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Avatar for Keil Electric
Keil Electric
5.0(
12
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Andy did a great job on wiring a new building as well as adding cat 5 wiring to my existing home. He worked around some challenging access issues for the cat 5 install and made sure everything was working before he left. The quality of all the work was outstanding. He provided some good advice in one aspect of the install in the new build, helping me avoid a costly mistake. He was very friendly, timely, and easy to work with. His prices were entirely fair. I 100% recommend Andy!"
CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
Outdoor Electrical Installation
Interior Lighting Upgrade
Outdoor Electrical Setup with Lighting Integration
Master Level Electrical

+54

8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by63%of homeowners
Avatar for Solar Service Professionals, Inc.
Solar Service Professionals, Inc.
4.9(
56
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This team installs and services solar installations which makes the quality of their work better. They see what breaks over time on other projects and bring this experience to their own. This is my third project with them. My first was servicing a short in my system caused by an oversight by a different installer who had gone out of business."
Solar Repair & Maintenance
Installed Critter Guard
Squirrel home near solar panels
Solar Panel Re-install After Roof Repair
Solar Panel Packages

+298

1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by67%of homeowners
Avatar for Mister Sparky Electric
Mister Sparky Electric
4.7(
15
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

"I had Mister Sparky come out to install a ceiling fan at my house and the experience was great from start to finish. The technician was professional, showed up on time, and got everything installed quickly and cleanly. You can tell they take pride in their work and pay attention to the details. If you’re looking for a reliable electrical company that does quality work, I’d definitely recommend Mister Sparky."
Electrical
211 neighbors recently requested a quote
Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.
4.1(
31
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I hired home pro remodeling to put pavers on my back yard and to install flloring thorough out the whole house I'm super setasfied with the work and the service . The company also provided me great financial options which I used thank you kobi Leo and Lucas for your great service . Highly recommend them for everyone"
Response time5 days
Recommended by77%of homeowners
Avatar for Eddie's electric
Eddie's electric
5.0(
1
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"Excellent work. From the start he showed professionalism, punctuality, and great attention to detail. The installation was clean, well organized, and working perfectly both indoors and outdoors. He also explained everything clearly and made sure everything was safe and ready to use. I definitely recommend him for any electrical work — reliable service and top-quality results."
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.

Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:

  • Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000

  • Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000–$6,500

  • Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000–$18,000

To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.

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.

DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.

The El Cajon, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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