Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Arab, AL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Arab, AL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Arab

Avatar for Mr. Electric of Huntsville
Mr. Electric of Huntsville
4.6(
92
)

Serving Arab, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This was the first time I used Home Advisor to find a contractor. Home Advisor linked me with Mr. Electric who did an outstanding job. They were on time, on budget, courteous, professional, and totally a pleasure to work with. Thomas installed a 50 and 30 amp service for us at our property servicing two RV lots as well as installed a power pole with a meter box for the power company to tie into. Jan was a pleasure to work with as she was the voice for the company dealing from everything from scheduling to invoice as well as general questions. Jan was very pleaseant and professional. We will use Mr. Electric in the future and highly recommend their service..."
EV Charger Install
EV Charger Install
Electrical Upgrade in Home Shop
panel upgrade
panel upgrade

+15

42 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for APS Lighting and Electrical LLC
APS Lighting and Electrical LLC
5.0(
5
)

Serving Arab, AL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"This is our go to electrical contractor for all of our commerical projects. They communicate clearly, arrive on time, and complete everything efficiently and professionally with quality always in mind. Their attention to detail and reliability always help the projects to run smoothly. Can’t recommend them enough for whatever you need done!"
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical
Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical
4.5(
38
)

Serving Arab, AL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, & Electrical, established in 1990, stands for quality and reliability. With our 'Happy You'll Be or the Service is Free' guarantee, we are dedicated to customer satisfaction in Huntsville and the surrounding communities. Our plumbers provide emergency repairs, sewer line service, and expert installation or repair of water heaters. Our HVAC specialists ensure your comfort with preventative maintenance, air conditioning and furnace repairs, for year-round comfort. Our licensed and insured electricians offer prompt emergency response, custom upgrades, and safe, thorough electrical fixes for both residential and commercial properties. Hiller is your trusted provider for all your home service needs.

15 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Tommy Vaughn
Tommy Vaughn
4.3(
25
)

Serving Arab, AL and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Overall it went well. He had to reschedule twice, and both times I was not notified he was not going to make it. I had to call multiple times to find out. Once he did show up, he installed the box in the ceiling which turned out to be a harder job than was anticipated. The box works and my ceiling fan is working great."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+14

Recommended by94%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 36
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

Natural gas generators are designed to run for extended periods of time, such as power outages during a natural disaster. Since there’s no limit to the supply of natural gas, they don’t need to stop for refills. However, generators do need maintenance, including pauses to check and add oil. Constantly running them will also cause a lot more wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan.

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

If your home already has a grinder pump and you’re still noticing issues (like frequently clogged toilets and sinks), it could be time to upgrade your grinder pump. Start by checking your existing horsepower. If there are four or fewer people living in your home, using a 1/2-horsepower grinder pump should be sufficient. Larger households should consider investing in a 1-horsepower grinder pump to maximize wastewater removal efforts.

The Arab, AL homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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