How long does a whole-house generator last?

• <div><p>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to <b>20 years</b>. <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 <b>$150 to $300 per year</b> 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. </p></div>

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Q: Is using a generator safe?

• <div><p>As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it&rsquo;s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator&rsquo;s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.</p></div>

Q: Can you use your electric car as a backup battery?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/using-electric-car-as-home-generator.htm">if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery</a>, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.</p></div>

Q: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

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

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">cost to install a whole-house generator</a> averages at <b>$5,200</b>, but costs can range from <b>$1,500 to $8,900,</b> depending on the type and size of the generator, and the labor required to install it. To find the best deal while still ensuring the unit meets all the needs of your household, hire an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your must-have appliances and electronics beforehand so you don&rsquo;t pay for more power than you need. As always, be sure to get at least three quotes to find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Kotzebue, AK

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

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

Last update on October 25, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
I was in a bind with a garage fire that left the boiler and plumbing exposed to incoming -23 degrees temperatures of November 30th. The fine people at Alaska's Best Heating and plumbing came over the day I first called and gave me the bad news of having to replace the entire unit. They bent...
Alaska Best Heating and Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in January 2018
Great service! Tom and Sam squeezed us in first thing Monday morning at -20 to come take a look at our well system that had failed over the weekend. They pulled the well pipe down to the pump and found a hole just above the pump that was causing the system to loose pressure. They replaced that...
Alaskan Drilling, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2017
As always, Romero's did awesome. They worked me into a packed schedule, and even came last minute as I didn't realize my dishwasher had to be hardwired in and I was leaving town. During the dishwasher installation he discovered that too many outlets were on one line, so he installed a new...
ROMERO'S LICENSED ELECTRICAL COMPANY
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Reviewed in September 2016
We had Dan's Dump Runs remove an old shed, throughly clean the surrounding area in backyard, and install a gravel bed for the new shed we are installing. Dan is a ex-military guy, and it shows - very punctual, meets the quoted price, no surprises while the job is underway, and leaves the...
Dans Dump Runs LLC
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Reviewed in June 2016
In May Perma Fence gave us a quote. Before work could proceed, we had another business cut down some trees in the area. Work began at the end of May with putting in the posts and was finished June 5 after all the material came in. The fence is very well installed and of good quality materials.
Perma Fence
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Reviewed in March 2014
They arrived faster than any other company could. The two workers were friendly. They brought their truck that has a steam generator in the back. They promptly got to work and started making progress. Eventually, though, their progress slowed. After a few minutes they realized their water tank...
Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing
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Reviewed in January 2013
They showed up when expected,and very polite. They were to install new carpet as the carpet they installed the first time had a defect. they were prompt getting to my house but when they were finished I had terrible carpet seams that did not match up where it was perfect before. I told them...
Ray's Installation Service
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Reviewed in August 2012
The WORST! He only works with insurance companys(ie home warranty;fidelity, home warranty and others) He treated me and my family like idiots. Not polite at all and very arrogant, it was like we inconvenienced him. He had no manners, did not wear shoe protectors and generally just a real a**....
TOM RODGERS ENTERPRISES LLC
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Reviewed in November 2011
I needed to replace the muffler on a friend's VW Jetta. I called several places and had a lot of difficulty finding what I needed. Most muffler shops don't sell any parts to individuals because they want to be the ones to do the installation. (I wanted to do the work myself and save some $$)....
HAWAII IMPORT PARTS
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it’s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator’s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.

When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. Costs to maintain and repair generators 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.

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

The cost to install a whole-house generator averages at $5,200, but costs can range from $1,500 to $8,900, depending on the type and size of the generator, and the labor required to install it. To find the best deal while still ensuring the unit meets all the needs of your household, hire an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your must-have appliances and electronics beforehand so you don’t pay for more power than you need. As always, be sure to get at least three quotes to find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.

The Kotzebue, AK homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Breyden Kellam
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Breyden Kellam
•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Propane vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Struggling to choose the best generator for your electricity needs? Compare propane vs. natural gas generators to help you make the right choice.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Can a Generator Get Wet? What You Need to Know
Can a generator get wet? Protective covers are necessary for using a portable generator in the rain, and they shouldn’t be used in extreme weather.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 26, 2025Mar 26, 2025
Pros and Cons of a Whole-House Generator
Whole house generators can power homes when electric problems hit, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know when you’re thinking about buying.