Get matched with top generator install pros in Makanda, IL

Q: Can I install a portable generator myself?

• <div><p>DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.</p></div>

Q: What size whole house generator do I need to run central AC?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/whole-house-generator-sizing.htm">generator size</a>. Consider consulting a generator installer to ensure your whole-house generator meets your electrical load needs.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.</p><p>Generator costs can be broken down by type:</p><ul><li><p>Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW&ndash;7.5kW): $500 to $2,000</p></li><li><p>Partial-Home Generators (9kW&ndash;20kW): $2,000 to $6,500</p></li><li><p>Whole-House Generators (22kW&ndash;48kW): $5,000 to $18,000</p></li></ul><p>To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.</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: What are the disadvantages of a standby generator?

• <div><p>While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Makanda, IL

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Makanda, 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 Makanda, 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 February 24, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
Josiah did an excellent job with the drywall! He was always on time and very attentive to detail. He did such a great job, I had him come back to add rock panels to my exterior patio walls and install a new dishwasher as well!
Cornerstone Operations
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Reviewed in May 2025
They did a wonderful and beautiful job on reframing and installing the tile I would highly recommend this company for all future projects
AAA Flooring Specialist
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Reviewed in July 2023
Bill and his crew were timely and very good. Did the job and cleaned up everything the way that it was. Have had other installers leave a mess but not them. Very happy with the work and knowledge. Would recommend for others to call them first.
Pick 6 Carpentry
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Reviewed in April 2023
Leon quoted me less than half of what other landscaping companies were. He had great communication about when he was coming to do the work. We had him clear out flower beds to install rock, mulch and some plants, take down a small tree and remove rocks that were around the tree. Everything...
TrueCare Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2022
Great product and the installers were very professional and did a great job. Clean-up was a little lite. I found a jelly jar full of nails and parts that could puncture a vehicle or mower tire, but to be fair, they worked past dark, and had a long drive home. Overall I was, and am very pleased...
LeafGuard Holdings Inc
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Reviewed in October 2022
Ron was very professional and was available when I called! He kept me informed on every step of the progress! The prices were great, and the quality of the windows was exceptional! The install team was great as well! They were efficient, professional and completely replaced the windows in...
AmeriSide Exteriors
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Reviewed in July 2022
Hunter installed a new kitchen vent hood, fixed my basement door, and painted my fireplace. He did a great job. He is a great communicator and worked very hard. He is reliable and trustworthy. I highly recommend him! Hunter, thank you very much!
Good English
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Reviewed in September 2021
Ayres provided me prompt service when we had wind damage to our roof, and found an economical solution. With a the doorway install, the company finished sooner than expected, well under budget. Will surely use their services again.
Ayres Building & Roofing, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2021
Dave knew his business and engineered the entire installation including new boiler, radiators and two ac systems.
Deboer Mechanical Systems
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Reviewed in August 2020
Few months ago, we hired Eli at SES builders to do a major renovation at our house that included the kitchen, bathrooms, installation of new wood floor for the entire house on top of energy efficient double glass windows and all the doors (inside and out). We were very happy with the whole...
SES Builders inc
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Find Generator install pros in Makanda

Holtzclaw Electric

4.9(

)

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"He's an excellent electrician and goes the extra mile."

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Needed a sub panel and my entire garage wired(7 120 outlets, 2 240 outlets, and a floodlight put in). They showed up gave a quick run threw and they knocked it out Whole process was quick and easy. Great work at a great price! Would definitely recommend!"

141 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Mid America Lightning Protection

4.5(

)

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1969

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Responsive, fair pricing. Quality of installation could have been done a little better as rods were slightly crooked and they did not pull the wiring tout on top of house so not totally parallel to roof line."

+70

Response time6 hrs

Response rate94%

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Vinc and his crew at VMK did and excellent job and I highly recommend there services ! Dave Caputo"

Response time2 days

Response rate90%

76 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Joe, Mark, and Their Team did a Splendid Job for Us on this Business Phone Line Install. There are Very Knowledgeable and provided the Needed Assessment and "Fix" in a Very Timely Manner. I Highly Recommend Accent Tel USA! God Bless You! Philippians 1:3-6! Have a Wonderful Day in the Neighborhood & "Stay on the Nice List"! :)"

Response time3 hrs

Response rate99%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"618 did an excellent job. There were right on time, worked quickly, cleaned up and were very friendly. They seemed knowledgeable about electrical work and were more than fair with cost. They even installed my DirectTV! I love what they did and would most definitely recommend them."

Response time8 hrs

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"If I had more saved up, I would ve hired him."

Response time2 days

Response rate95%

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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AOM Remodeling and Restoration

4.6(

)

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Based on our past experience with AOM (interior painting), we used them to powerwash our home. They had all the appropriate equipment and did an excellent job. Our 20 year old vinyl siding looks totally refreshed. David is easy to work with and goes the extra mile. We will continue to AOM for future projects.
"

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Lightning Defense, LLC (Illinois)

4.6(

136

)

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1972

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"John Sherlock and his wife are the consummate professionals! I would highly recommend them. Their attention to detail and installation quality, was superb. Johns knowledge of Lighting protection is apparent after 40+ years. You will not be disappointed . July 2020. D.Riggio Carterville, Illinois"

+13

Response time4 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Makanda, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"They were informative! It's a family business that is generational in their craft. They explained my unit to me and gave me tips to improve it's care. I will be using them in the future for maintenance."

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 79

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.

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.

The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.

Generator costs can be broken down by type:

Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000
Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500
Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000

To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.

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.

While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.

The Makanda, IL homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

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How to Install a Generator Transfer Switch for Nonstop Power
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Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.