How long does a whole-house generator last?

<div>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

<div>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:<ul><li>Refrigerator: 600 watts</li><li>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</li><li>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</li><li>Water heater: 3,000 watts</li></ul>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </div>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

Get matched with top generator installers in Grand Rapids, MI

Q: How much does a whole-house generator cost?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">Installing a whole-house generator costs</a> about $5,000 on average. Prices range from $1,550 to $8,500, depending on size, brand, fuel type, and assembly. The size of your whole-house generator is the most significant cost factor, with large homes with high energy demands costing the most to power. Types of whole-home generators include:<ul><li>Portable generators with 1kW&ndash;7.5kW capacity: $500&ndash;$2,000</li><li>Partial generators with 9kW&ndash;20kW capacity: $2,000&ndash;$6,300</li><li>Whole-house generators with 22kW&ndash;48kW: $5,000&ndash;$18,000</li></ul></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

There are 4 highly-rated local generator installers.

Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Grand Rapids, MI

*The Angi rating for Generator Installation companies in Grand Rapids, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Installation companies in Grand Rapids, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Installation needs.

Last update on May 21, 2025

Reviewed in January 2017
After installing a part it still would not work. Steve was very fair about pricing to replace my old generator. And the replacement went without a hitch. He even took care of calling a plumber to re-fit the gas line which was included in the price.
Control Electric Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2015
I bought a whole house automatic generator from Costco. But when I got quotes from various so called reputable companies to do the installation I found that they had two installation prices. One price was for if I bought the generator from them and then a second, much more expensive price for...
Control Electric Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2012
I solicited quotes from four companies that installed whole house generators. The Control Electric quote was the lowest quote for a higher quality generator. They came out and estimated my electrical needs and recommended a Kohler 20KW generator with an automatic transfer switch and remote...
Control Electric Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2018
Loved working with Control Electric. They were professional, punctual and the result was high-quality.
Control Electric Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2019
It went great! Took about 6 hours from start to finish and everything looked clean and professionally done. Did a test run, they took some time and gave me a good understanding of how the system operates as well as answering any questions I had. Would not hesitate to use these guys again.
3 PHAZE ELECTRIC LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2014
Contacted at the end of August for a generator estimate. Was told would receive within 10 days. We called again after 21/2 weeks and were told Steve was out of town and we should get an answer within a few days. Six weeks later,still no estimate and when we followed up, he just said he wasnt...
Control Electric Inc
Request a quote