Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Ames, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Ames, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Ames

Avatar for Jensen Electric LLC
Jensen Electric LLC
5.0(
6
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - RepairFixed Generator - Repair+1 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

The Jensen family’s history in electrical work spans three generations. It began with Kyle’s grandfather, who spent 47 years as a maintenance electrician with Mountain Bell. That dedication to craftsmanship continued with Kyle’s father, a well-respected electrical contractor in Southern Utah. Following in their footsteps, Kyle entered the trade early—starting as an apprentice at 16, earning his Journeyman license in 2002, and achieving his Master Electrician license in 2006. With that deeply rooted family foundation, he brings decades of hands-on knowledge to every project.\n\n

Gallery
Gallery
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Bedwell Builders
Bedwell Builders
5.0(
18
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very prompt to respond, show up, submit quote and finish job. They also installed a new water heater. Very friendly and professional. Saved us money by using existing switches! Wonderful to work with and would definitely hire again and tell neighbors and friends to."
Response time1 day
Response rate100%
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for WireOne, LLC
WireOne, LLC
4.0(
328
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Our tech was prompt, professional and friendly. We were given options with no pressure. We had new lights installed the same day. Love the LED instead of the buzzing and poor light we had with fluorescent"
Lighting
Lighting
Custom Lighting
Recessed Lighting
Lighting

+13

Response time11 hrs
238 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by82%of homeowners
Avatar for Bedwell Builders
Bedwell Builders
5.0(
20
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very prompt to respond, show up, submit quote and finish job. They also installed a new water heater. Very friendly and professional. Saved us money by using existing switches! Wonderful to work with and would definitely hire again and tell neighbors and friends to."
Response time1 day
Recommended by45%of homeowners
Avatar for Busy Bee Electrical Services
Busy Bee Electrical Services
5.0(
27
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"David responded immediately to my request for electrical installation with a call to me to schedule a time to come to my house to see what electrical work I needed done and give me a quote. He was out to my house the next morning at 8:00am!!! I got other quotes from 4 other electrical companies and Busy Bee had the most competitive quote so I asked if he could come that Friday and he said yes and was there by 9:30am and did an excellent job…exactly what I’d asked for, done so well it even looks better than I’d hoped it would. He is licensed, insured, professional, yet personable and friendly. I also found him to be prompt and efficient, honest and trustworthy. I’ve referred him to a realtor that manages several properties for her to begin using Busy Bee to do all of the electrical work that needs to be done to the properties she manages. You can’t go wrong in hiring Busy Bee!"
Adding a sub panel
Adding a sub panel
Adding a sub panel
Power at the pole
Power at the pole

+5

Avatar for Jenson Electric, LLC.
Jenson Electric, LLC.
4.4(
7
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Jenson Electric is a full-service electrical contractor providing versatile solutions across residential, commercial, industrial, and telecommunications sectors. Based in Johnston, IA, we design, install, and maintain electrical systems that power people, facilities, and networks?safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption. Our team combines ~licensed electricians, project managers, and field engineers~ to deliver projects on time, on budget, and in full compliance with applicable codes. We prioritize safety, quality, and minimal disruption to occupants and operations.\n

Response time3 days
Response rate100%
Showing 1-10 of 15
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

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 Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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