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Best Services
New to Angi

Serving Waterloo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Best Services, was established in 2007, as an Authorized Generac Service Dealer. We specialize in Generac Automatic Standby Generators, and other outdoor power equipment. Our commitment is 100% guaranteed customer satisfaction on every project. Call today, for a free estimate. \n

Response time1 day
Echo Group
New to Angi

Serving Waterloo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

When it comes to standby generator sales and service, Echo Group Inc. has the power! With generators by Generac, Siemens, Winco, Kubota, Winpower, Tiger-power, Milbank and many others, we provide professional and affordable generator service for residential, commercial, and industrial standby, mobil, and portable units for homeowners and business owners needing the piece of mind that the convenience a generator provides. No matter what your application is, Echo Group Inc. can help. Call us today!

Avatar for Cannon Solar
Cannon Solar
New to Angi

Serving Waterloo, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n

Response time9 hrs
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.

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. 

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

  • 2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. 

  • 4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.

  • 8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

  • 20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

In many cases, yes. There are models called dual-fuel generators and fuel switches, but only between certain types of fuel. For example, with the right setup you can convert a generator from natural gas to propane. Some allow switching between diesel and gasoline. There are even tri-fuel generators available in some cases, which adds a large layer of security if you are worried about fuel availability in times of crisis. Always check your generator capabilities and manual instructions before trying to switch fuels. Some generators can use another fuel but may need a fuel conversion kit to prep them first.

The Waterloo, IA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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