How to Prepare Your Home and Generator Before Winter Power Outages
Winter storms can cause power outages that last for hours or even days. Being without power for that long could put a lot of stress on your family and make important appliances inaccessible. Before freezing temperatures and snow arrive, take time to make sure your generator and home are ready.
A few simple checks now can help you keep essential systems running when the power goes out.
Check Your Generator
If your generator has been sitting unused, inspect it before winter.
Check:
- Oil level and condition
- Air filter
- Spark plug
- Battery, if applicable
- Fuel system
- Cords and connections
- Signs of damage, leaks, or wear
Start the generator and let it run for several minutes. Make sure it starts easily and operates normally. Then, complete any recommended maintenance before you need it.
If your generator has been difficult to start or has other issues, have it serviced before the next storm.
Make Sure You Have the Right Fuel
Check your fuel before winter weather arrives. Make sure you have enough fuel for your generator, and that it is stored properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It’s also recommended to know how long your generator can run on your current fuel supply. This will help you plan for longer outages and determine when you may need to refuel.
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to find out you need fuel.
Test Your Generator Connection
Your generator needs a safe way to provide power to the circuits you want to use.
A manual transfer switch, such as the EZ Generator Switch, allows you to transfer selected circuits from utility power to generator power. Depending on your setup, these circuits can include your furnace, refrigerator, sump pump, well pump, medical devices, lights, outlets, and other essential circuits.
Before winter, make sure your transfer switch and generator connection are working properly. Review the EZ Generator Switch How-To Videos so you know how your system operates before an outage occurs.
If you’re unsure whether your system is properly installed or connected, contact a qualified electrician.
Identify Your Essential Circuits
You don’t need to power every circuit in your home during an outage. Focus on the systems you need most.
For winter, that may include:
- Furnace: many heating systems still require electricity even when they use gas, oil, or propane for heat.
- Refrigerator and freezer: keep food at safe temperatures during an extended outage
- Sump pump: prevent basement water problems if snow or ice melts while the power is out.
- Well pump: maintain access to water if your home relies on a private well.
- Lights and outlets: keep essential areas of your home functional
- Medical equipment: prioritize any equipment that requires continuous electricity.
- Itinerary and communication equipment: useful for receiving emergency information and staying connected.
Check which circuits power these systems and make sure your generator can handle their electrical requirements.
Check Your Furnace
Heating should be one of your top priorities before a winter outage.
Even if your furnace uses natural gas, propane, or oil, it may still need electricity to operate the blower, controls, or ignition system.
Make sure the furnace circuit is included in your backup power plan. You can also review the EZ Generator Switch How-To videos for additional guidance.
Don’t Forget Your Refrigerator and Freezer
Your refrigerator and freezer should also be part of your outage plan.
Remember that appliances with motors can require more power at startup. Make sure your generator has enough capacity to handle the startup and running wattage of the appliances you plan to use.
If you’re unsure about your generator’s capacity, check the manufacturer’s specifications before connecting additional equipment.
Prepare for Sump Pump and Well Pump Needs
Water-related equipment is easy to overlook when preparing for a power outage.
If you have a sump pump, consider including it among your priority circuits. A power outage combined with melting snow or heavy precipitation can increase the risk of basement water problems.
If your home uses a private well, your well pump also requires electricity. Make sure your generator and transfer-switch setup match the pump’s electrical requirements.
For more information, review our guide to properly install the switch for your priority circuits.
Review Your Generator Safety Plan
Before winter, make sure everyone in your household knows how your backup-power system works.
Keep your generator, cords, and necessary equipment accessible. Review the startup and shutdown procedures, and make sure you know which circuits you plan to power.
Most importantly, never operate a portable generator inside your home, garage, basement, or another enclosed space. Always operate it outdoors according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Prepare Before the Power Goes Out
Don’t wait for the first winter storm to test your backup-power system.
Inspect your generator, check your fuel, test your transfer-switch connection, and identify the circuits that matter most. Taking care of these tasks before winter can help you keep your home’s essential systems running when the power goes out.
If you don’t have a manual transfer switch but think it would benefit your home, purchase an EZ Generator Switch today. The EZ Generator Switch conforms to UL Standard 1008 / Certified to CAN/CSA Std. C22.2 #178.1:2022 ED.4 and is compatible with battery inverter systems, floating & bonded neutral generators, and solar systems.