What is the lifespan of a whole-house generator?

<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 1 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Capitola, CA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Capitola, CA 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 Capitola, CA 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 August 17, 2025

Reviewed in June 2025
Los Gatos Electric provided a great turn key operation. Jim coordinated delivery of the replacement generator, also coordinated enlarging the cement pad and installation of the unit. He replaced my 25 year old generator with a Generac Generator. And hooked it up to the existing automatic...
Los Gatos Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2024
GWES did a main electric panel upgrade on our house. Clean work, good communication and punctual with timing. My go to guys for all things electrical.
GreenWorld Electric Solutions LLC.
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Reviewed in June 2024
Quick, professional work with competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Showed up on time and got everything done efficiently and flawlessly. I have gotten several different services done from Warner Electric over the years and continue to be pleased with their work. I always recommend...
Warner Electric
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Reviewed in January 2024
Joe and his crew installed multiple different items at our house over the last couple years. -A generator transfer switch. -New can light fixtures. -Replaced all interior outlets. -Ran conduit on our back pergola for installed multiple outlets and a ceiling fan with a hard wired on/off...
LoDolce Electric
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Reviewed in November 2023
Everything thing went perfectly. When it was all do e Craig explained how Everything worked. He and his crew are very professional
MacQuarrie Electrical Services
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Reviewed in July 2021
I called Don and inquired about getting my RV Onan 4000 generator repaired. It would start then run a few minutes and shut down. Don ask a few questions and quickly guessed it to be a failing fuel pump. He said he had to the parts in stock and could come to my RV site and repair it the next...
Don's Electric Service
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Reviewed in July 2020
They were great! Very professional, knowledgeable, honest and reasonable. They didn’t try to push the most expensive option on me like the other companies I got a quote from did. We will be using them again and referring our neighbors too them! Thanks Genjazz!
GenJazz Building & Electrical Solutions
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Reviewed in November 2022
They were on time , which is rare nowadays, very professional appearance, very neat and clean, and completed all work on time...I would absolutely use them again and have recommended them.
Electrical Pro
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Reviewed in March 2021
He is very knowledgeable and responsive. He even helped us order a generator, he put in beautiful lighting, and he rewired a hot tub. We would highly recommend him and we would definitely hire him again.
Combs Electric
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Reviewed in February 2021
He was very responsive. We had delay with a faulty switch but once it was delivered he was very efficient to get the work done. I would definitely use his services again.
ARC Lighting & Electric
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