How does a generator transfer switch save me money?

• <div><p>It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hook-up-generator-to-house.htm">hook up of a generator to your home</a>. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Washington, KS

Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

Q: Do you need a permit to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In many cases, you&rsquo;ll need a permit or basic inspection to install one of these large generators. Since they include significant alterations to your home electrical system and many produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require jumping through a few hoops for general safety purposes. Your installer may be able to help you with these permits.</p></div>

Q: How do I reduce AC startup power for a generator?

• <div><p>To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.</p></div>

Q: Can I plug a generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That&rsquo;s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-put-out-electrical-fire.htm">electrical fire</a> or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Washington, KS

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Washington, KS 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 Washington, KS 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 November 21, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
We had a wonderful experience with The Besette Boys. They installed new kitchen island Cabinets, countertop, and sink for us. Their work is top notch. Our island looks beautiful and works for us way past any expectations we had. They are highly professional and do excellent work. So much so, we...
Besette Boys Plumbing & More, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Mike installed ceiling tiles in our kitchen and bathroom. He also completed a list of odds and ends jobs that needed done in the house. I was so impressed with his communication before, during, and after the work as well as his professionalism. I have another project in the work and have...
MLP Home Services
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Reviewed in January 2024
FRAUDS! RUN FROM THIS COMPANY! They stole money from us. They did a shotty job. Installed wrong flooring. The flooring they installed was rotted, wet moldy left in a wet wood warehouse. It was red oak should have been white oak. Get invoices they will overcharge you for extra items to use in...
Kansas City Remodel & Handyman Allen, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
The work was all awesome. The installers was very perfestionable and clean.
Continental Siding Supply, Inc.
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Reviewed in February 2017
Steve and Susan were awesome. Listened to my concerns, gave advice and installed the system in an emergency, the day after Christmas. Showed up on time, worked through all the issues and completed it the same day. Wonderful people, honest and reliable.
Steve Jones Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in May 2014
Thought the wait of several weeks was too long and then they could only tell me they would be there sometime that week. From outward appearances, the work looks good, nothing leaks. The person doing the work was nice, explained things when I asked, and he cleaned up nicely. My biggest...
Larry L. Vaught Roofing Inc
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Reviewed in March 2011
The installation seemed to go well except that within a day and a half the system shut down. This happened at midnight and we called the after hours number 3 different times and no one ever called back or came to repair the service until the office opened in the morning. They apologized that...
Polar Aire Heating & Cooling
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Find Generator install pros in Washington

Alltech Electrical Service

5.00(

)

Alltech Electrical Service

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a technical contractor providing instrumentation services, relief valve service and repair, ground penatrating radar, thermal imaging as well as electrical work of all kinds.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

1972 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

Avid Industries LLC

No reviews yet

Avid Industries LLC

No reviews yet

avid-electronics.com great deals on used electronics and parts. Mail in repair services for amplifier receivers and video game consoles. Also offered CD Repair by mail music cd, DVD, game disc. Scratch repair machine on site And much more. Give avid-electronics a call today @ 201 753 6500 9 to 5 Monday to Friday Visit our online store More electronics added daily We gladly accept credit cards

SpectraSource Inc

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SpectraSource Inc

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Contact us at (913) 802-4501 in Atchison, KS, and ask about our workplace communication solutions that incorporate high-end sound generators.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home.

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

In many cases, you’ll need a permit or basic inspection to install one of these large generators. Since they include significant alterations to your home electrical system and many produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require jumping through a few hoops for general safety purposes. Your installer may be able to help you with these permits.

To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.

No, you shouldn’t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That’s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of electrical fire or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.

The Washington, KS 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

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.
Alison Kasch
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 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
•
Oct 30, 2025Oct 30, 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.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 13, 2025Mar 13, 2025
Best Fuel For a Whole-House Generator: 5 Options
If you’re investing in a large power alternative for your home, it deserves the right fuel for your job. Here are the top options for a whole home generator.
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.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 4, 2025Apr 4, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Standby Generator?
How much does it cost to run a standby generator? The answer varies based on the type and size of the generator. Find out more.