Top-rated generator install pros.

Best generator install pros near Columbia, IL

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Columbia, IL?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Top-Rated Generator install pros in Columbia - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for CD Electric
CD Electric
5.0(
6
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"CD Electric was fantastic. They added electrical outlets to the interior and exterior of my home and installed an exterior light. Chase was very thorough with the estimate he provided me and completed the job in the time he said it would take. I would definitely hire them again for any future jobs and I highly recommend them to anyone else."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+6

Response time20 mins
Response rate100%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Grasser Electric
Grasser Electric
4.6(
30
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1975

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had a great experience with them. Their bid was right in the middle where it should have been. The guy who showed up had estimated for 5-6 hours worth of work, and he ended up staying here for almost 9 hours, but they didn't charge me extra for it, and I was happy about that. He was able to run the wiring where I wanted it to run. There weren't all the cables showing and he was able to stick it through my wall, and that is why he ended up staying here for so long. I was really happy with the service. My biggest thing was that the guy stayed until the work was done, he didn't say he would come tomorrow even if it meant working overtime."
.
.
Recommended by92%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 28
Generator Install FAQs, answered by experts

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.

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. 

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

  • Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year 

  • Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year

  • Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year

  • Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year

  • Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit

  • Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

The Columbia, IL homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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