Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in 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.

Find Generator install pros in Columbia

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 Shinnova Power
Shinnova Power
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Columbia, IL and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Shinnova Power is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
36 neighbors recently requested a quote
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 questions, 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.

To power a central air system during a power outage, the whole-house generator will need to be at least 5,000 watts, and this number will significantly increase for larger units. Check the specific wattage requirements of your AC unit to choose the right generator size. Consider consulting a generator installer to ensure your whole-house generator meets your electrical load needs.

If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.

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.

Energy output depends on turbine size, average wind speed at your site, and system efficiency. A 5 kW turbine in a good wind location can generate 8,000 to 12,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which may cover a large portion of an average home’s needs. Accurate output estimates require a professional wind assessment and a review of your household’s energy usage patterns.

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.