"Magic Electric, Plumbing & Heating/Air... I have purchased a 102 yr older home in Hagerman, ID. MAGIC: Tucker, Cleaned, Tuned my furnace ASAP. Angel and Adam worked diligently for 2 weeks, plaster/lathe, to rewire my home and shop to code electrically and also functionally for my needs. The also installed exterior security lights. Arron and Cody worked hard and long, in my 1.5 ft. crawl space to upgrade my plumbing Drainage, sinks and commode were reset, outdoor spigots repiped. Installed 2 hot water heaters and a water softener. WOW!!!! I truly, respectfully APPRECIATE each and EVERY ONE of these Professionals who have worked pleasantly through this process. THANK YOU, MAGIC MEN! You all deserve a round to applause and my Gratitude. BRAVO!"
"They were great and really good. we never had any trouble with him, we call him and he came very quick he is very reliable. Its been 7 to 8 years that we've been using his service, he gave us a fair price, does a good quality of work and he is very personable, friendly, on time and we always contact him.We actually have another contractor, but we mostly use his service."
"Needed new lights for a shop and a welder plug in installed . Patrick got it done in timely manner . And got my shop bright again . I Am going too use Vasco Electric for my future upgrades /repairs . Awesome Guys and very fair pricing. Thanks Guys for good work ."
"John happened to be in town when I placed my request. He was at my house in less than 10 minutes and in under an hour had my electrical outlets fixed. John is super personable and knew exactly what the issue was. I am so excited to put out my deck lights now! I will be contacting you for any future needs!"
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.
With proper maintenance, a whole-house generator can last between 20 and 40 years. The specific lifespan depends on how often and for how long the generator is used, and some models may have their life expectancy rated in hours of operation. To maximize its lifespan, expect to spend around $150 to $300 per year for annual maintenance checks from a qualified technician. During these checks, a technician will inspect the engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels. Consulting your installer and choosing a low-impact fuel like natural gas or diesel can also help ensure your generator lasts as long as possible.
You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.
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.
A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.
The Bruneau, ID homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
