How does a generator transfer switch save me money?

• <div><p>It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hook-up-generator-to-house.htm">hook up of a generator to your home</a>. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Portal, AZ

Q: Are natural gas generators worth it?

• <div><p>While natural gas generators are costly, they&rsquo;re a great option for standby power due to the reliability of natural gas as a fuel source. Unlike other fuels, natural gas is delivered through underground pipes, making outages extremely rare and less likely to be affected by the elements. As long as the area isn&rsquo;t prone to earthquakes, they offer an unlimited supply of natural gas that doesn&rsquo;t degrade over time or require storage in tanks.</p></div>

Q: Can you run a whole-house generator constantly?

• <div><p>Yes, whole-house generators run constantly for extended periods. Whole-house generators can run for longer periods of time than portable generators, but be careful. First, they may need regular applications of engine oil (as frequently as daily), depending on the engine design. Second, running constantly for several days will increase the wear and tear on the generator and shorten its lifespan.</p></div>

Q: Can you plug a generator directly into your house?

• <div><p>No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.</p></div>

Q: How much horsepower do I need?

• <div><p>If your home already has a grinder pump and you&rsquo;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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Portal, AZ

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Portal, AZ 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 Portal, AZ 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 27, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Mike was here when he said he would be. Found the problem but didn’t have the part. He got the right part over a weekend and installed it had me up and running. Great customer service and is very knowledgeable. I would use him again if needed, highly recommended him!!!!!!!
ETA APPLIANCE
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Reviewed in April 2024
From my first phone call, to final install, they kept an open line of communication. The employees were very courteous and friendly. I am very pleased with my experience with ESC!
Energy Conservation Specialist, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
We were very pleased with everything from the install to the final walk through. We liked that Sunny Energy had their own materials and equipment; they didn't have to contact someone else to install the product. Everyone we worked with was professional, courteous and responded quickly. A...
Sunny Energy, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2022
Our tile installer was awesome. Very detailed oriented.
Empire Today - Phoenix
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Reviewed in December 2018
Everything went well. From the customer service representatives on the phone to the installer - all were courteous and professional. The work was performed in a timely manner. I have used this company before and they continue to be easy to work with, thoughtful and helpful. We are very satisfied...
SafePro Auto Glass
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Reviewed in June 2017
Well, A/C is 10 years old, they did an inspection and evaluation. The capacitor was in need of replacement and was probably costing us in higher electric bills. Also they installed a programmable thermostat for us. We were very pleased.
ProSkill Plumbing, Heating & Air
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Reviewed in April 2016
After visiting the Classy Closets showroom in Chandler, I was given a card to contact one of the designers, Cristin Young. I emailed her in the late afternoon, 4ish, with a brief statement and description of the drawers and shelves I wanted in that deep niche. Dimensions of the space were...
Classy Closets
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Reviewed in December 2012
My husband and I live on a hill, and the steep driveway has been eroding for years. Efforts to fix it ourselves had been in vain, as portions of the driveway contain caliche, and the center of the driveway had eroded to the point where water was flowing down the center of the road during rain...
CROSS BROTHERS CONTRACTING INC
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Find Generator install pros in Portal

Bryden's Auto Service has been in business since 1995.We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.We are a Full service repair facility.We have ASE certified Master Technicians.We offer service for foreign and domestic vehicles including diesel vehicles.We are located at 2730 E. McDowell Rd. Suite #1 in Phoenix,Az. Quality workmanship and customer service is our number one priority.We care about getting your car in great shape as quickly as possible so you can get back on the road and on with your life.

"My son needed assistance in getting his Cadillac through emissions. I went to a lot of places. They all wanted at least 3 times the value of the vehicle. I went on the DMV website and searched for mechanics with a 100 percent pass rate. I found Bryden's and found good reviews. Went in. Met a mechanic that was friendly. Explained everything and laid out the options and made it downright affordable. They did the repair and physically took it though emissions. Specifically track down an intake leak on a 2001 Cadillac Seville STS. Not an easy task. Job done. Very pleased with the service. I highly recommend them to not just do emissions but do other repairs."

Keith S on October 2018

"My son needed assistance in getting his Cadillac through emissions. I went to a lot of places. They all wanted at least 3 times the value of the vehicle. I went on the DMV website and searched for mechanics with a 100 percent pass rate. I found Bryden's and found good reviews. Went in. Met a mechanic that was friendly. Explained everything and laid out the options and made it downright affordable. They did the repair and physically took it though emissions. Specifically track down an intake leak on a 2001 Cadillac Seville STS. Not an easy task. Job done. Very pleased with the service. I highly recommend them to not just do emissions but do other repairs."

Keith S on October 2018

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

R & R ELECTRIC LLC

4410 N FORT GRANT RD

5.00(

)

R & R ELECTRIC LLC

4410 N FORT GRANT RD

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Residential and Commercial Electrical Contractor

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

While natural gas generators are costly, they’re a great option for standby power due to the reliability of natural gas as a fuel source. Unlike other fuels, natural gas is delivered through underground pipes, making outages extremely rare and less likely to be affected by the elements. As long as the area isn’t prone to earthquakes, they offer an unlimited supply of natural gas that doesn’t degrade over time or require storage in tanks.

Yes, whole-house generators run constantly for extended periods. Whole-house generators can run for longer periods of time than portable generators, but be careful. First, they may need regular applications of engine oil (as frequently as daily), depending on the engine design. Second, running constantly for several days will increase the wear and tear on the generator and shorten its lifespan.

No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home.

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 Portal, AZ 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
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Gas Generator vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Before deciding between a gas generator and a natural gas generator, explore the differences. Compare gas vs. natural gas generator with our informative guide.
Kat Brancato
•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
Who Can I Hire to Fix a Generator?
Searching for a pro who can fix a generator? Consider hiring a generator technician or an electrician to handle the job.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 10, 2025Mar 10, 2025
How Do Whole-House Generators Work?
Whole house generators are a power alternative that can deal with frequent blackouts and other problems. Here’s how they function.