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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

The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.

Generator costs can be broken down by type:

  • Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000

  • Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500

  • Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000

To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

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. 

Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.

Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.

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.