If you get too hot, you can bring yourself inside. If your pets get too hot, you can bring them inside. But if your generator gets too hot, it still has to stay outside. What are you supposed to do when the skyrocketing temperatures start to pose a risk to the generator that you rely on for backup power? We have some insights that can help! Take a look at these summer tips for maintaining your generator in hot weather when the heat becomes too much for even your generator.
Get Your Generator to Some Shade
As with anything that’s too hot, shade can help your generator tremendously when you’re worried about potential damage. You can either find somewhere near your house that isn’t frequently in direct sunlight or even set up a small shelter over your generator to keep it cool during the summer. It can also help keep debris off of it and shield it from moisture during the fall or the winter. Just make sure that you follow the next tip once you find a safe, cool place to put your generator during the summer.
Give It Plenty of Space for Ventilation
It’s easy to assume you can just cover your generator with a blanket or a board and call it quits. Not allowing clearance for exhaust and ventilation can be a major problem if your generator kicks on, it’s too hot outside, and there’s not enough airflow. Instead, look for a shelter that gives your generator enough room to breathe. Three feet of clearance on all sides should be enough. Most recommend also keeping it in a place where the wind isn’t blowing exhaust fumes back toward the generator.
Remove Any Debris As It Appears
A clogged generator is a generator that’s not going to run efficiently, and there are many ways that your generator can become clogged. From the undercarriage, where cooling air is needed, to intake vents and the radiator, any debris that makes its way on or into your generator is a threat. Keep an eye out for leaves, bags, and other things blowing around your yard and toward your generator.
Make Sure You’re Using It Regularly and Being Mindful About Usage
When you run out of power, your generator is there, until it isn’t! It’s easy to wait until you need power to run your generator, but it’s not a good idea. Run it during the summer to make sure it’s not just baking in the sun and is functioning properly. It doesn’t have to be long. A short 15-minute activation will do. You can check that everything is working and that all the fluids are there while you’re doing it. If you do need to use it because your power has gone out, be mindful of your use.
Maintaining your generator in hot weather is as simple as doing some test runs and keeping it clean and cool. These tips will keep your generator running at its best, no matter how hot it gets outside. If you have concerns or require generator services, contact Whipple Service Champions in Salt Lake City, UT.
