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>

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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 15 highly-rated local generator installers.

Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Tampa, FL

*The Angi rating for Generator Installation companies in Tampa, FL 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 Tampa, FL 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 14, 2025

Reviewed in October 2024
It was an emergency situation and Edgar and his coworker were there and did a fantastic job procuring and installing the generator within a 24-to-36-hour window.
Dynamo Power Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Electrical Masters team was great - I normally don't leave reviews but I felt secure my home was in great hands. they were perofiessonal and it was clear they knew what they were doing and had been doing this a long time. Which is why I chose them to begin with- I would hire them again.
Electrical Masters by MJR, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2013
They did these works professionally. That's way I asked two times. But, I am not sure these prices are good.
Bolt Electric
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Reviewed in March 2014
Very good customer service. This job entailed going into the attic and installing bracing to carry the weight of the light.
Small Jobs Electric
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Reviewed in August 2023
Exactly as he said! Prompt, clean, and effective! We lost our power, or at least partially, and Mike was helpful from the start. Had us cut the power so nothing would be damaged and was out checking the problem with in a couple hours. The amazing part of it all was that it was fixed correctly...
Mike Hawkins Electric, Inc
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Reviewed in December 2024
This is a terrible company. Nobody answers the phone or returns phone calls. My generator was installed after long delays. The enclosure they built does not drain well. The door for the enclosure was never installed. I have called many times and left messages. They wanted me to sign a...
Generx Generators
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