Get matched with top generator install pros in San Marcos, CA

Q: Is a natural gas generator less expensive than using electricity?

• <div><p>Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It&rsquo;s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator&rsquo;s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.</p></div>

Q: Can you run a whole-house generator constantly?

• <div><p>Yes, whole-house generators run constantly for extended periods. Whole-house generators can run for longer periods of time than portable generators, but be careful. First, they may need regular applications of engine oil (as frequently as daily), depending on the engine design. Second, running constantly for several days will increase the wear and tear on the generator and shorten its lifespan.</p></div>

Q: What size of diesel generator do you need to run a house?

• <div><p>Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">electrical load</a> of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.</p><p>In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. </p></div>

Q: Do you have to turn off the main breaker when using a generator?

• <div><p>As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: Should I buy a solar battery or a generator?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re deciding between a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/solar-batteries-vs-generators.htm">solar battery versus a generator</a> for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don&rsquo;t have many ongoing costs. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in San Marcos, CA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in San Marcos, 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 San Marcos, 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 November 01, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Initially spoke with Chris very helpful connect me with Jon his knowledge and experience is helpful installing a pump in a brewery is work was time sensitive could not be more appreciative I would recommend them to anyone a lot of the communication was after hours and they were very generous...
Capital Shield Electric Company, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2024
Where other companies just assumed a generic installation, Walter Electric spent a lot of time planning a customized arrangement that worked best for our particular layout. They gave more options and suggestions, and it made all the difference in the end. I would definitely recommend them to...
Walter Electric
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Reviewed in March 2017
They provided an honest estimate. Work was fast and friendly. Very polite in general. Pretty detailed. Pretty much accurate for the valve and for the work.
Eastlake Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in October 2016
Nathan was professional, thorough, friendly, personable, and fairly priced. We have already used his services again for other random house issues that needed fixing and to inspect our Home Depot flooring installation. He is our new go to general contractor!
Flood Doctor Restoration & Construction
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Reviewed in November 2014
They were too Replace garage door rollers and drums and general maintenance of garage doors. In addition they were to replace garage door trim. In general they did a good job everything looks good works good. I have one nail in a tire and have pictures of 13 other nails left in my garage and...
Garage Door Medics
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Reviewed in January 2014
I have used Boyland electric to service my full house generator. I also used to them to solve an electrical problem on my well water pump. I am very happy with their service. They once replaced the battery of the generator. They quickly fixed the electrical problem of the well pump after another...
Boyland Electric Inc
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Reviewed in January 2013
Generally goes very well. Invoice can be confusing. I did have to call and have them explain it to me. That's an area they need to work on. Otherwise everything is fine.
Barrett Propane
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Reviewed in November 2012
They were very efficient. They were mostly on time and performed all the things I requested. They were generally neat in their work habits. I was very pleased with them.
SAN DIEGO KITCHEN PRO'S
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Reviewed in February 2011
DePrizio Development, Inc. installed rain gutters on our new construction project. DePrizio Development was also our general contractor for our new construction project. Everything looks great!
DePrizio Development Inc
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Reviewed in April 2005
OVERALL EXPERIENCE WAS VERY POSITIVE. A REPRESENTATIVE CAME OUT AND CONSULTED WITH ME BEFORE GIVING ME A PERSONALIZED, COMPUTER GENERATED, DRAFT OF THE PROPOSED FINISHED PRODUCT. TURNAROUND TIME AND INSTALLATION WAS COMPLETED IN A TIMELY MANNER.
California Closets
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