Tips for Keeping a Home Generator Cool All Summer

Summer is fast approaching, which means you need to prepare your home to handle the rising temperatures. Extreme heat can strain your home’s electricity, so it’s a smart idea to invest in a standby generator. However, these generators require maintenance and regular inspections for them to stay cool all summer long. We have three generator maintenance tips homeowners should follow in the summertime.

Check Your Generator’s Temperature

Extreme temperatures can affect a standby generator’s performance, especially in the summer. This becomes a greater risk if you live in a region that frequently experiences heat over 90 degrees. When your generator’s coolant or water temperature reaches 95 degrees, it’s a clear sign of potential overheating. Turning your generator off at this point is a precautionary measure to prevent any further damage.

Whenever you notice outdoor temperatures rising to this degree—no pun intended—check your generator’s gauges to see if it’s at risk of overheating. You may need to provide your generator with some shade if it’s in direct sunlight. A well-monitored generator is more likely to stay cool all summer than one that isn’t.

Inspect Coolant Levels

Some home generators rely on coolant to regulate the engine’s temperature. Another task in regular generator maintenance is to check its coolant level and quality. In the summer, homeowners should top off their generator’s coolant supply to prevent it from dropping too low. When your coolant level drops below a certain point, your generator may not turn on when you need it most. Be sure to also check for any possible leaks in the coolant system, as they would require you to hire a professional.

Check Fuel Quality

High temperatures can compromise the integrity of diesel fuel for standby generators. While this isn’t an issue for propane and natural gas, neglecting this aspect could shorten diesel fuel’s lifespan. Store diesel in a cool, dry area where it won’t reach above 70 degrees. Leaving it out in the summer weather can cause condensation, which will affect its efficiency. Adding a fuel stabilizer can also prevent diesel from deteriorating.

General maintenance for a standby generator is always necessary, but summertime heat calls for extra attention. In the event of a power outage, a whole home generator is necessary to keep your home powered as usual. No one wants to be stuck in their own home in the summer heat. So keep your generator cool so that you can stay cool all summer.