Stay Powered Through Winter: Essential Generator Maintenance Tips

As the winter months close in, your backup power could become even more of a necessity than it already is.. A well-maintained generator can mean the difference between staying safe and warm during and being left in the dark.

According to Climate Central, major power outages in the United States have increased by 64% over the past decade, largely due to severe weather and aging infrastructure.

With winter storms growing stronger and more unpredictable each year, it's more important than ever to make sure your generator is ready to perform when the grid goes down.

At Guin Services, we understand that your home's comfort, safety, and peace of mind depend on reliable power. Here's your complete guide to why generator maintenance matters, how to assess your unit's health, and how Guin can help you stay storm-ready this winter.

Why Routine Generator Maintenance is So Important

Winter brings unique challenges for backup power systems. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, heavy winds, and increased home heating demands all conspire to put stress on your generator when you need it most.

Here are the key reasons:

• Cold weather strains components: Generator engines see thicker oil, weaker batteries, and more condensation in fuel systems in freezing temperatures.
• Storms increase outage risk: Heavy snow, ice on power lines, and high winds are more common in winter, making a working generator essential to keep heat, light, and critical systems operating.
• Prevention costs less than repair: A unit that's regularly maintained is less likely to fail and less likely to need costly emergency service in a storm.
• Safety is at stake: When a generator fails, you may lose heating, face the risk of frozen pipes or food spoilage, or be exposed to dangerous conditions.

In short, Winter is no time to "hope" your generator works. It's time to make sure it does.

Quick Guide: Assessing Your Home Generator's Health

Here's a practical checklist you (or a professional) can work through to assess whether your generator is ready for winter's worst. Use this to determine which DIY tasks you can handle and where you might want expert help.

1. Perform a Visual & Operational Inspection

• Clear away snow, ice, debris, and provide proper clearance around the unit.
• Inspect exterior for damage: cracked housing, loose connections, blocked vents.
• Start the generator (or its self-test) and verify it runs. Listen for odd sounds, check the exhaust for blocked vents.

2. Check Fluids, Filters & Fuel

• Oil: Test its level, and consider winter-grade/synthetic oil for better cold-weather flow.
• Coolant/antifreeze (for liquidcooled units): Verify correct concentration.
• Fuel: Check that tanks are full, add fuel stabilizer if needed, and inspect for water or condensation.
• Air filter & spark plugs: Replace or clean if dirty since cold air and winter debris can clog the intake.

3. Verify Battery & Electrical Connections

• Battery: Cold reduces capacity. Test voltage, check for corrosion, and provide a warm environment if possible.
• Cables and connections: Tighten loose terminals, replace any cracked or frayed wiring.
• Automatic transfer switch (ATS) or equivalent: Test it switches power seamlessly in case of an outage.

4. Test Under Load & Monitor Safety Systems

• Load test: Simulate an outage by running the generator with actual appliances. Confirm it can handle the expected power needs.
• Check exhaust and ventilation: Ensure no snow or ice is blocking intake or exhaust vents (to avoid carbon monoxide buildup).
• Safety devices: Check that CO detectors are functioning, and automatic shutdown mechanisms (low oil, overheating) work.

5. Create a Maintenance & Monitoring Schedule

• Monthly or bi-weekly visual inspections and test runs during winter.
• Annual professional maintenance (ideally before deep winter) to catch hidden issues and ensure reliability.

How Guin Services Can Help: Repair, Maintenance & Peace of Mind

At Guin Services, we specialize in keeping your generator reliable and storm-ready so you don't have to fret when the forecast turns cold. Our services include:

• Comprehensive maintenance plans: From oil changes and fluid checks to battery testing and full load tests.
• Expert repairs: If your generator exhibits signs of wear—such as worn belts, hoses, or faulty filters or electrical components—we handle remediation quickly and safely.
• Pre-season winter preparation: We'll tune up your system in the fall, ensure proper fuel, correct oil, check ATS and venting, and give you a clear report on your unit's readiness.
• Emergency support: If a storm hits and your backup power fails, you can call us to get things back online as safely and swiftly as possible.

When storms threaten, you don't want to be scrambling. Our goal is that you're already prepared.

Quick Guide: Assessing Your Home Generator's Health

What happens if I don't maintain my generator?

Skipping maintenance can lead to engine failure, fuel contamination, or battery corrosion, making your generator unreliable during power outages. Preventive services test that your system runs safely and efficiently when it's needed most.

What's included in Guin's generator maintenance plan?

Our maintenance plans include:

• Full system inspection
• Oil, filter, and spark plug replacement
• Battery testing
• Fuel system cleaning
• Load and function testing
• Detailed service report

It's the easiest way to keep your generator storm-ready year-round.

What size generator do I need for my home?

It depends on your home's power needs. A standby generator between 7kW and 20kW can typically power essential circuits, while larger homes may require more capacity. Guin Services can perform a load analysis to recommend the ideal size for your property.

Can cold weather damage my generator?

Yes. Cold weather can cause oil thickening, battery drainage, and fuel system freezing. Using winter-grade oil, keeping the generator clean, and running it regularly helps prevent damage.

How do I know if my generator is ready for winter?

A winter-ready generator should:

• Start immediately during a cold test
• Maintain steady power under load
• Have clean oil and filters
• Pass a battery voltage test

 If you're unsure, Guin Services can perform a full winterization check to confirm readiness.

Guarantee Your Generator is Ready for the Next Power Outage

Winter storms don't wait for convenient times. When they arrive, your power backup must be ready, not uncertain. By taking action now—inspecting your unit, following a maintenance checklist, and relying on professional services—you significantly reduce the risk of being left in the cold or dark.

Remember why maintenance matters:

• Cold weather tasks generators harder, outages are risky, and prevention is cheaper than repair.
• Use our assessment guide to check your generator's health.
• Let Guin Services handle the heavy lifting: maintenance, repair, and full readiness.
• Take advantage of our holiday special and to make sure your home is protected.

Keep the lights on this winter. Your family's comfort, safety, and peace of mind depend on it. Make sure your generator is ready to perform when you need it most with Guin Services. Contact us today to get started!