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BBS Electric
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Golden, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\n

Better Bids
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Golden, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Better Bids, 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.\n

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.

Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.

In many cases, yes. There are models called dual-fuel generators and fuel switches, but only between certain types of fuel. For example, with the right setup you can convert a generator from natural gas to propane. Some allow switching between diesel and gasoline. There are even tri-fuel generators available in some cases, which adds a large layer of security if you are worried about fuel availability in times of crisis. Always check your generator capabilities and manual instructions before trying to switch fuels. Some generators can use another fuel but may need a fuel conversion kit to prep them first.

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.

The Golden, IL homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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