Click. There go the lights. Then comes the panic. It’s easy to lose focus when the blackout hits—that’s why it’s so important to prepare before severe weather arrives. A solid game plan can keep your home safe and secure in any conditions. And for many, that game plan includes a home standby backup generator.
Power outages from hurricanes, winter snowstorms and more impact millions a year—and while we can’t control the weather, we can stay ready. Generac has been helping millions of customers do exactly that for over 65 years. Here’s what we’ve learned:
Start by making sure your home standby generator is up to the job ahead. Take the process step by step:
Familiarize yourself with your entire backup system: the generator, transfer switch, energy management tools and applications. Use your owner’s manual and our general FAQ as guides.
Don’t forget to make sure you have the generator locking keys on hand—you might need them soon.
Check for lights. Red LEDs are critical alarms, and yellow LEDs are maintenance notifications. You can view these statuses remotely with Mobile Link. To ensure your system is ready for operation, addressing these alarms/warnings prior to the event is crucial. And remember: if you don’t know what to do, check your owner’s manual, our FAQ or reach out to a Generac Independent Authorize Service Dealer.
Your generator needs some space for proper airflow. Plus, you need easy access for any maintenance or service that may be required. Clear away any obstructions (like trees, shrubs, bushes or snow) until your generator has at least three feet of clearance.
Take a minute to make sure the inside is free of debris as well. That means leaves, sticks, dirt—anything that might get in the way of normal functions.
Check your battery for proper charge and clean off any corrosion on the terminals. A typical battery will last 3–5 years.
Then, take a look at the air filter. If it’s dirty or damaged, replace it.
Inspect all lines and connections for fuel or oil leaks. If something’s wrong, use our resources (like the owner’s manual or our FAQ) to fix it.
Your next step is to check the spark plugs. If the gap is out of tolerance (too close or far apart), re-gap or replaece.
Bonus: If you're able, it can't hurt to empty out the sediment trap.
If your generator is running continuously, keep a close eye on the oil level with extended duration, multi-day runs. Check your unit’s oil level every 24 hours to make sure it doesn’t get too low. Running a unit dry, similar to an automobile, can damage the engine. If you know roads might get rough—say, if a hurricane or winter blizzard is on its way—consider buying extra oil ahead of time. Then, you can stay safe at home when the weather takes a turn.
If your unit is new and a long duration outage is a potential—as in installed less than 25 hours before an outage—purchase an oil kit (both oil and filter). The oil shipped with new units is only rated for the 25-hour break-in cycle.
If your system is powered by Liquid Propane (LP), make sure the tank supplying your home backup generator has plenty of capacity. To make the job easier, you can purchase an add-on cellular tank monitor that’ll allow you to check LP levels from your phone via Mobile Link or computer proactively. It can also send data directly to your LP gas supplier and notify them to deliver refills. That means you’ll never get caught off guard by a low tank again.
If your generator needs a little TLC, it’s best to get it all sorted out before the storm hits. You might have an existing service contract with an Independent Authorized Service Dealer (IASD). If that’s the case, you can contact them directly to make a plan.