How many days can a standby generator run continuously?

• <div>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-can-whole-house-generator-run-continuously.htm">amount of time a standby generator can run continuously</a> is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.</div>

• <div>When installed and used correctly, generators are safe to use. The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/power-out-3-tips-safely-operate-home-generator.htm">most critical generator safety tips</a> to keep in mind are:<ul><li>Never use a portable generator inside an enclosed space, as the carbon monoxide exhaust it creates is lethal.</li><li>Never attempt to connect your generator to your home’s electrical panel independently; hire a professional for this dangerous job.</li><li>Never overload your generator by connecting more appliances than for which it’s rated; you can damage your generator and appliances or even cause a fire.</li></ul></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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Catheys Valley, CA

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>

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

• <div>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.</div>

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

• <div>The typical <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">cost of a home generator</a> is around $5,000, but prices range from $400 up to $13,000, depending on a few factors. The most significant cost factor is the generator size, as larger generators that can support more square footage usually cost more. You can install an emergency backup generator for between $500 and $2,000 or a partial-home generator for between $2,000 and $6,500. Whole-home generators usually total between $5,000 and $13,000, with some models climbing as high as $18,000.</div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Catheys Valley, CA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Catheys Valley, 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 Catheys Valley, 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 October 27, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Jason from Parabellum cleaned our solar panels. He did an amazing job! Extremely professional and meticulous. He cleaned our panels in June, and the past 2 months we have generated more electricity than we have used. This is the first time we have had a credit in 9 years.
Parabellum Pro Cleaners LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Extremely quick to quote and schedule an install date.
Paul Martin Line Striping And Seal Coating
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2024
Pablo did an excellent work in installaling 220 volt receptable/outlet with 50 amp circuit for level 2 charging of EV. He was on time, professional and good communicator. Setting an appointment was a brisk - same day contact and job completion. He is highly recommendable! Thank you Pablo.
Vasquez Electric
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2024
On 9/29/24, Justin from Noble came out to install a toilet flange riser. He looked at it and told me it would be between $450 and $550. I felt that was a very high price but a toilet is a necessity. It took him 2 hours from start to finish, but over an hour of that time, he was out buying parts...
Noble Plumbing, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2022
Sam is a very knowledgeable and professional A/C repair person. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing A/C service or installation.
The Air Doctor Heating & Air
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2021
Franco was easy to work with on our backyard sod install. The crew came on time and did a good job. It makes me smile every morning to look out the back door and see our yard.
Sierra Landscape
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2019
Truly impressed from my first contact with office staff, scheduling & installation. I live in Fresno--my mother is in Atwater/Livingston--so always anxious to find quality professionals to do the work and be in her home. "Ivan" confirmed arrival time and what I wanted re: installation of...
Cosmic Comfort
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2015
These guys showed up on time to pick up the swamp cooler at HomeDpot and installed it record time. They took away the old one. the labor price was a lot less than I thought it would be. I am very happy with their cost and work.
Sears Roofing
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
They are generally nice people, but the level of expertise changes depending on who is working, so I get different answers each time I go. One of the staff actually gave me the wrong dosage amount because she didn't believe me that my pool was the size it was (their computer was down), so I paid...
LESLIE'S SWIMMING POOL SUPLS
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2011
Gene does an excellent job. This is the second time I have used his service. He is punctual, courteous and very reasonably priced.
GENE'S ULTRASONIC CLEANING
Request a quote

Find Generator install pros in Catheys Valley

AR Power Systems LLC

3210 South Willis St

No reviews yet

AR Power Systems LLC

3210 South Willis St

No reviews yet

1 years of experience

We Specialize in Power Generation. Our team is trained/Led by an ex Air Force technician. We can respond to military bases. Our lead tech has also worked on the civilian side in both residential and commercial. Also in Telecom industry. Our team lead has worked on gens from residential homes up to 2 megawatt Gens supporting the Air Force in Space surveillance. Attention to detail is always practiced.

All Gen Services LLC

5270 E Geary St

No reviews yet

All Gen Services LLC

5270 E Geary St

No reviews yet

All Gen Services LLc is a owner-operated Generac Authorized Sales, service, and parts Dealer. We offer wide variety of Services for home standby units such warranty repairs, general recommended maintenance, as well as emergency on-call. If your looking into purchasing and have one installed we offer free qoutes! As owner-operater I strive to be deliver exceptional customer service and honest quality work that you can count on.

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

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.

When installed and used correctly, generators are safe to use. The most critical generator safety tips to keep in mind are:

Never use a portable generator inside an enclosed space, as the carbon monoxide exhaust it creates is lethal.
Never attempt to connect your generator to your home’s electrical panel independently; hire a professional for this dangerous job.
Never overload your generator by connecting more appliances than for which it’s rated; you can damage your generator and appliances or even cause a fire.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

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.

The typical cost of a home generator is around $5,000, but prices range from $400 up to $13,000, depending on a few factors. The most significant cost factor is the generator size, as larger generators that can support more square footage usually cost more. You can install an emergency backup generator for between $500 and $2,000 or a partial-home generator for between $2,000 and $6,500. Whole-home generators usually total between $5,000 and $13,000, with some models climbing as high as $18,000.

The Catheys Valley, CA 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.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.
Breyden Kellam
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Do Natural Gas Generators Produce Carbon Monoxide? A Complete Guide
Natural gas generators emit carbon monoxide, a harmful gas. Learn about what carbon monoxide is and tips to operate your generator safely.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.