Generators in Tigard, OR
Reliable power is one of the cornerstones of a comfortable and functional home. With so much of our homes and businesses now relying on electricity for basic functionality, a stable and dependable power supply is arguably more important for our quality of life today than it has ever been before. However, wildfires, hurricanes, and ice storms have doubled the number of U.S. power outages over the past 20 years. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, these major weather events have also doubled the average power outage from four to eight hours.
With windstorms causing power outages for thousands throughout Oregon each year, it's important to have a generator you can depend on to provide you with power when you need it most. At Specialty Heating & Cooling, we help home and business owners across the Tigard area of Oregon find the right generator solution for their property. Whether you're preparing for the next major storm or you simply want the security of a dependable energy backup system, our team is here to help. We offer world-class generator products and a full range of support services to keep them running so you can have the power you need, even when the public utility grid might not be able to provide it.
Call Specialty Heating & Cooling today at (971) 260-4928 to learn more about our generator services, including whole-house generator installations. We proudly serve customers throughout Portland and the surrounding areas.
What Our Customers Are Saying
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"10 out of 10"Service was excellent--prompt, courteous, and professional for the routine maintenance on our furnace. Very pleased with the service and will continue to use for all our heating/cooling needs.- Warren R.
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"Friendly & Trustworthy"Jake was informative and stressed the importance of proper filter maintenance to extend the life of my heat pump system. He had a friendly attitude in addition.- Terry D.
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"Made Everything Easy for Me"Online scheduling works well. Issue diagnosed in one visit. Specialty kept good records, my repairs for material and labor will be covered by warranties that I purchased when they installed the systems in 2017.- Randy C.
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"Amazing Experience"
Jason and Nic were both knowledgeable, courteous, and excellent to work with. Jason explained everything as he performed the assessment and maintenance of our furnace.
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"Thanks Matt."Matt is really good! And he did a great job. He even repaired a broken duct in the basement. Great attitude and very good work. The kind of guy you hope for on these kinds of situations.- Douglas W.
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"Great Communication as Usual"Called as was running ahead of his time for our heat pump/ air handler maintenance check up. That worked great for us. Friendly, informative, and wore clean over booties indoors. Thorough checkup as usual.- Edward M.
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"Absolutely the best!!"I highly recommend Specialty Heating and Cooling! I had a gas furnace installed and an air conditioning unit. Jesse was great to work with and so were the technicians who installed the equipment.- Rhoda W.
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"100% Recommend"Our technician Matt was very professional and let me know how our furnace has been operating this past year in a very easy to understand way. We are very happy that we went with Specialty Heating and Cooling.- Patrick D.
What Size Generator Do I Need for My Home or Business?
The size of the generator you need depends on your electrical demands. Larger homes or locations with high energy usage will require a generator with more capacity. Here are some steps to help determine the right size generator for your needs:
- List essential appliances and systems. Think about what you would like to power during an outage, such as lighting, refrigerators, water heaters, and computers.
- Calculate power usage. Add up the wattage of each appliance to estimate the total power you’ll require. Keep in mind that certain appliances can draw extra power when starting, so it's good to add a 10-20 percent buffer for safety.
- Plan for growth. Consider your future needs, such as any new appliances you're planning on adding, like an EV charger or any electric heating equipment you may have.
We strongly recommend talking with one of our experts about your plans. They can help you make this assessment and get a more accurate recommendation for the right type of system.
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Types of Backup Generators
There are two different kinds of generators that are used as backup power for homes: portable generators and standby generators. There are a lot of differences between these two types of units, and choosing the right one for your backup power needs can seem like a tough choice. However, depending on your budget and what features you're looking for, the choice will be fairly simple for you to make.
Standby Generators
Unlike portable units, standby generators are designed to automatically respond during outages, seamlessly powering your home or business when you need it most. Like an air conditioning unit, standby generators are permanently installed outside of your home and wired to an electrical panel with a transfer switch. They are fueled either by natural gas or by propane,* which means they are self-fueling and can theoretically run as long as your gas utility remains active.
Standby generators, as their name implies, are always "on standby," meaning they will automatically turn on when there is a power outage and will automatically start providing power to your home to minimize disruption. They eliminate the need for power cords or a frustrating setup and connection process since they are permanently installed and connected.
Also, there is one other factor, and that is that standby generators are generally larger and provide more power to your home than a portable generator. While exact capacity will vary, it is possible for a standby generator to power all of your lights and your small appliances without issue. You may experience a problem trying to do laundry or run your air conditioner, but it is possible for these systems to be large enough to handle that kind of power draw.
*Some commercial standby units are powered by a reserve of diesel fuel, but this is only typically found in commercial applications.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are smaller and more compact, and are designed to be movable so they can supply temporary electrical power where and when you need it. These units are typically powered by gasoline or propane and can be manually connected to a home’s essential circuits using a transfer switch or used to power specific appliances via extension cords. Portable generators are an affordable and versatile option, ideal for powering critical devices like refrigerators, lights, or medical equipment during emergencies. However, most portable generators are too small to power an entire home. When on portable generator power, you more than likely won't be doing any laundry using an electric washer and dryer or turning on your air conditioner. Standby generators do not have enough power to support these systems.
Portable generators also need to be manually connected, fueled, and started before they can start providing power. This can be a challenge during inclement weather, as these generators are typically very heavy and difficult to remove, and require knowing how to safely connect and start the system.
Experience The Specialty Difference
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Decades of Trusted ServiceWith over 40 years of experience, we’ve built our reputation on quality workmanship, customer-first service, and a commitment to excellence throughout the Portland Metro Area.
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Award-Winning ExpertiseWe’re proud 16-time winners of the Carrier President’s Award — a recognition of our operational excellence, innovative solutions, and outstanding customer satisfaction.
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Environmentally ResponsibleWe believe in protecting the beautiful Pacific Northwest we call home. Our strong green initiatives include recycling metals, refrigerants, and more.
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Tailored Heating & Cooling SolutionsFrom in-home assessments to custom sheet metal installations, we deliver HVAC systems designed specifically for your home or business.
Generator Maintenance & Repair
Regular generator repair and maintenance services keep your equipment dependable so that it will perform when you need it most. Routine upkeep catches potential problems early, helping you avoid unseen problems that could come up when you really need your generator to work correctly. At Specialty Heating & Cooling, our professional repair and maintenance services help enhance your generator’s lifespan and improve its performance and efficiency through expert care and precise fixes. Relying on our skilled technicians can give you the confidence that your generator is ready to provide consistent power when it matters.
Why Won’t My Generator Start?
If you own a generator, you should test it regularly by attempting to start it at least once a month. This not only helps your generator's engine stay loose and capable of running, but also helps you identify any potential trouble it might be dealing with. While generators are built to provide reliable power, they can occasionally have issues starting.
Here are just a few of the reasons your generator may not start:
- Dead battery. Just like a car, your generator's battery may lose charge over time, especially if regular maintenance has been neglected.
- Low fuel levels. If your generator runs on gasoline or an attached propane tank, a lack of fuel could prevent it from starting.
- Clogged filters. Dirty air or fuel filters can limit airflow or fuel delivery, leading to starting issues.
- Faulty components. Problems with spark plugs, wiring, or control panels can interfere with the generator’s ignition system.
- Lack of maintenance. Generators require regular service to keep them in good working order. Neglecting scheduled inspections can lead to operational problems.
If your generator won’t start, call Specialty Heating & Cooling today and have it inspected by a professional who can quickly and accurately identify and resolve the issue. A timely repair can prevent more significant problems down the line.
Stay prepared and protected with a generator for your home or business. Call Specialty Heating & Cooling today at (971) 260-4928 or contact us online to learn more about our whole-home generator services.