"He is extremely attentive to your needs . What he says will happen , does! He keeps all appointments and thoroughly explains what he plans to do. He is one of the most reliable, ethical , conscience businessman I have ever dealt with. I have recommended him to friends . He actually went out of his way to help Ill friends deal with their generator problems even though he had not installed it. He made arrangements for someone to fix the generator when he was not able. Highly recommended !"
"Jeremy is an incredibly efficient, kind, and hugely capable electrician. He spent the day at our house with his helpers installing a generator, and he dealt with every single problem that came up cheerfully and efficiently. I would highly recommend him to anyone for any size job. He makes himself available for any problems and is just overall a terrific person, who is extremely good at what does."
"Fair pricing, quality work. I have a quote from him and every month or so he completes another job on the list. Light installs, outlet installs etc. Work is done quickly and efficiently"
"They came out in the middle of a storm and promptly hooked the generator to my panel. While I thought I’d be running extension cords to my appliances it turned out that the whole house was up and running. I wish I had done this earlier. I would recommend MGT for any electrical needs. I will surely use them again."
"Ralph was great! He installed the cabling/power over my fireplace. He was thorough, neat and creative. I will definitely hire him again for future projects!"
"I highly recommend him for any electrical work! He has completed several projects at my home and has done a phenomenal job every time. He installed recessed lighting in three bedrooms and my bathrooms, as well as completed an outdoor project that required running new electrical wiring. His work is always professional, clean, and done right. He is extremely reliable, responsive, always shows up on time, and is willing to travel wherever the job is. His pricing is also very reasonable and economical for the quality of work he provides. On top of being a great electrician, he is a genuinely great person to work with. I will definitely continue using him for future projects and highly recommend him!"
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’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.
Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency.
The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.
Generator costs can be broken down by type:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000
Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500
Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000
To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.
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.
If you’re wondering whether gas generators produce carbon monoxide, know that natural gas generators do not produce carbon monoxide if they are functioning properly, as natural gas burns cleanly. However, if the generator malfunctions and the gas does not burn completely, there is potential for carbon dioxide to be produced. To prevent malfunctions, it's crucial to perform regular maintenance, including running the generator weekly and scheduling professional inspections every 6 to 12 months. Also, be sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they function in the rare case of the generator producing carbon monoxide.
The Cheshire, CT homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.
