What are the pros and cons of using a natural gas generator?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installation costs</a>, 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. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Blue Mound, IL

Q: Can you run a whole-house generator constantly?

• <div><p>Yes, whole-house generators run constantly for extended periods. Whole-house generators can run for longer periods of time than portable generators, but be careful. First, they may need regular applications of engine oil (as frequently as daily), depending on the engine design. Second, running constantly for several days will increase the wear and tear on the generator and shorten its lifespan.</p></div>

Q: What size of diesel generator do you need to run a house?

• <div><p>Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">electrical load</a> of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.</p><p>In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. </p></div>

Q: Can you use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</p></div>

Q: How long can a whole house generator run?

• <div><p>As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn&rsquo;t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.</p><p>Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn&rsquo;t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Blue Mound, IL

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Blue Mound, 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 Blue Mound, 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 27, 2025

Reviewed in August 2016
The service is generally good. Occasionally, there are some minor issues with something that did not clean quite right, but generally, we are happy with them. They could continue to be very attentive to details like in cleaning toilets.
Merry Maids of Champaign, IL
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Reviewed in January 2015
Mike, the general manager, wouldn't itemize the billing or work with our budget. He kept quoting different pricing and we are not going to be using their services.
Nordine Remodeling LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
They installed the Hopper and Sling. The Hopper works very well, the Sling (iPad) works OK but it could be vastly improved. | |It's really important to call a local, reputable dealer and NOT use whomever DISH decides to send you. None of these positive ratings apply to DISH representative. The...
DISH Network
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Reviewed in July 2011
Great. Quick, Clean, Very Nice Installation
Pro Air Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in October 2010
I hired Accrosstown Doors to install two very heavy custom wood garage doors that were made for me by Dave's Millwork. Both companies are father/son operations, and both delivered well. They charged full price for everything, but they really know what they are doing, and after more than a year...
Acrosstown Door Service Inc
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Reviewed in June 2009
Hired his company to replace a roof that was damaged in a storm, They tore off the roof while there was still snow on the roof and the water leaked into our home that day. He completed the job the job the same day that it was begun and we were told that he guaranteed his work. We had very...
JR Construction
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Find Generator install pros in Blue Mound

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

J & J Automotive Services

903 Croxton Ave

5.00(

)

J & J Automotive Services

903 Croxton Ave

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Additional phone - (309) 310-5606. Family owned.

I Q Electric

1405 Noble Dr

No reviews yet

I Q Electric

1405 Noble Dr

No reviews yet

I Q Electric has been the leading electrician and general contractor in the Mt. Zion Illinois area since founded in 1999. Licensed, insured and bonded electrician, we handle all of your electrical needs. Whether it is a replacement of an outlet, installation of new wiring, indoor and outdoor lighting, new electric service, electric panel upgrades, and appliance installations, home remodeling, renovations, we are the ones to call. Contact us today for the area's best!

Martin Brothers Outdoor Power

2434 S Main St

1.00(

)

Martin Brothers Outdoor Power

2434 S Main St

1.00(

)

99 years of experience

Martin Brothers Implement Co. opened for business in 1926 when Sam F. Martin signed his first John Deere contract. The Martin John Deere dealerships all serve their local areas with large inventories of new and used John Deere farm equipment and John Deere lawn and garden equipment. Our focus is to provide the parts availability and efficient service necessary for all farmers and consumers regardless of size or make or age of equipment. We ship equipment and parts all over the U.S. and to many countries such as France, Egypt, Netherlands and to several countries in South America.

Midwest Equipment

4826 West Farmington Rd

4.50(

)

Midwest Equipment

4826 West Farmington Rd

4.50(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

31 years of experience

I'm glad you found us! We're happy to help you find the perfect lawnmower or home standby generator for your specific needs, and we back it up with parts and our great Midwest service department. Additional contacts - Normal Store 309-454-6800 [email protected], Metamora Store 309-367-2392 [email protected], [email protected]

Popejoy Inc

203 S10th St

4.75(

)

Popejoy Inc

203 S10th St

4.75(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

41 years of experience

People pleasing solutions since 1984. Popejoy Incorporated is the premier dealer of all the latest commercial and residential products including Trane, Weil McLain, Generac, Northstar Products, Delta, and many more.

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

Masters Brothers

4109 Wicker Rd

4.52(

)

Masters Brothers

4109 Wicker Rd

4.52(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

19 years of experience

Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, Duct Cleaning, Generators, Geothermal, Service, Repair, Installation, Maintenance. We keep your home or business comfortable at the best prices available.

"I couldn't had a better experience. Reasonable price. Work and clean up was excellent. Their time was excellent."

CARL N on October 2018

Electrical, Heating, Air Conditioning, Duct Cleaning, Generators, Geothermal, Service, Repair, Installation, Maintenance. We keep your home or business comfortable at the best prices available.

"I couldn't had a better experience. Reasonable price. Work and clean up was excellent. Their time was excellent."

CARL N on October 2018

Arteman's Construction

401 S Walnut

4.78(

)

Arteman's Construction

401 S Walnut

4.78(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

Arteman's Construction offers FREE estimates no matter what the job is! Our goal iands to make each and every customer happy. We take pride in the quality of workmanship, our honesty and clean, quality service. Our company is a pround member of the Better Business Bureau & backed by the superpages guarantee. We gladly accept Visa & Master Card. Additional DBA - Arteman's Construction.

Pro Air Heating & Cooling

2701 S Main St

4.86(

)

Pro Air Heating & Cooling

2701 S Main St

4.86(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

Pro Air has been an established business in the community since 1990. We specialize in residential and commercial service and sales. Helping customers achieve maximum comfort is our main objective! We are a Carrier Factory Authorized dealer, which allows us the opportunity to offer our customers the finest and most efficient HVAC and GeoThermal systems available. Financing available. Additional Email: [email protected].

"Dustin and Ryan did a great job. Very neat installation - and cleaned up after."

M L on November 2020

"Dustin and Ryan did a great job. Very neat installation - and cleaned up after."

M L on November 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Yes, whole-house generators run constantly for extended periods. Whole-house generators can run for longer periods of time than portable generators, but be careful. First, they may need regular applications of engine oil (as frequently as daily), depending on the engine design. Second, running constantly for several days will increase the wear and tear on the generator and shorten its lifespan.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

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.

As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn’t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.

Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn’t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.

The Blue Mound, 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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•
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How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
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•
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How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
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•
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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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•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Can a Generator Get Wet? What You Need to Know
Can a generator get wet? Protective covers are necessary for using a portable generator in the rain, and they shouldn’t be used in extreme weather.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 26, 2025Mar 26, 2025
Pros and Cons of a Whole-House Generator
Whole house generators can power homes when electric problems hit, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know when you’re thinking about buying.