Reliable Backup Power

Reliable Backup Power | Generators | Electrical | McMinnville

When the lights go out in McMinnville, HEP steps in with dependable backup solutions that keep your home or business humming. Our licensed electricians size, install, and service premium generators that automatically restore power within seconds, safeguarding everything from refrigerated goods to critical data and medical devices. No more scrambling for candles or worrying about frozen pipes—just seamless, uninterrupted comfort.

Customers choose HEP for transparent quotes, 24/7 emergency support, and meticulous maintenance plans that extend equipment life. Whether you’re bracing for severe weather or simply want newfound peace of mind, our team delivers the expertise, certified parts, and friendly local service that make resilience effortless. Power outages may be inevitable, but downtime doesn’t have to be.

FAQs

Why should McMinnville homeowners and businesses invest in a standby generator?

McMinnville’s location in the Willamette Valley exposes the area to winter windstorms, heavy rains, and occasional ice events that can knock out power for hours—or even days. A permanently installed standby generator automatically senses a utility outage and restores power within seconds, protecting critical systems such as heating, refrigeration, medical equipment, and POS terminals. It provides peace of mind, maintains productivity, and safeguards property during unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather.

What size generator do I need for my property?

Generator size is determined by the total wattage of the circuits or equipment you want to power. A small home may need only a 7–11 kW unit for essentials, while larger residences often choose 16–22 kW models to cover whole-house loads. Commercial sites can range anywhere from 25 kW to several hundred kW. During our free on-site assessment, a licensed electrician will calculate your starting (surge) and running wattage, consider future expansion, review local codes, and recommend the appropriately sized generator and automatic transfer switch.

What is the typical cost of purchasing and installing a standby generator in McMinnville?

Costs vary with capacity, fuel type, and site conditions. For most homes, equipment plus professional installation averages $8,000–$14,000. Whole-house and small commercial systems can range $15,000–$35,000, while larger commercial/industrial generators may exceed $50,000. Our quotes are turnkey: they include permitting with Yamhill County, concrete pad or approved base, gas line installation, electrical interconnection, and start-up testing—so you know the exact investment before work begins.

How often does my generator need maintenance and who performs it?

Standby generators should receive preventive maintenance every 6–12 months or after 200 hours of runtime, whichever comes first. Service includes oil and filter changes, battery inspection, spark-plug replacement, firmware updates, and a full exercise test under load. Our factory-certified technicians offer affordable maintenance agreements, remote monitoring options, and 24/7 emergency repairs to ensure your system is always ready when the next outage hits.

Can the generator be connected to my existing electrical panel, and will it start automatically?

Yes. We install an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that communicates between the utility feed and the generator. The ATS isolates your home or business from the grid during an outage and signals the generator to start within seconds—no manual intervention required. We coordinate any panel upgrades that may be needed to meet current NEC standards and local McMinnville Building Division requirements.

What fuel options are available, and which is best for McMinnville?

Most residential and light-commercial generators run on natural gas or propane. Natural gas is convenient if your property already has a NW Natural service line, offering continuous fuel without refilling. Propane is ideal for rural properties outside the gas grid; it stores indefinitely and burns cleanly. Larger commercial units may use diesel for higher power density. During our consultation we review fuel availability, runtime needs, environmental considerations, and budget to recommend the optimal choice for your situation.