What size generator do I need to run a fridge?

• <div><p>While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.</p></div>

Can a natural gas generator work without electricity or in a power outage?

• <div><p>Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-install-generator-transfer-switch.htm?entry_point_id=33797025">transfer switch</a> (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.</p></div>

How long does a whole-house generator last?

• <div><p>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to <b>20 years</b>. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about <b>$150 to $300 per year</b> for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Mount Zion, IL

Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Mount Zion, IL

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Mount Zion, 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 Mount Zion, 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 July 2017
Tile installer arrived on day both days. Explained the installation process and proceeded to install the backsplash. He did an excellent job. Looks great. Left the place clean after the job.
Arizona Tile Co
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Reviewed in February 2015
I had taken a new job opportunity with a company in Illinois, so I was going to put my house up for sale. My house was not old (only 10 years), but due to a poorly installed front door, water had slowly leaked in over time creating water damage. The water damage created a large stain in the...
Theilman Home Improvements LLC
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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 May 2014
It went very well. Kenny is a professional carpenter, works with professional electrician, plumber and painter. Since he works as general contractor and hires his crew per job, his overhead is very low. He gives the best rates possible with professional work!
A&E Construction Inc
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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 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 Mount Zion

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

Swinderman Engineering Services

Swinderman Engineering Services

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

22 years of experience

Swinderman Engineering Services is Central Illinois’ leading Technology Installation Company. We handle all of your low voltage cabling and custom installation needs from Home Theater to Surveillance Camera Systems to Access Control.

"I was very pleased with my tv mount installation. Only took an hour and it looks great. They were able to perform the service within two days after I made an inquiry. I will use them for any other home audio/video projects that I need to have done."

John G on May 2021

"I was very pleased with my tv mount installation. Only took an hour and it looks great. They were able to perform the service within two days after I made an inquiry. I will use them for any other home audio/video projects that I need to have done."

John G on May 2021

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.

Showing 1-10 of 11

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.

A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a transfer switch (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.

When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. Costs to maintain and repair generators vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible.

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.

The Mount Zion, 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

Alison Kasch
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Breyden Kellam
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
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.
Michelle Nati
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Can a Whole-House Generator Run an Air Conditioner?
A whole house generator can keep your home running during a power outage, but can it handle the energy demands of an air conditioner? Here’s what to consider.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 25, 2025Mar 25, 2025
How Do Natural Gas Generators Work?
Natural gas generators can tap into existing gas lines so they never run out of fuel. Here’s how they work and how they’re used.
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.