Preparing for the Next Central Texas Hard Freeze

Central Texas winters can surprise us with ice storms and multi-day outages. A standby generator is your best defense—but only if it’s ready. Use this checklist before the next freeze:

Pre-Season Generator Checklist

• Run a Full Test: Start the unit and let it run under load for at least 15 minutes.

• Check Fuel Supply: Ensure propane or natural-gas service is active and valves are open.

• Inspect Connections: Look for frayed wiring, loose gas fittings, and corrosion.

• Replace Filters & Oil: Follow manufacturer schedules for oil changes and filter swaps.

• Clear the Area: Remove leaves, snow, or ice within three feet of the generator housing.

• Battery & Starter Check: Cold weather drains batteries—confirm full charge.

Extra Winter Prep

• Install a cold-weather kit (block heater or battery warmer) if recommended by the manufacturer.

• Keep a spare air filter on hand in case of debris or ice buildup.

• Schedule professional load testing once a year to verify performance.