Can the unit be left outside all year? specifically through the NE winter? is it ok or will it ruin the unit?
1339371
it should always be drained and stored where it will not freeze as the pipes crack. mine is in basement.
1339372
We leave ours out but live the south. Head is plastic probably would crack in jeavy winters. This did not work for us. I wouldn't buy again.
1020374
Yes you can leave the pump out all winter. It automatically starts & stops every couple of minutes and this keeps the water from freezing in the pump or in the purge hose.
915464
Left mine out from August to December last year. Had to take it down after the snow and ice started setting on it. It's back up now for this year. This is in western PA weather. I don't think they can handle harsh weather. Would rip and tear.
2094354
Yes, ours has been outside for years. It is placed on the side of our garage near an outside outlet and we just leave it plugged in and ready to go. We love it and have never had trouble with it. This is our second one that we have purchased. Now I do want to mention that we live in the Deep South and it seldom freezes here so you might take that into consideration. It is left out year round though and has been there for many years. Jean
961150
the direct answer is no, it can't be exposed to snow, rain, or water ... i have used it for 2 christmas seasons with my outside decorations ... my fix is to cover the unit with saran wrap which keeps the outlets dry
911786
We left ours outside in Ohio through the winter. I was surprised how well it held up through all the snow and ice. There are some evidence of wear but that comes with the elements of being outside. It is small enough that you could bring in the garage in the winter but I do not think that would be nessecary. When it rains sometimes the windows do not shut because the wood expands, but they always go back to normal once it dries up. Good Playhouse for the price.
45993
I have mine outside but I live in a dry high desert setting and anything I have goes inside for the winter. It does rain but not often and that would be the worst weather I would leave it subject too. The rain has not hurt it working. I do have it hanging under the eve of my patio.
2192952
Yes, it can be left outdoors in the rain, but we like to bring it indoors if we're expecting very heavy rain, just to be safe. I wouldn't leave it out in the winter if your area gets cold and snowy.
273862
We live in Virginia Beach...with a bit of freezing. We did leave ours up since installation 3 years ago. Still working fine! I think leaving it up is LESS wear and tear on the liner.
1905241
I've had mine 2 years and just put it up for the 3rd year. I store it in the winter. It is just like new.
518126
I would suggest dissembling it for winter if you aren't going to use it. It stands up well, but it doesn't hurt to keep it out of the elements when you can!
273861
It snows a bit here where I live and we leave ours up all year. Just make sure that you winterize yours with the proper chemicals, before covering for the winter. It makes life a lot easier come spring time.
337274
I have had mine a couple years and leave it out in the winter, too. So far, I have not seen any deterioration in how it looks or its performance.
250412
It would depend on the area you live in because of ambient conditions. If freezing is a concern, then absolutely not without some sort of conditioning; I would not trust insulation alone. There are no electrical parts on it, but even if freezing is not a concern, I would still recommend finding a way to protect it from the elements, especially direct sunlight; I would expect the UV to cause damage to the unit over time.
102905
If you plumb it properly, you can drain it for the winter. I believe there is built in freeze protection on this unit, however, which will activate the burner if it is at freezing point.
836318
Yes, it would annoy you a bit. It appears to me that it will go off all winter; it even alerts for frost. I don't hate the unit, but it's not like the other, cooler OS unit that I had.
1082891
I would advise against it. The whole unit should be protected from exposure to water, snow...precipitation in general. Your best bet would be a "doghouse" type enclosure or lean-to that would allow it to breathe and vent exhaust, and keep it dry. There are several folks that have done this with other types of generators that they want to use in snowstorms, etc., without destroying the unit or subjecting the residence to carbon monoxide or fire danger. Google or youtube search "generator enclosure".