Regardless of the time of year, it’s never too early to start planning for emergency situations; especially those that happen in the winter months. Even something as minor as a power outage can cause significant disruption and distress to your household, especially when you rely on electricity for warmth. It’s important to think about the condition of your generator well in advance of ever needing it, and ensuring that it’s in top working condition for the cold weather is essential to your family’s peace of mind. Here are a few tips on how to prepare generators in Chicago for winter.
Change The Oil
Keeping fresh oil in your generator is one of the best ways to prolong its life, and to keep your family comfortable and safe in an emergency. Some generators will automatically shut off, or refuse to start, if the oil is old or needs to be changed. If you haven’t checked your oil ahead of time, this can leave you and your family without power while you locate the oil needed.
Learn How To Use It In Poor Lighting Conditions
Chances are the lighting will be dim when you need to use your generator – especially if it’s in the winter or if it’s located away from natural lighting. Keep a flashlight nearby at all times, so that you can make your way to the generator despite the lighting. Practice starting and turning off the generator in poor lighting so you can be sure that you will be able to complete this task if an emergency situation occurs.
Have It Professionally Inspected
Ideally, you will have your generator professionally inspected twice a year. This is important to ensure that all parts are in working order, and that it will run as expected in an emergency. Contact the company you purchased the generator from and ask if they offer inspection or maintenance services. This gives you comfort knowing that the person who will be inspecting and possibly repairing your generator is familiar with its make and model.
For more information on preparing generators in Chicago for winter, go to Penco Electric Inc and also like us on Facebook.
