Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

How long does a whole-house generator last?

• <div><p>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to <b>20 years</b>. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about <b>$150 to $300 per year</b> for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Carroll, IA

Q: Do diesel generators have any important downsides?

• <div><p>While diesel is relatively stable, it won&rsquo;t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it&rsquo;s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn&rsquo;t always ideal for home use. </p></div>

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. </p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need for a 2,500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Carroll, IA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Carroll, IA 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 Carroll, IA 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 December 06, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Installed new LVP flooring, along with new trim. Completed when he said he would, work looked great! Also installed a front door!
Savage Renovations, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
Great customer service Fast installation Affordable service Skyline tore off and re did the asphalt roof on my house after wind and hail damage. I was so impressed I hired them to also do my garage and shed. These guys do great work.
SKYLINE RESTORATION INC
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Reviewed in December 2023
Jon, Ler and Emanuel L were the crew who installed 5 piers on the corner of my house. They were very efficient, and left things looking exactly as before they did the job. I received updates as their work progressed.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in June 2023
David was personable, prompt, and precise in his installing of a deadbolt and door knob. I would hire him for other work, as well! 5/5
David J. Soukup Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2022
The installer did a very good job. The only hang up was the bracket for my shower seat. The package was labeled for a right side bracket, but a left side bracket was inside the page. It was mislabeled at the warehouse. Certainly not the installers fault. Bath Planet scheduled a time to come...
Bath Planet
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Reviewed in July 2021
Quick, efficient, neat. Installers were thorough and informative. It was a pleasure to do business with them.
Renewal by Andersen
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Reviewed in February 2020
Phil and his crew rearranged their current jobs to ensure that our floors were refinished in time to get the painting done before our move-in date. We also asked them to remove all the baseboards and quarter round - which was good thing because then we could see how poorly the flooring had been...
Oak Wood Floor
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Reviewed in May 2017
Everything went well. Installation and adaptation to my existing ducts was exactly as I wanted it. The price seemed high, but they were actually the lowest of 3 local bids.
C AND K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2016
I decided to make the purchase though I did not need all of the equipment. The TRITON 9000 RS Generator/Compressor/Welder machine was what I really had my eye on. I had never seen a machine with so many functions before. The 10,000 gas generator is the machine I needed the most, but the other...
AMP-American Multi-Products
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Reviewed in May 2014
Our first interaction with our point of contact went well. We were given lots of information in both oral and written form. Sales person was not pushy and was very prompt with his estimates. We accepted the proposal, scheduled an installation date, andproceeded to have the system installed. The...
Neighbors Heating Cooling Plumbing & Geothermal
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Find Generator install pros in Carroll

Panora Auto Parts

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Panora Auto Parts

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14 years of experience

We specialize in small engine repair including brands like Stihl, Toro, Briggs & Stratton, Honda, Kohler, etc. Pick up and delivery is included within a 15 mile radius.

IA Electric

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IA Electric

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12 years of experience

Full service electrical contractor serving the North Iowa area. We use flat rate pricing that guarantees the price we quote is the price you pay, no surprises when the invoice shows up.

The Electricians

3.67(

)

The Electricians

3.67(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

26 years of experience

Subcontract to General Contractors. Financing with special arrangements available. Credit Cards accepted. Free Estimates.

Trinity Electrical Services LLC

5.00(

)

Trinity Electrical Services LLC

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a family run full service electrical contracting company based in Sioux City, Iowa. No project too big or small for us.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two.

A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.

When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. Costs to maintain and repair generators vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible.

The Carroll, IA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

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How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
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