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Avatar for Gridwise Electric
Gridwise Electric
5.0(
10
)
Portable Generator - RepairFixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair+3 more

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We used Gridwise for a lighting install and I’m picky about finish details. Miguel did a nice job and the fixtures are straight, plates look clean, and nothing feels “patched.” They also helped us sort out switch groupings so it works in real life (not just on paper). They showed up when they said they would, and the place wasn’t left dusty afterward."
Junction box
Main panel
Framing phase
Construction Electrical
Construction Electrical

+3

14 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Villa Handyman - Unlicensed Contractor
Villa Handyman - Unlicensed Contractor
4.6(
47
)
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Customers say: True professional

"Armando is very professional, and I almost did not hire him because of a previous review he had on his feedback. Therefore, I received another quote from a higher rated area contractor who also stated prices were better. The other company failed to show up as scheduled, but arrived the following day and his prices were higher than Armandos quote. He did a fantastic job, price was fair, and was promt. He is trust worthy too, I had to run to my daughters college, 3.5 hours later, I arrived back at home..everything was perfectly installed, other items working in tip-top shape. He is respectful, and he is picks up after himself (and some of my extra dog hair too). Armando is my new, go to handyman. I am sure you will find him great.. He serves the Pleasanton area toom"
New remodel kitchen
Main water line replace
All cities projects well
All cities projects well
All cities projects well

+9

Response time4 hrs
Response rate89%
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Golden Bay Electric
Golden Bay Electric
4.9(
29
)
Portable Generator - Install

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Edgar is very detailed, respectful, professional with very good customer service! He showed up on time and completed the electric panel change sooner than expected! I have already referred him to my cross the street neighbor, Diane. Hopefully she will reach out soon for an estimate to change out her electrical panel too. Thank you ð ð"
Response time2 days
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Fatima Electric, Inc.
3.8(
71
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1976

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Stephen was knowledgeable about the Code requirements for Oakland (not all of the electricians who quoted on the job were) and flexible in working through the equipment needs (a panel and a subpanel). He and his crew (Jeff and Tom) were quick, clean and efficient in the installation and the price for the work was fair. I definitely would hire them again if I need more electrical work."
Response time2 days
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Avatar for Electric Tay
Electric Tay
5.0(
3
)
Generator - Install - For Business

Serving Kensington, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Classification C-10 especially Electrical license, from small and big jobs. Low voltage, data, electricall service panel. door bell by net's. Swap lighting. Electrical troubleshooting. And diagnostic. We are a locally owned and operated company with over 22 years of experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time8 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Home Pro Remodeling & Construction, Inc.
4.1(
31
)
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Kensington, 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
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

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.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

  • Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year 

  • Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year

  • Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year

  • Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year

  • Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit

  • Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

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 Kensington, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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