Power Systems Plus: Your Generator FAQs Answered
At Power Systems Plus, we understand that investing in a generator is a significant decision. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to protect your family from unexpected power outages or a business owner who needs uninterrupted power, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision about generator systems and services.
1. Why should I invest in a backup generator?
A backup generator ensures that your home or business remains powered during electrical outages caused by storms, natural disasters, or grid issues. This is especially important in Oregon, where unpredictable weather patterns like snow, ice storms, and wind can lead to frequent power interruptions. With a generator, you can maintain critical appliances, stay connected during emergencies, and avoid disruptions to your daily routine.
2. What types of generators do you offer?
We specialize in standby generators designed for both residential and commercial use. Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically turn on during an outage, offering seamless power without any manual intervention. We also offer solutions for industrial use with systems that can handle higher power demands.
While standby generators are our focus, we can also discuss portable options if needed—although these require more manual setup and offer shorter run times.
3. What’s the difference between portable and standby generators?
Standby generators provide reliable, continuous power when there’s an outage. They’re permanently installed and connected to your home or business’s electrical system, automatically activating during a power failure. Portable generators, on the other hand, need to be manually set up and started. They’re good for short-term use and are more affordable, but for long-term, uninterrupted power—especially if you work remotely or run a business—standby generators are the superior choice.
4. How do I know what size generator I need?
The size of the generator depends on the power demands of your home or business. At Power Systems Plus, we can help assess your needs based on factors such as the size of your property, the essential systems you want to keep running (like HVAC, refrigerators, and communication equipment), and your overall budget. We offer generators ranging from small residential units to larger commercial models to meet any demand.
Determining the right size generator for your home depends on several factors, including:
- Total Power Requirements: Think about the essential systems and appliances you need to keep running during an outage, like your HVAC system, refrigerator, lights, and any medical equipment. Each appliance requires a certain amount of wattage, so calculating the total load will help you determine the generator size.
- Square Footage: Larger homes often have more power-hungry systems such as multiple HVAC units or larger water heaters. A bigger home may need a higher capacity generator to ensure uninterrupted power throughout.
- Duration of Power Outages: If you live in an area with frequent, long-lasting power outages, you might want a larger generator to sustain power over extended periods. A smaller generator might be fine for shorter outages but could struggle over time.
- Fuel Source: The fuel type (natural gas, propane, diesel) can also influence generator size. Some fuels are more efficient for larger generators, while others work well for smaller units.
At Power Systems Plus, we offer a range of generators to suit homes of all sizes. We can help you assess your needs and find the perfect generator to keep your home fully powered during an outage.
Explore our selection of home generators here and get started with reliable backup power today!
5. What services does Power Systems Plus offer?
We provide a range of generator services including:
- Installation: Our team installs generators for both residential and commercial properties, ensuring they’re correctly integrated into your electrical system for seamless operation.
- Maintenance: Routine generator maintenance is essential to keep your system in top shape. We offer scheduled maintenance services to check for wear, ensure fuel efficiency, and test reliability.
- Repair and Service: If your generator isn’t functioning correctly, we offer repair services to get it back online as quickly as possible.
- Parts and Accessories: We sell and install a variety of generator parts including Hotstart block heaters, Deep Sea Electronics control modules, and other critical accessories that enhance generator performance.
6. How often should I maintain my generator?
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your generator ready for action. We recommend servicing your generator at least once a year. However, for commercial or industrial generators with high usage, more frequent checkups may be necessary. This includes checking the oil and filters, testing the electrical load, and inspecting the engine block heater to ensure cold-weather readiness.
7. How Do Generators Perform in Cold Weather?
Generators are crucial during Oregon’s cold winter months, especially in November, December, and January when freezing temperatures, cold mornings, and chilly nights are the norm. Cold weather can affect how well a generator starts and runs, making preparation key to reliable performance during these critical months.
- Cold Starts: In freezing temperatures, your generator’s engine may struggle to start, especially without a block heater. The oil can thicken, and the battery’s performance can drop, leading to slower or failed starts. A Hotstart block heater can help mitigate this by pre-warming the engine, ensuring smoother starts when the temperature dips.
- Continuous Operation: Once running, generators perform well in cold weather, but regular maintenance becomes even more important. Cold air can reduce engine efficiency, and fuel may gel if it’s diesel. Ensuring your generator is winter-ready with proper oil, fuel treatments, and regular checkups will keep it running through long, cold nights.
- Preventative Measures: Oregon’s weather is unpredictable, so it’s wise to schedule generator maintenance before the winter season hits. Testing your system ahead of time can help prevent any mid-winter surprises.
At Power Systems Plus, we offer parts and accessories like engine block heaters and winter kits that enhance generator performance in cold weather. Contact us today to ensure your generator is ready for Oregon’s winter conditions.
8. What is a Hotstart block heater, and why do I need one?
A Hotstart block heater preheats your generator’s engine to ensure it starts quickly and efficiently in cold conditions. This is particularly important in Oregon’s colder months when cold starts can damage the engine. At Power Systems Plus, we recommend Hotstart immersion heaters and thermosiphon heaters for various generator types, ensuring that your generator is always ready to perform when you need it most.
9. How long does a typical generator installation take?
The timeline for generator installation can vary based on the complexity of the job, the size of the generator, and the location of your property. On average, a residential installation takes about 1-2 days, while more complex commercial installations might take longer. At Power Systems Plus, we aim to make the process as efficient as possible, ensuring everything is tested and ready to go by the time we leave.
10. Why choose Power Systems Plus?
We’re a local small business based in Cornelius, Oregon, and we care about our community. Our mission is to ensure reliable, uninterrupted power for families and businesses when they need it most. With years of experience in generator installation, maintenance, and service, we provide tailored solutions for your specific needs. Plus, we offer expert advice, genuine parts, and ongoing support to ensure your generator remains reliable in every season.
How can I get started with Power Systems Plus?
If you’re ready to discuss your generator needs, give us a call! Our service coordinator Jason Burlison will be happy to answer any questions and schedule a consultation. You can also reach our sales manager Joe Walsh directly at 971-205-7403, or visit our website at PSPUSA.NET. We look forward to helping you secure reliable power for your home or business.