Get matched with top generator install pros in Empire, CA

Q: 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&rsquo;ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you&rsquo;ll recoup that amount later on when you don&rsquo;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>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></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>

Q: Can I plug a generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That&rsquo;s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-put-out-electrical-fire.htm">electrical fire</a> or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.</p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need to run a fridge?

• <div><p>While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you&rsquo;ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Empire, CA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Empire, 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 Empire, 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 January 17, 2026

Reviewed in October 2025
Used Ergeon to install a front yard fence. The vinyl fence was good quality and environmentally esthetic. The staff and installers were quick, courteous and professional. I've received several compliments about my fence from my neighbors. I highly recommend Ergeon for your fence ideas and...
Ergeon
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Reviewed in March 2025
We are very pleased with the excavation work. Akua was very professional and communicated throughout the process. I would highly recommend Po Brothers and will definitely use them again.
Po Brothers LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Installers were very professional, and cleaned up after they completed the installation
Lobo Appliance Installations
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Reviewed in January 2024
Kyle G. was an amazing plumber. He was very friendly and professional. He was able to pinpoint the problem right away and fixed everything within a short period of time. Discount Plumbing should feel very lucky to have such a professional young man working for them. I will definitely refer...
Discount Plumbing, Heating & Air
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Reviewed in October 2021
The technician had a cancellation so he was able to come early and install the 2 new outlets and re-installed the ceiling fan correctly and hooked everything up. Was very professional and went above what was asked to make sure everything was safe and installed correctly.
AA Guaranteed Electric
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Reviewed in September 2021
I would highly recommend! They trimmed and thinned out my large tree in the front yard along with a small tree as well. In the back they trimmed 2 huge trees in my neighbors yard that had grown over onto our property. They were very pleasant and did a wonderful job.
Carranza Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2021
Dishwasher install was quickly installed, cleaned up and was gone. Very good
TruFix Repair
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Reviewed in May 2021
Very professional and the team helped us out when we had a very tight timeline, we had a hot water pipe burst and soaked our laminate flooring and walls, AdvantaClean responded quickly and we were able to move on to the remodeling to restore our house. Thank you again for a job very well done!
Advanta Clean of Central Valley
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Reviewed in April 2021
I was pleased with Custom Tree Care. They arrived, got to work and got the job done for a reasonable price.
Custom Tree Care
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Reviewed in June 2020
Al came with his assistant and did a great job. I actually referred him to a friend, and he was able to get to her first because I was waiting for delivery of the item he was installing. She was very pleased with the results. Al and his assistant were very polite and respectful and explained the...
CC & Son's Plumbing Solutions, Inc.
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