Get matched with top generator install pros in Gilbertville, IA

Q: Is it worth it to install a whole house generator?

• <div><p>A whole house generator can be worth the extra money for peace of mind if your home is prone to power outages for extended periods of time or if you have life-saving medical equipment that needs to maintain power at all times. These devices can also increase your home&rsquo;s value, especially in areas prone to extreme weather and power outages. </p></div>

Q: Can I plug a generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That&rsquo;s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-put-out-electrical-fire.htm">electrical fire</a> or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.</p></div>

Q: What size generator does my house need?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together. </p><p>A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you&rsquo;ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.</p></div>

Q: What is a remote start generator?

• <div><p>These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.</p></div>

Q: Where can you install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Gilbertville, IA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Gilbertville, 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 Gilbertville, 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 November 30, 2025

Reviewed in October 2024
As a first time home buyer, learning about home improvements, I really appreciated their patience and honesty in walking me through the process as well as choosing materials. I have had my floors done twice now due to unrelated foundation repairs. Both times, the quality of work has been...
DLR Flooring, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
The installer was great and got everything done in same day. I would recommend him to anyone. Pricy, but done in a day! Keep up the good work!
Bath Planet
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
Update, our basement flooded due to substandard practice by these electricians their wiring failed causing our pump to not work and high water alarm to stop working causing a backup and expenses to fix the issue plus all the damage. This company is nothing but hacks as outlined below. These...
WEBER ELECTRIC INC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2023
Very friendly, personable, honest. Excellent looking floor replacement Very good install pricing..
Dinatallis floor covering llc
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2023
I had to clean up some flakes that ended up in the yard but the installation itself was great.
Garage Force of Waterloo
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2023
Very responsive and excellent work. Very knowledgeable and didnâ t try to â fixâ the problem by just installing a piece of flashing
Gutter/Siding Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2014
The installers Lowes sent out measured the rooms. After the installers left with all the measurements they needed, we were told by a relative we have solid oak flooring under the carpet in our house built in 1919. We took out the carpet and discovered beautiful solid oak flooring. So, we...
Lowe's Of Waterloo
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2013
Worked with me to select color. Best paint job I've ever seen, and she never even used masking tape! Sharp perfect edging. Brought her drop clothes, ladder, and bucket of tools. I would hire her in a heartbeat again. Also does housecleaning and general handyman work with husband. She will...
Diana Meyerhoff
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2013
They are probably the biggest residential use around here. They provide for the most part good service. I had a problem several years ago with them but they came out and corrected it right away. Their punctuality is generally good.
Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2012
I dismissed them. The technician, who came out, spent most of his time talking and the least amount of time doing anything and I had carpenter ants but he just did a general spraying. He sat and talked with my maid. They were expensive. I fired them because of the poor quality of service;...
Orkin Pest Control
Request a quote

Find Generator install pros in Gilbertville

Motor Winding Inc.

No reviews yet

Motor Winding Inc.

No reviews yet

59 years of experience

Providing Sale and Service on electric Motors, Portable Generators, Power Tools, Submersible Pumps. Also Repair antique table/desk top fans. Repar and Sales on Starters, Alternators & Generators for Cars, Trucks And Tractors. Do Not Work On Vehicles.

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

A whole house generator can be worth the extra money for peace of mind if your home is prone to power outages for extended periods of time or if you have life-saving medical equipment that needs to maintain power at all times. These devices can also increase your home’s value, especially in areas prone to extreme weather and power outages.

No, you shouldn’t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That’s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of electrical fire or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.

You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together.

A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you’ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.

These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.

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.

The Gilbertville, IA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

Taylor Freitas
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Alison Kasch
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Breyden Kellam
•
Oct 30, 2025Oct 30, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.
Breyden Kellam
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Do Natural Gas Generators Produce Carbon Monoxide? A Complete Guide
Natural gas generators emit carbon monoxide, a harmful gas. Learn about what carbon monoxide is and tips to operate your generator safely.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Nov 18, 2025Nov 18, 2025
How To Connect a Generator to Your House Without a Transfer Switch
Using a generator during a power outage is a lifesaver. Our guide will show you how to connect a generator to your house without a transfer switch.