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*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Salem, 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 Salem, 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 June 29, 2026

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Avatar for Purcell Electric Company
Purcell Electric Company
5.0(
6
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Salem, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Purcell Electric is very reliable and knowledgeable."
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4 neighbors recently requested a quote
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ADS Electric Company LLC
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Salem, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We are a locally owned and operated company. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of home improvement services that are customized to each individual project. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time3 hrs
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ADS Electric Company
0.0(
1
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Salem, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Here at ADS Electric Company, we have over 10 years of experience in the business. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business.

Recommended by100%of homeowners
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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.

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.

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.

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

With proper maintenance, a whole-house generator can last between 20 and 40 years. The specific lifespan depends on how often and for how long the generator is used, and some models may have their life expectancy rated in hours of operation. To maximize its lifespan, expect to spend around $150 to $300 per year for annual maintenance checks from a qualified technician. During these checks, a technician will inspect the engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels. Consulting your installer and choosing a low-impact fuel like natural gas or diesel can also help ensure your generator lasts as long as possible.

The Salem, 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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