm when not in use.
Before the first freeze, check your battery’s condition and charge level. If it’s old or struggling to hold power, replace it before winter hits. When storing a generator long-term, disconnect the battery and keep it indoors to protect it from the cold.
Stay Safe, Warm, and Ready with AAA Service Network
A well-maintained generator is more than backup—it’s peace of mind for Michigan winters. The key is preparation. From routine tune-ups to safe installations and repairs, the electricians at AAA Service Network are here to help your generator run safely and efficiently all season long.
If you’re ready to add a standby generator or want to make sure your current one is ready for winter, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
Stay ahead of the next storm—schedule your generator inspection or installation with AAA Service Network today and keep your home powered through whatever Michigan weather brings.