Floridians are no strangers to severe storms and power outgages. Thankfully, with a backup generator installation, you can ride out any bad weather using the comfort of your electricity.
While providing a great source of backup power, the generator doesn’t do everything on its own, requiring certain steps to prepare for the next storm. The expert electricians from our team have broken down the steps you as a generator owner should take to prepare for future severe storms.
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How Do I Protect My Generator During a Storm?
Proper storm preparation for your standby generator consists of eight steps to follow. Go through these steps and your generator will be ready to combat whatever Mother Nature throws your way:
1. Prepare Ahead of Time
Being proactive saves you from those panic-inducing moments when the storm hits. The first thing is to make a priority list of electrical items that you want powered by your generator, along with making sure your generator can provide power to them all.
Other helpful tips would be having a transfer switch installed as it can switch between your backup power and utility power in a few seconds. Also, keep others in the loop if you live with one or more people. Give a walkthrough on how the generator works if you can and make sure the unit can be easily accessed when needed during a severe storm.
2. Stay Up to Date on System Maintenance
The best form of maintenance is the preventative kind which keeps your system running at its best before a storm. Take time to check the various components — like the sparkplugs and transfer switch relays — and make any needed replacements or tests for functionality. Make sure you are regularly checking and changing out filters and oil along with doing routine cleaning for both the exterior and interior of the unit.
When life gets busy and generator maintenance falls to the wayside, rely on our team of professional electricians in Boca Raton. The comprehensive generator maintenance options provided by our staff will address any issues before the next storm comes your way.
Read More: How to Prepare Your Backup Generator for a Hurricane
3. Change Your Battery Every Three Years
Being stuck with a dead battery and generator that cannot start in the middle of a storm is a scary thought. Avoid that terrible scenario by replacing your generator’s battery every three years as the typical lifespan ends after that time.
4. Take Advantage of Online Remote Monitoring
Many modern standby generators come with smart enhancements, one of which allows homeowners to monitor the status of the system right in the palm of their hand. These can give status updates regarding unit performance or even alert you regarding maintenance checks.
5. Ensure Gas Lines Are Clear of Debris and Obstructions
For many Florida residents, a generator is fueled by above-ground propane tanks along with gas lines. Due to being above ground, your gas lines can sometimes be obstructed by debris like tree branches which can disrupt the gas flow to the generator. Work with a professional to clear out any of the disruptive debris before and after a severe storm to ensure your generator has proper access to its fuel.
6. Schedule Installation Quickly
As skilled as electricians can be, getting and installing a brand-new generator right before a severe storm strikes is likely not possible. The best time to install a generator is before the severe weather season. This allows enough time for installation and helps you to get used to the tech. This way, you’ll be fully prepared when a storm hits.
7. Stock Up on Fuel
It’s always best to have a fresh batch of backup fuel for your generator—especially when you need the backup power for an extended period of time. We recommend fresh fuel; old fuel that has been sitting for a while may negatively affect your generator.
Read More: Top Reasons Your Standby Generator is Blowing White Smoke
8. Prepare a Location for Your Backup Generator
The proper location for your residential generator or commercial backup generator should be easily accessible. Pick out a spot for your installation that is free from obstacles like foliage and away from any exposure to the weather. Additionally, make sure it is not possible for any area of the unit, like the exhaust pipe, to be covered or blocked as this causes potential issues like engine damage.
Other Ways to Prepare Your Home for Severe Weather and Power Outages
While a standby generator provides a great safety net for your comfort, what happens when a storm hits and your generator won’t start? In the rare chance that happens, it always helps to be prepared.
Make Sure Your Phone is Charged
A charged phone enables you to communicate with others, receive emergency weather alerts, and can even serve as a flashlight when it gets too dark. Consider using a mini-generator or portable power bank to keep your phone powered; this device can also charge other devices.
Protect Your Food
When a severe storm strikes, it does not mean an immediate end to all the goodies in your fridge or freezer. Keep these appliances’ doors shut and the food inside will remain safe. Food can stay safe in a refrigerator for around 4 hours; a freezer can keep food cold for around 48 hours (24 if the freezer is only half full) according to the Food Standards Agency.
Have Food Ready that Does Not Require Electricity to Prepare
When the lights shut off, it doesn’t shut off your empty stomach. For those hungry moments, have backup food such as snacks that you can eat without any need for electricity.
Switch off Electrical Appliances
Appliances that are interrupted by a blackout are not always safe when the power returns. Certain devices shouldn’t be left alone such as hair straighteners or cookers, so make sure when power shuts off, you take the time to unplug and shut off any power to these devices.
Other appliances can be damaged when power suddenly returns like computers and TVs, so unplugging them before power returns can spare you an expensive trip to the electronics store.
Use Warm Water for Drinks or Heat
Without power, things start feeling a little colder than normal. Put warm water into a receptacle, like a thermos, so you have something warm to drink or make drinks with.
Read More: 12 Things to Do When the Power Goes Out in Your Home
Stay Warm and Safe
When things start getting cold, switch out your colds with thicker ones and gather up any blankets you have for you and others. To consolidate heat in your home, make sure all doors and curtains in unused rooms are closed. For extra safety measures, have a first aid kit in your home in case someone gets hurt or other emergencies pop up.
Ensure Medical Equipment Has a Battery Back-Up
For devices like a stair lift or adjustable beds, no power means no function for those who need it. In the case of a blackout, having a battery up keeps these devices up and running for those who need them. Make sure any battery backups you have are maintained and checked by you or your equipment provider, to make sure they can be safely used.
Professional Backup Generator Repair and Replacement Services
Preparing your generator for the next storm doesn’t have to be done alone. Our team of trained electricians offer exceptional generator repair services in South Florida and will work with you to fix or replace damaged components in your system. If your unit cannot be fixed, our staff also provides convenient generator installation services.
Our professionals will ask you a series of questions to determine which appliances in your home require power and will choose a system with the correct specifications for your needs. If your generator has passed its prime and generator maintenance is no longer worth the investment, our team proudly replaces and installs systems from leading manufacturers like Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton. Weather the storm with a reliable power system by calling our team today.
