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Proper Power Electric
5.0(
5
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Foster City, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time2 days
Response rate100%
Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.
4.1(
31
)
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Foster City, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I had my garden and bathroom remodel done. Albert and Samuel were professional, friendly, and a delight to work with. They're responsive and reliable. I also like the subcontractors whom they used on my project. They kept me informed of everything and I appreciate their excellent work."
Response time5 days
Recommended by77%of homeowners
Avatar for Vilroy
Vilroy
New to Angi
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Foster City, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

With over 28 years of experience in residential and commercial electrical services, I am a fully licensed electrician in the State of California, committed to delivering excellence in every project.\n\nMy work is built on precision, safety, and strict compliance with California electrical codes. From panel and subpanel upgrades to three-phase systems, transformers, lighting installations, and advanced troubleshooting, every job is executed with professionalism and attention to detail.\n\nI don’t just complete projects — I deliver safe, efficient, and long-lasting electrical solutions.\n\nProfessional. Reliable. Done right the first time.

Avatar for GT Handyman Services and Junk Removal
GT Handyman Services and Junk Removal
New to Angi
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Foster City, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

I provide a complete property care service, handling everything from minor electrical repairs and general household fixes to full junk removal. Whether you need a light switch swapped out, a ceiling fan installed, or an entire garage cleared, I am your one-call solution. I save you the hassle of hiring multiple contractors by taking care of the repairs and hauling away the mess all at once.

Avatar for Thunder electric
Thunder electric
New to Angi
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Foster City, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

A warm greeting to all. My name is Carlos, and I'm an electrician with over six years of experience doing residential and commercial work. Over the years, I've gained a lot of experience, and I'm currently studying to obtain my electrical contractor's license. I would be happy to work for you.

Full home wiring
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. 

Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.

With proper maintenance, a whole-house generator can last between 20 and 40 years. The specific lifespan depends on how often and for how long the generator is used, and some models may have their life expectancy rated in hours of operation. To maximize its lifespan, expect to spend around $150 to $300 per year for annual maintenance checks from a qualified technician. During these checks, a technician will inspect the engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels. Consulting your installer and choosing a low-impact fuel like natural gas or diesel can also help ensure your generator lasts as long as possible.

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.

The Foster City, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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