What are the pros and cons of using a natural gas generator?

• <div><p>Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installation costs</a>, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator. </p></div>

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Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</p></div>

Q: Can you plug a generator directly into your house?

• <div><p>No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a permit to install a generator?

• <div><p>In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between <b>$50 and $250</b>, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you&mdash;and might be required to do so by your building department&mdash;but you&rsquo;ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to run a generator continuously?

• <div><p>It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you&rsquo;re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Tripoli, IA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Tripoli, 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 Tripoli, 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 11, 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
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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
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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
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Reviewed in September 2023
Very friendly, personable, honest. Excellent looking floor replacement Very good install pricing..
Dinatallis floor covering llc
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Find Generator install pros in Tripoli

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 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you—and might be required to do so by your building department—but you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.

Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial installation costs, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator.

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

The Tripoli, 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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Pros and Cons of a Whole-House Generator
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.