During winter, storms can bring high winds, heavy rain and snow, and freezing temperatures, causing prolonged power outages. In areas like Tacoma, WA, winter storm readiness and reliable backup power are critical to homeowner comfort and safety.
A standby or whole-home generator is an important part of your home’s winter emergency preparedness plan. We’re going to discuss standby generator essentials for winter storm preparedness and provide tips on operation and how to keep your generator protected from winter weather.
Why Winter Storms Can Cause Power Outages
During winter, homes are at a higher risk of power outages due to winter storms and severe weather. Winter storms can bring heavy snow and ice that accumulates on power lines and impacts the power grid. Strong winds can also damage electrical infrastructure, such as power lines or utility poles. Additionally, fallen trees or branches can cause power outages by downing power lines or striking grid equipment.
Winter storms frequently cause extended power outages throughout the country. Losing electricity during winter impacts heating, lighting, communication, and essential appliances. A standby generator offers protection for families during extended power outages.
Why Have a Generator for a Winter Storm?
A home generator is a smart investment for homeowners impacted by winter storms. It offers a wide range of benefits that support comfort and safety at home. A whole-home generator provides backup electricity when utility power fails.
A generator also keeps essential home systems operating, such as lifesaving medical equipment, security systems, and lighting. For those with health issues requiring refrigerated medication or equipment, a backup generator offers peace of mind.
A whole-home generator can support heating equipment, depending on the home’s system and generator capacity. Keeping your heating system running not only provides comfort to household members but also helps protect pipes from freezing.
It also keeps refrigerators and freezers operating to prevent food spoilage and waste. With a whole-home generator, you will have safe food to eat during extended outages. Additionally, a generator provides power for lighting and communication devices so you can stay connected.
Prepare Your Generator Before Winter Arrives
Wondering how to make sure your generator is ready for winter? Follow these steps:
- Schedule routine maintenance: It’s recommended to have your generator inspected and serviced before winter to ensure it is ready to operate if needed. A generator technician will assess the system for any damage or repair needs, verify engine oil and coolant levels, test the battery voltage, and more.
- Check fuel supply: It’s important to make sure you have a healthy supply of fuel in the event of an extended winter storm outage. Make sure that your fuel supply is ready for winter, whether your generator is connected to natural gas or runs on a liquid propane tank.
- Test the system: You should also have a generator technician conduct load bank testing to check that it performs optimally under load.
How to Safely Operate Your Generator During a Storm
It's crucial to understand how to operate a generator during a winter storm safely. Here are a few generator safety tips to follow during winter:
- Always operate portable generators outdoors: Portable generators must only be operated outside to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup. Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, basement, or enclosed structure.
- Keep generators away from doors and windows: Be sure that your portable or standby generator is placed in a spot away from doors and windows to avoid toxic exhaust fumes from coming inside the home.
- Never use a gas-powered generator to heat the home: Running a gas-powered generator inside to heat your home can cause dangerous and potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas-powered generators produce high levels of CO which can kill a person within minutes.
- Keep generators dry and protected from precipitation according to manufacturer instructions: Follow manufacturer instructions on protecting your generator from rain, snow, and ice. For portable units, this can mean building a canopy or generator tent.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms: Be sure to have operational carbon monoxide alarms inside your home to detect the odorless gas.
- Allow equipment to cool before refueling when applicable: If using a portable generator, don’t try to refuel while the system is still hot.
- Follow the manufacturer's operating and safety instructions: Review your generator’s safety instructions for further information on operating during winter.
Protect Your Generator from Winter Weather
Protecting your generator from winter weather helps keep it operating safely and efficiently during extended outages. Here’s how to protect your generator:
- Keep the area around the generator clear of snow, ice, leaves, and debris
- Maintain adequate airflow and required clearance
- Never block generator exhaust
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for weather protection
- Inspect the unit after significant snow or ice events
Ventilation and exhaust clearance are critical to the proper operation of your generator because they prevent overheating and the buildup of CO gas. Prioritizing keeping your generator’s area clear of snow and ice promotes a steady power output.
Contact Us Today
In Tacoma, WA, winter storms can cause significant outages that last for days. This guide to generator essentials for winter provided insight into protecting your unit and operating it safely. Use these tips to stay comfortable and safe during severe winter weather.
If you're interested in generator services or installation, give us a call at (360) 499-2980 or book an appointment online. Our generator experts offer fast, friendly service.
