Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Marion, IN

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Marion, IN?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Marion

Avatar for Mister Sparky Electric - Indianapolis
Mister Sparky Electric - Indianapolis
4.0(
296
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Marion, IN and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"The team that came to our house did a great job! We just moved in and we got all our outlets and light switches replaced, and they installed a new breaker box as well. They were professional, on time, and knowledgeable. Would recommend to anyone and we will definitely give them a call if we need any work done in the future!"
Your Indianapolis Electricians!
We have your electrical repairs covered!
Available 24/7 for your electrical emergencies!
Get it done right, get it done safely.
Electricians you can trust!

+1

Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for Knee's Electrical Service
Knee's Electrical Service
4.7(
97
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Marion, IN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1971

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Kneeâ s Electrical is a very respect contractor in Grant County, Indiana area. I highly recommend this contractor for residential work. I want thank Charles and Kaden again for a great job and experience on my Generac Generator installation Thanks Again"
Knee's Electrical Service
Knee's Electrical Service
Knee's Electrical Service
Knee's Electrical Service
Knee's Electrical Service

+5

Response time1 day
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for Huston Electric
Huston Electric
4.9(
10
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Marion, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 1939

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Had Stagecoach RV in Peru work on RV generator, called me said circuit board caught fire and found one on an online bidding store for 909$ and some change took home to put in the pole barn. Spring comes to get RV out change all fluids fire generator up to cool down RV with ac, doesn't work. Call stagecoach RV and tells me guy who did generator quit to get a job with insurance, so I'm screwed out of 900 and my one year warranty? He said I can give you his number. (screwed) checked Angie s List and Huston Electric came up? Knew they did commercial and residential wiring did not know they worked on Rv generators, so I left to search, 10 minutes later they call me saying yes we see you inquired about work need on Rv generator. I told him all I knew and we were leaving for outer banks on Friday (this is Monday on phone) guy says bring it by tomorrow. I said I'm on a time crunch to load for a trip can I bring it this evening, he asked a guy there how late in the shop he said he would wait. I dropped off Monday evening, got call 10:15 am Tuesday we got you all fixed up someone been in circuit board area and had loose pin connector and loose connection at 30 amp breaker and straightened up wiring on board it was a mess, also looks like someone put in new voltage regulator and never adjusted it was only getting 107volts, adjusted it and all is good. I went to pick up and he said I had to look up the schematic for wiring and it brought up the whole manual so I printed it off for you and put it in a plastic binder. $285.00 out the door worked great on the trip no issues and if I need generator service again it will be Huston Electric in Lafayette"
Response time3 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 20
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

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.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. 

The Marion, IN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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