What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

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

Get matched with top generator install pros in Centerville, GA

There are 11 highly-rated local generator install pros.

TRUSTED BY CENTERVILLE, GA HOMEOWNERS

4.6
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Find Generator install pros in Centerville

HOCO Power, LLC

HOCO Power, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

47 local quotes requested

*Free Estimates* Licensed Christian contractor . Offering excellent workmanship and reliable service. Residential, commercial, and industrial. No job is too small. There is no per hour charge because a single price is given with the proposal and that is the price you pay ( there are no suprises!)

"I have used HOCO POWER several times over the past few years (after reading excellent reviews on Google). The workers - Brandon, Josh and Christian have always done a great job. Since I initially chose HOCO POWER because of their review, it is necessary to update their reviews with my own experiences. Chris Kemp, the owner of HOCO POWER, has made my project a nightmare. I learned from his son, Brandon, that they do carpentry work as well as electrical. I asked him to rebuild my greenhouse which was damaged in a recent storm. I agreed to pay his full asking price for labor ($8495) but stated I would purchase all materials ($2200+) before the project began. Two weeks later Mr. Kemp stated that he was finished and presented me with additional receipts for materials that he purchased (mostly without my knowledge) in the amount of $1325. Even though $300+ of these materials were questionable (i.e. hammer, broom, sodas, cement, etc.), I paid him the full $1325 he requested. He also stated that he had purchased $1298.43 in electrical supplies (for which there is no physical evidence). I asked him for receipts so that I could reimburse him. He stated that he was not going to show me any receipts and that I was “ignorant” for even requesting them. The only electric supplies present in my 12’x16’ greenhouse are 6 outlets, 2 switches, 30’ of Christmas lights and a ceiling fan. (See pictures). Note: I had a perfectly good working ceiling fan in the greenhouse before he took it down and left it out in the rain to be damaged. Two weeks after starting the project, he left my greenhouse unfinished and stated that he was going to put a lien on my home. The matter is currently being adjudicated. This review is my experience with HOCO POWER."

Garfield F on October 2023

"I have used HOCO POWER several times over the past few years (after reading excellent reviews on Google). The workers - Brandon, Josh and Christian have always done a great job. Since I initially chose HOCO POWER because of their review, it is necessary to update their reviews with my own experiences. Chris Kemp, the owner of HOCO POWER, has made my project a nightmare. I learned from his son, Brandon, that they do carpentry work as well as electrical. I asked him to rebuild my greenhouse which was damaged in a recent storm. I agreed to pay his full asking price for labor ($8495) but stated I would purchase all materials ($2200+) before the project began. Two weeks later Mr. Kemp stated that he was finished and presented me with additional receipts for materials that he purchased (mostly without my knowledge) in the amount of $1325. Even though $300+ of these materials were questionable (i.e. hammer, broom, sodas, cement, etc.), I paid him the full $1325 he requested. He also stated that he had purchased $1298.43 in electrical supplies (for which there is no physical evidence). I asked him for receipts so that I could reimburse him. He stated that he was not going to show me any receipts and that I was “ignorant” for even requesting them. The only electric supplies present in my 12’x16’ greenhouse are 6 outlets, 2 switches, 30’ of Christmas lights and a ceiling fan. (See pictures). Note: I had a perfectly good working ceiling fan in the greenhouse before he took it down and left it out in the rain to be damaged. Two weeks after starting the project, he left my greenhouse unfinished and stated that he was going to put a lien on my home. The matter is currently being adjudicated. This review is my experience with HOCO POWER."

Garfield F on October 2023

Keep Smiling Plumbing & Electric

Keep Smiling Plumbing & Electric

Customers say: Super punctual

1354 local quotes requested

40 years of experience

Keep Smiling Plumbing Electric Heating and Cooling is a family-owned, family-operated, full-service plumbing electric and HVAC business, serving Gwinnett County, Georgia. We are Master Plumbers and members of the Plumbing & Mechanical Association of Georgia. Keep Smiling Plumbing & Electric is there when you need us, ready to take care of any problem that you may have with your plumbing or electrical systems. We also have available a full line of quality replacement products if you want to upgrade or update.

"They told us "Our dispatch fee to come out is $39 and we waive that towards any work or repairs, including diagnostics." The electrician went to check and stayed at the property for less than 5 mins after confirmation to do full diagnostic of the electrical system. I don't think less than 5 mins is enough to run a full diagnostic and later on advise to upgrade the whole panel."

John P on May 2025

"They told us "Our dispatch fee to come out is $39 and we waive that towards any work or repairs, including diagnostics." The electrician went to check and stayed at the property for less than 5 mins after confirmation to do full diagnostic of the electrical system. I don't think less than 5 mins is enough to run a full diagnostic and later on advise to upgrade the whole panel."

John P on May 2025

Lightning Bug Electric

Lightning Bug Electric

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 91% of Angi customers

331 local quotes requested

Having been awarded for our excellence by numerous professional organizations, our team at Lightning Bug Electric has the skills and knowledge to help you with a wide array of electrical problems. Our Marietta electricians have over 25 years of experience in the industry and we always provide around-the-clock availability. If you are looking for a team led by a master electrician, you have come to the right place. We provide residential and commercial customers with wiring and rewiring, lighting upgrades, outlets and switches, full electrical remodeling and installation, and more. Call our team today to schedule your free electrical service estimate.

"Leyton was fantastic. Arrived right on time(and scheduling was very easy and convenient- got my exact day and time I wanted.) He saw exactly what I needed for installing a ceiling fan, and it looks, and works perfectly. The price was more than fair. Second experience with LBE, and again, 5 stars!"

Stephen K on May 2025

"Leyton was fantastic. Arrived right on time(and scheduling was very easy and convenient- got my exact day and time I wanted.) He saw exactly what I needed for installing a ceiling fan, and it looks, and works perfectly. The price was more than fair. Second experience with LBE, and again, 5 stars!"

Stephen K on May 2025

Good N Handy Electrical

Good N Handy Electrical

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

40 local quotes requested

Good N' Handy provides top quality professional electrical and handyman services in Lawrenceville, GA and surrounding areas, commercial and residential. We love what we do and it shows in the quality of our work. Give us a call or click for an estimate today!

"VERY Good work for a fair price."

Tim B on January 2025

"VERY Good work for a fair price."

Tim B on January 2025

Henry County Electric

Henry County Electric

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

193 local quotes requested

We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule an estimate today!

"Great service quick response"

Tammie W on January 2025

"Great service quick response"

Tammie W on January 2025

TR&JP HANDY ELECTRICIANS

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

TR&JP HANDY ELECTRICIANS

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

172 local quotes requested

We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Julues, the technician, was great. He was prompt and professional. He did a wonderful job installing our ceiling fans and replacing light fixtures. We would use his services again."

D'Andrea M on September 2025

"Julues, the technician, was great. He was prompt and professional. He did a wonderful job installing our ceiling fans and replacing light fixtures. We would use his services again."

D'Andrea M on September 2025

Britebox Electrical Services

Britebox Electrical Services

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

158 local quotes requested

BriteBox Electrical is Atlanta's Elevated Electrician. From re-wiring an outlet, to home back up generators, to full home Audio, Video low voltage and home security needs. We provide a full range of services for homeowners. Estimates on back up generators and home automation system designs are free.

"Very reliable,honest and dependable. I definitely will hire again without reservation"

Maher A on June 2025

"Very reliable,honest and dependable. I definitely will hire again without reservation"

Maher A on June 2025

Sullivan Electric Services Co. LLC

7467 Covington Highway

Sullivan Electric Services Co. LLC

7467 Covington Highway

Customers say: True professional

19 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Sullivan Electric Services Co, LLC provides full service residential and commercial electrical services for the entire Atlanta metro area. With more than 30 years of experience in the electrical field, we will provide prompt and technically superior attention to all electrical issues. Our number one priority is customer satisfactiondoing it right the first time, according to your expectationsin order to build a long-term business relationship. At Sullivan Electric, we light the world the most excellent way. As a company that has been serving the entire Atlanta metro area for so many years, our longevity is a testament to our dedication to quality craftsmanship, customer service, and low prices. We have many happy customers that attest to our great customer service, pricing and quality of work.

"I found Mr Sullivan on HomeAdvisor gave him a call which he picked up right away which was a plus, but than he gave me an estimate over the phone without coming down to look at it made it seem like the minimum he would charge was $350 for instal of four outlets, troubleshoot and repair outlets in kitchen, and repair backyard light. The next day he arrived a little late installed four outlets as discussed, but turned out nothing was wrong with the outlets in the kitchen he said the " GFCI where doing what they were supposed to do", and the back yard light was fixed by replacing the old sensor that rain water damaged with a new one, but replaced it with a black sensor rather than a matching white, which I was fine with in the end, unfortunately in the end he didn't recalculate the fact that he really didn't had to do anything with the outlets in the kitchen yet he was still trying to charge me $25 more for the unmatching backyard sensor. I am not an electrician and he and his employee did get the job done, but was just dissapointed that I believe he did not charge a fair price for work he done seemed too expensive to me usually an instal of lights or switches are around $50 a pop and the sensor $25 itself just didn't add up to me other than that they got the mission accomplished."

EDUARDO L on August 2015

"I found Mr Sullivan on HomeAdvisor gave him a call which he picked up right away which was a plus, but than he gave me an estimate over the phone without coming down to look at it made it seem like the minimum he would charge was $350 for instal of four outlets, troubleshoot and repair outlets in kitchen, and repair backyard light. The next day he arrived a little late installed four outlets as discussed, but turned out nothing was wrong with the outlets in the kitchen he said the " GFCI where doing what they were supposed to do", and the back yard light was fixed by replacing the old sensor that rain water damaged with a new one, but replaced it with a black sensor rather than a matching white, which I was fine with in the end, unfortunately in the end he didn't recalculate the fact that he really didn't had to do anything with the outlets in the kitchen yet he was still trying to charge me $25 more for the unmatching backyard sensor. I am not an electrician and he and his employee did get the job done, but was just dissapointed that I believe he did not charge a fair price for work he done seemed too expensive to me usually an instal of lights or switches are around $50 a pop and the sensor $25 itself just didn't add up to me other than that they got the mission accomplished."

EDUARDO L on August 2015

TC Shock Electric, LLC

TC Shock Electric, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

4 years of experience

TC Shock Electric is much more than your run-of-the-mill electrical company. At TC Shock Electric, we are a personalized service who pride ourselves on reliability, communication, integrity and quality work. We are strong believers in giving our absolute best in all the work we do. Our goal is to ensure that you have a shocking experience in the best way! Call us for a free estimate and to get a professional out to your home today!

"Very professional from intro to cleanup"

Sherman A on February 2023

"Very professional from intro to cleanup"

Sherman A on February 2023

Appolon Electrical Services

Appolon Electrical Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

9 years of experience

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.

"I highly recommend Appolon Electrical Services, resonnable price, and great service."

Jefferson D on December 2023

"I highly recommend Appolon Electrical Services, resonnable price, and great service."

Jefferson D on December 2023

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it’s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator’s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’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 hook up of a generator to your home.

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.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

The Centerville, GA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
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Whole house generators can power homes when electric problems hit, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know when you’re thinking about buying.