Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Amboy, IL

Q: What is a remote start generator?

• <div><p>These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.</p></div>

Q: Is a natural gas generator less expensive than using electricity?

• <div><p>Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It&rsquo;s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator&rsquo;s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.</p></div>

Q: Is using a generator safe?

• <div><p>As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it&rsquo;s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator&rsquo;s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Amboy, IL

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Amboy, IL 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 Amboy, IL 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 October 26, 2025

Reviewed in October 2024
The sales rep was knowledgeable and helped to narrow down the best options for us. Measurements were accurate and once the door was available, installation was scheduled quickly. The installer did a great job and made sure every detail was attended to.
Illinois Energy Windows & Siding, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2024
Great - got it installed in about a week. Did a great job!
Copper Sky Plumbing
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Reviewed in January 2019
Made an appointment. I was given a half hour window, told we were the first appointment of the day. ( 8:30). At 9:20, called and was told that someone was coming, but couldn't promise when. At 11:40, received a message that someone was on my way. A customers time is just as valuable as the...
Popejoy Inc
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Reviewed in August 2014
Good. Jim troubleshooted the air conditioner and found a bad capacitor. Helpful info on AC life and general maintenance.
Brian and Sons INC.
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Reviewed in June 2014
From showroom to installation it was a very pleasant experience.
Creative Carpet & Flooring - Mokena
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Reviewed in May 2014
Brian replied promptly and gave me an estimate on a weekend. The job was to replace my old wood garage door with a new one, replace rotted trim molding and install a new header. I had already ordered a door which some other installers didn't want to bother with, but it wasn't a problem for...
GARAGE DOORS & MORE LLC
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Reviewed in March 2014
They do a good job. We tried multiple times to get them to close the backyard gates (to keep our dog in), but we couldn't get it done until we posted a sign in spanish! That did the trick. The staff are VERY nice people and they do a professional job. We tried to get them to do more general...
MONTANO LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in June 2013
On the whole their service was excellent. They were on time. They were quick. They do just a general good stuff.
EZ-AIR INC
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Reviewed in April 2013
Resounded to install call promptly /job was done quality and as promised and done well.
A C ELECTRIC SVC
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Reviewed in October 2011
Cooney Funeral Home recently handled the funeral arrangements for my mother. Her family has used Cooneys since at least the late 1950s. My mother's death was very sudden and making arrangements that day would have been much more difficult had it not been for the empathic, caring, and...
COONEY FUNERAL HOMES
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Find Generator install pros in Amboy

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

9526 Corsair Rd

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

9526 Corsair Rd

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

100 local quotes requested

33 years of experience

We are the experts in the field of Whole Home Generator Sales and Installation, with over 20 years of experience in the game. We provide turn-key installation by licensed professionals - 24 hour emergency service - Remote Monitoring - Long term maintenance and service by factory trained technicians.

Accent Tel USA

3501 Bessie Coleman Blvd, Suite 25203

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Accent Tel USA

3501 Bessie Coleman Blvd, Suite 25203

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

16 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Our Company provides a one-stop solution for all of your voice, internet, and telecom needs. Leveraging the Cloud we provide your Office state-of-the-art telephones for little or no upfront cost striving to keep your monthly costs the same. Sound too good to be true? Give us a call and we will show you how.

"Telephone System - Install or Upgrade - For Business "

Anthony O on September 2025

"Telephone System - Install or Upgrade - For Business "

Anthony O on September 2025

Electrical Avenue LLC

Electrical Avenue LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

13 local quotes requested

Electrical Avenue, located in Peru, IL, is your trusted source for comprehensive electrical services. With a team of certified professionals, we specialize in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work, ensuring safety and efficiency for every project. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction sets us apart, as we strive to deliver reliable solutions tailored to your needs. From installations to repairs and upgrades, we handle it all with precision and expertise. Choose Electrical Avenue for dependable service and innovative electrical solutions in the Peru area.

"Electrical Avenue LLC did an amazing job. They were efficient and friendly. Their work speaks for itself. I will definitely be recommending this company to my family and friends."

Candice E on October 2024

"Electrical Avenue LLC did an amazing job. They were efficient and friendly. Their work speaks for itself. I will definitely be recommending this company to my family and friends."

Candice E on October 2024

VJF Contracting

Based In

5.00(

)

VJF Contracting

Based In

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

VJF Contracting is your one stop shop for all of your electrical projects! Offering services like: house rewiring, electrical panels, underground wiring, whole house generators, lighting, and Much more! VJF Contracting is a residential and commercial company! No job to big or small!

"It went very well."

Kenneth K on March 2023

"It went very well."

Kenneth K on March 2023

Licensed, bonded and insured contractors, 24/7 emergency service, paperless billing, excellent customer service, professional technicians, custom electrical design planning, custom installations, custom remodeling.

AG PRO ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION

302 E NORTH ST

No reviews yet

AG PRO ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION

302 E NORTH ST

No reviews yet

30 years of experience

GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS CERTIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIAN AND SALES/INSTALLATION

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

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

Lee Legler Construction & Electric Inc

181 Wolf St Unit A

4.91(

)

Lee Legler Construction & Electric Inc

181 Wolf St Unit A

4.91(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Generac Automatic Home Generator Dealer ,Sales and Service Home and small business electric installations, repairs and upgrades Generator Maintenance and repair Generac Home Standby Generators in stock

"Lee and his crew were very professional and did an amazing job. We now have a Generac whole house automatic standby generator ready to go if our electric service ever fails. My wife and I and our contractor all have an app that gives us the generator's status, maintenance requirements, run time, etc., etc.....if the unit fails to start (for example) we will all get an alert and they have 24/7 service so this is extremely reassuring."

Russell P on January 2023

"Lee and his crew were very professional and did an amazing job. We now have a Generac whole house automatic standby generator ready to go if our electric service ever fails. My wife and I and our contractor all have an app that gives us the generator's status, maintenance requirements, run time, etc., etc.....if the unit fails to start (for example) we will all get an alert and they have 24/7 service so this is extremely reassuring."

Russell P on January 2023

Griffin Electric Inc

340 S Schrader Ave

3.67(

)

Griffin Electric Inc

340 S Schrader Ave

3.67(

)

Customers say: Quick response

86 years of experience

We offer financing through FTL Finance for large projects such as new Furnace, Air Conditioning and Boiler Systems.

"Woke up w/o heat on a frigid January morning. After failing to get the furnace back on, we called Griffin. The owner took the call and arrived within 30 minutes. He diagnosed the problem, ran to town to get a new part, and had it installed and up-and-running in less than 2 hours, all w/o breaking the bank. He was friendly, professional, and honest."

Kurt J on January 2022

We offer financing through FTL Finance for large projects such as new Furnace, Air Conditioning and Boiler Systems.

"Woke up w/o heat on a frigid January morning. After failing to get the furnace back on, we called Griffin. The owner took the call and arrived within 30 minutes. He diagnosed the problem, ran to town to get a new part, and had it installed and up-and-running in less than 2 hours, all w/o breaking the bank. He was friendly, professional, and honest."

Kurt J on January 2022

Showing 1-10 of 11

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.

Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It’s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator’s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it’s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator’s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.

The Amboy, IL homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

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•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
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•
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Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
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•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
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•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
Who Can I Hire to Fix a Generator?
Searching for a pro who can fix a generator? Consider hiring a generator technician or an electrician to handle the job.
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•
Mar 11, 2025Mar 11, 2025
How Long Can a Whole-House Generator Run Continuously?
The type of generator and its fuel source can make the difference between whether it provides temporary relief of long-term comfort. Find out how long a whole house generator can run continuously.
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•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
15 Generator Uses for Homeowners
A portable generator can serve several uses beyond its traditional purpose. If you’re looking for ways to put your generator to work, our guide can help.