Is It Safe to Leave Your Generator Outside Year-Round? Experts Explain

Storing a generator outside your home is convenient, but is it safe? Without the right protection, year-round exposure to rain, snow, and temperature swings can lead to corrosion, electrical damage, and reduced reliability when you need it most.

Understanding the risks—and steps needed to keep your equipment protected—is essential. We spoke with Stephen Herrera, marketing director of Generator Source, a generator sales, rental, and services company, to learn how to safely store a generator outdoors, choose the right covers and enclosure for long-term protection, and follow proper maintenance tips.

Is It Safe to Leave a Generator Outside Year-Round?

If you have a portable or standby generator, it can be stored outdoors year-round—but it must be protected from direct weather exposure. "Long-term exposure to rain, snow, UV, and seasonal temperature swings can damage electrical components, corrode wiring, weaken fuel systems, and reduce overall reliability," says Herrera.

When it comes to leaving a generator outside, the biggest risks include moisture intrusion, standing snow, extreme humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter, which can create condensation inside the alternator and control panels, Herrara says. Fortunately, there are ways to protect generators from direct weather damage when they're left outside year-round.

How to Protect a Generator From Weather Damage

To protect a generator from direct weather damage, it should be kept on a level, well-drained surface with a protective cover or enclosure that shields the unit while still allowing for airflow, according to Herrara. Keeping the generator on a level, well-drained surface rather than bare soil also prevents exposure to moisture from below.

Herrera recommends installing a small canopy or roof over the generator when it's placed outside. This helps reduce direct contact with precipitation and ensures proper ventilation, which limits condensation buildup during seasonal temperature changes, he says.

Covers and Enclosures for Outdoor Generator Storage

Depending on the type of generator you have, certain covers and enclosures are recommended. "For standby generators, steel or aluminum weatherproof enclosures designed by the manufacturer offer the best protection," says Herrara. "Many homeowners also opt for insulated, sound-attenuated enclosures to help with both temperature and noise."

Portable generators, on the other hand, require breathable covers specific to the generator model. These covers prevent moisture buildup while protecting the unit from direct rain and snow. "What’s most important is choosing a cover or enclosure that does not trap exhaust, restrict airflow, or create a fire hazard," he says.

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Year-Round Generator Maintenance Tips

To keep your generator in top shape year-round, Herrera shared the key maintenance steps homeowners should perform each season.

• Run the generator monthly: Running the generator once a month helps circulate oil and keep components lubricated.
• Check oil levels and fuel quality: It's important to check oil and fuel levels each season, especially before severe weather seasons.
• Inspect for corrosion: Examine the batteries, cables, and terminals for any signs of corrosion.
• Clear debris: Sweep away leaves and other debris from around the unit, and shovel snow away in winter.
• Replace filters and fluids: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for how often to replace filters and fluids, and what warning signs to watch for.
• Schedule annual servicing: Book a yearly service appointment with a qualified technician, including load bank testing the generator to ensure it can handle its rated capacity.