"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!"
If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.
Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.
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.
Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.
Yes, installing a generator usually increases your property value because buyers are getting the added peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to maintain power through blackouts. In most cases, you should see close to a 100% return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that home generators usually need a permanent foundation, and installing a concrete slab will likely raise your property taxes slightly.
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.