Standby Generator Readiness

The 20‑Minute Check That Prevents a No‑Start

As we push through the last few weeks of winter, the weather in Connecticut has a habit of turning unpredictable fast. Heavy snow, freezing rain, and back‑to‑back storms can knock out power without warning. For many homeowners, that’s exactly why a standby generator is sitting outside—ready to keep heat, lights, and essential systems running.

But “ready” only matters if your generator actually starts when the power drops.

At Homestead Comfort, we install and service Generac standby generators, and every winter we see the same pattern: homeowners who assume their unit is all set… until the moment they really need it. The fix is usually simple—things that could have been caught with a quick, 20‑minute readiness check.

This guide walks you through a practical, plain‑language standby generator winter readiness checklist, plus the signs that it’s time to schedule professional generator maintenance before the next storm hits.

Why Winter Is the Most Important Time to Check Your Standby Generator

Cold weather puts extra strain on your generator—batteries weaken, oil thickens, and ice buildup can block ventilation. Even the most reliable models, including Generac whole‑home standby generators, benefit from simple homeowner checks throughout the winter months.

Ignoring winter readiness can lead to:

• No‑start conditions during power outages
• Reduced runtime or unexpected shutdowns
• Blocked air intake or exhaust from snow and ice
• Avoidable damage caused by cold‑weather strain
• Premature wear on key engine components

This is why our technicians always recommend a quick 20‑minute generator readiness check every few weeks—and especially before or after major storms.

The 20‑Minute Standby Generator Readiness Checklist

This simple checklist helps ensure your generator will start automatically when storms knock out power. You don’t need tools. You don’t need to be mechanically inclined. Just take a few minutes to walk through the basics.

1. Check for Snow, Ice, and Debris Around the Unit

Time: 3 minutes

Generators need clear airflow to operate safely. After a storm:

• Remove snow buildup around the housing and vents
• Clear leaves or branches pushed by wind
• Make sure the intake and exhaust openings are not blocked

Long‑tail SEO variations included:
“How to clear snow from a standby generator,” “winter storm generator airflow problems,” “why a Generac generator won’t start after snow.”

2. Confirm the Generator Is in AUTO Mode

Time: 1 minute

On Generac standby generators, the control panel should display AUTO.
If it reads OFF, MANUAL, or shows a fault code, your generator will not start automatically during an outage.

If AUTO won’t engage, or a warning keeps appearing, it’s time to schedule service.

3. Look for Error Messages or Maintenance Alerts

Time: 2 minutes

The controller may display alerts such as:

• Low battery
• Low oil
• Overdue maintenance
• System fault

These alerts don’t always prevent a start—but they often signal developing issues. Catching them early is the entire point of a quick readiness check.

4. Inspect the Generator Pad and Fuel Area

Time: 2 minutes

During winter, shifting soil, frost heaves, or drifting snow can affect:

• The generator’s mounting pad
• Natural gas or propane lines
• Clearance around the intake or exhaust

If anything looks off, crooked, or buried, you’ll want professional eyes on it.

5. Listen for the Weekly Test Run

Time: 1 minute

Most Generac standby generators run an automatic “exercise” cycle every week. If you haven’t heard yours running lately, that’s a red flag.

You can check the event log on the controller or simply schedule a maintenance inspection to confirm proper operation.

6. Check the Battery Condition

Time: 3 minutes

Cold weather is tough on generator batteries. Even if you can’t perform voltage testing, you can:

• Look for corrosion
• Check that the battery heater (if equipped) is connected
• Ensure the protective cover is secure

A weak battery is the number‑one cause of generator no‑start calls.

7. Review Your Last Professional Maintenance

Time: 8 minutes

Most homeowners only need one full generator service per year, but winter is when neglected maintenance shows up.

If your system hasn’t had:

• An oil and filter change
• A valve inspection
• Full system testing
• Battery testing
• Controller updates

…in the past 12 months, schedule service sooner rather than later.

When You Should Call for Generator Service

You’ll want to schedule a professional maintenance visit if you notice any of the following:

• No weekly exercise cycle
• Trouble switching into AUTO mode
• Repeated fault codes
• Hard starting or inconsistent operation
• Visible damage, corrosion, or shifting of the unit
• It’s been more than a year since your last tune‑up

A full service ensures your generator is ready for the rest of winter—and the upcoming spring storm season.

Homestead Comfort installs, services, and maintains Generac standby generators for homeowners throughout North Central Connecticut. Since 1989, we’ve helped local families stay safe and powered through every storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should my standby generator be maintained?

Generac and most industry standards recommend annual maintenance, though heavy‑use systems or older models may benefit from twice‑per‑year inspections.

2. Why does my generator run weekly?

The weekly exercise cycle keeps the engine lubricated, maintains battery health, and confirms the unit is functioning properly—similar to starting a car that sits unused.

3. How do I know if my generator is ready for a storm?

Check that it’s in AUTO mode, clear of debris, showing no error messages, and running its normal test cycle. If anything seems off, schedule service before the next weather event.

4. What’s the most common winter generator failure?

A weak or dead battery is the top cause of no‑start conditions during cold weather. Regular maintenance and a battery heater help prevent this.

5. Should I run my generator manually to “test” it?

Not usually. The weekly automatic test cycle is sufficient. If you prefer a full‑load test, have a technician perform it—it ensures safe, proper operation without risking damage.