Cold Weather Kit Installation
Winterizing Backup Generators in the Ottawa Valley
When winter storms knock out power, your home standby generator becomes your most important appliance. All the others can only work if the generator works. But the same weather that causes outages also can prevent the generator from starting when you need it most.
Cold weather kits add another layer of reliability. Though Generac generators are designed to operate in the cold, there are some add-ons that make them more reliable when temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and essential when they hit 0°F (-18°C) or lower. A cold weather kit helps your generator start by (1) keeping your generator’s battery warm and by (2) keeping your oil flowing, even when temperatures plunge well below freezing.
It’s possible to install a cold weather kit yourself, but most people prefer to have a generator specialist install it, for convenience and for peace of mind.
If you live in the Ottawa area, Powers Servicing can install your cold weather kit and perform ongoing maintenance for you. Contact us to get started or read on to learn more about cold weather kits.
Why aren’t cold weather kits standard?
Generac Guardian generators are tested to operate in temperatures from -20°F to 122°F (-29°C to 50°C). They will work in that range, but the colder it gets, the more difficult and unreliable starting the generator becomes.
Batteries can lose 30–60% of their cranking power as chemical reactions slow down. Engine oil becomes viscous when temperatures drop, increasing friction and making it harder for the starter motor to turn the engine over. Moisture can freeze in the engine’s breather vents, blocking airflow and causing pressure buildup. Cold weather kits help prevent these starting problems.
For customers in moderate climates, these components would add cost and complexity for no benefit. Generac designs generators to work across a wide temperature range, then offers cold weather kits as an optional add-on for regions that need them.
When do you need a cold weather kit for your generator?
Even in Canada, not every generator needs one.
If your area only dips below freezing occasionally and your generator sits in a sheltered, well-ventilated location, it will likely start fine with the proper oil and a good battery.
But if you live where winter lows regularly reach 0°F (-18°C) or lower, or you’ve ever had slow cranking or failed starts in cold weather, a cold weather kit is a smart investment.
They typically cost $300-500 for parts and installation, so are relatively inexpensive protection against a costly no-start during an outage.
What’s in a cold weather kit?
Cold weather kits for air-cooled Guardian generators (10–26 kW) include:
Battery Pad Warmer. A heated pad under the battery that keeps it warm so it maintains full cranking power. The pad activates at 40°F (4°C) and turns off at 55°F (13°C). Standard lead-acid batteries need the warmer. If you have an AGM battery already, you don’t need a pad warmer, as AGM batteries are designed for reliable cold-weather performance.
Oil Filter Warmer. A heated sleeve that fits over the oil filter to keep engine oil warm and flowing freely. When oil thickens in cold temperatures, it creates friction that makes the engine harder to crank. The warmer prevents this thickening, making startup easier. Activates at 40°F and shuts off at 55°F.
Situational: Breather Warmer. The breather system is not the generator’s air intake or exhaust, but a venting system that releases pressure and moisture that builds up inside the engine’s crankcase during operation. In severe cold with icing, moisture can freeze in this system and block it, causing pressure buildup. The breather warmer helps prevent this. Breather warmers are only compatible with Guardian generators built after 2013. Older models use a different breather system that can’t accept the heater element.
Besides the kit, what’s included in cold weather-servicing?
Oil Change (required). Installing any cold weather accessory requires switching to 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil. Generac’s own synthetic blend or equivalent is recommended. Synthetic oil flows better than conventional oil in cold temperatures, reducing strain on the engine and improving cold-weather starting even before the oil warmer activates.
These components work automatically. Once installed, they activate when needed without any action from you.
Professional Installation and Maintenance. We can get you the right kit for your generator model, install it properly so you’re confident it will work when the power is out, and switch your oil to full synthetic.
We can also keep your entire generator in optimal condition through our annual service plan. We handle regular oil changes, filter replacements, battery checks, and routine maintenance, so your generator is always ready when storms hit.
If you prefer to handle the installation yourself, Generac provides detailed instructions with each kit. Because access is tight and the oil must be changed, many homeowners prefer to have it installed during a professional service visit.
Back up your backup generator: get it ready for winter now
Don’t wait until the next ice storm to discover your generator won’t start. Cold weather kits and proper winterization keep your backup power running.
Contact us to schedule cold weather kit installation or to discuss maintenance plans or repairs.
