Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

What size generator do I need for a 1500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-many-watts-house.htm">total wattage</a> of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.</p></div>

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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Strawberry, AZ

Q: How big of a generator do I need for a transfer switch?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s largest outlet is 30 amps, you&rsquo;ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.</p></div>

Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Strawberry, AZ

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Strawberry, 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 Strawberry, 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 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 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 Strawberry

HALE ELECTRIC LLC

HALE ELECTRIC LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

1 years of experience

Hale Electric LLC.We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today! 10+ exp.

"Hale Electric came and ran power and set an RV pedestal for me. The work was done in a timely manner, mess was cleaned up and most of all the work was quality. Thank you!"

Trais B on July 2024

"Hale Electric came and ran power and set an RV pedestal for me. The work was done in a timely manner, mess was cleaned up and most of all the work was quality. Thank you!"

Trais B on July 2024

Gruber Power Services

21613 N 2nd Ave

No reviews yet

Gruber Power Services

21613 N 2nd Ave

No reviews yet

41 years of experience

Gruber Power Services has been providing power protection solutions since 1984! Our expertise ranges from small PC based power protection products, to the largest of UPS/Power Conditioning and Distribution Systems, and encompasses all the technologies available from solid-state products, to rotary and engine generator design systems. Our corporate headquarters is located in the "Valley of the Sun" or better known as Phoenix, Arizona. The wonderful weather nearly year-round helps us attract and retain a very talented labor force. We enjoy visitors and welcome you to experience our hospitality.

ZEO LLC

2541 S Village Dr

No reviews yet

ZEO LLC

2541 S Village Dr

No reviews yet

Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Flooring, Tile, Painting, Landscaping and Custom Work.

BRYDEN'S AUTO SVC INC

2730 E McDowell Road

5.00(

)

BRYDEN'S AUTO SVC INC

2730 E McDowell Road

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

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

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

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.

A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.

A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

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.

The Strawberry, 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]
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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.
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How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
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•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
How Much Propane Does a Whole-House Generator Use?
When the power goes out, your whole house generator can keep your home running if it has enough propane to fuel it. Read our guide to propane use for whole house generators to determine how much you need.
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•
Mar 11, 2025Mar 11, 2025
How Long Can a Whole-House Generator Run Continuously?
The type of generator and its fuel source can make the difference between whether it provides temporary relief of long-term comfort. Find out how long a whole house generator can run continuously.
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•
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.