Q: Ed: I’ve read your past columns on standby home generators and have a question about winter startup concerns. Since they are permanently installed outside a home, are they just sitting there in the cold till you need them to start up?
— Mike, New Jersey
A: Standby generators are a great choice for home backup power.
Most residential standby generators run on natural gas or propane, and they are professionally wired into a home’s electrical system. Standby generator systems include a special transfer switch that automatically turns the generator on and off in the event of a power outage.
But like any piece of equipment, you do have to maintain them on a regular basis.
Your dealer/installer can set you up with a service schedule to best fit your needs, especially if you live in a colder climate.
Because they operate automatically, standby generators perform a weekly exercise to run the generator for about a half-hour. This way, no matter what season it is, your generator should be ready to go.
Bottom line: Weekly exercise can help keep a standby generator in tip-top shape.
(Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write [email protected]. Always consult local contractors and codes.) ©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.