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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

Find Generator install pros in Salem

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

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. 

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.

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.

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

  • Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year 

  • Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year

  • Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year

  • Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year

  • Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit

  • Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

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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