Get matched with top generator install pros in Arlington, MA

Q: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need for a 2,500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to install a generator?

• <div><p>The typical <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">cost of a home generator</a> is around <b>$5,000</b>, but prices range from <b>$400 up to $13,000</b>, depending on a few factors. The most significant cost factor is the generator size, as larger generators that can support more square footage usually cost more. You can install an emergency backup generator for between <b>$500 and $2,000</b> or a partial-home generator for between <b>$2,000 and $6,500</b>. Whole-home generators usually total between <b>$5,000 and $13,000</b>, with some models climbing as high as <b>$18,000</b>.</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>

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>

There are 14 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Arlington, MA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Arlington, MA 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 Arlington, MA 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 04, 2025

Reviewed in April 2019
Well done. Neat work. Friendly and professional technician. There was a bit of a mixup on the timing of the appointment from the office side, so it did not start until 2 hours later than scheduled, but usually Sila is prompt. There was no payment for today's work as it was part of the cost of...
Sila Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
They were very competent. I like there timeliness and they did everything they said they would do.
Rodenhiser Home Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2024
Reasonable rates, professionally done right. Would hire again and highly recommend Brian and his crew and services.
Victory Electrical Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2024
With the latest job John and his team completed for us, I am now able to say that for the better part of two decades, the electrical work needs of four generations of my family have been completed by 4th Generation Electric. As John and I were catching up before the install of our transfer...
4th Generation Electric, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2024
Ron did an excellent job. I would definitely hire him again. He was knowledgeable and his price was reasonable.
Ronald G Perry
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2024
It went very well. Team was excellent. Very professional and neat. On time and kept me up to date on work being done. Erica in the office was terrific and very helpful. Would definitely hire again if needed.
Eight Electric LLC.
Request a quote

Find Generator install pros in Arlington

Cotti-Johnson Heating-Cooling-Electrical

Cotti-Johnson Heating-Cooling-Electrical

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

973 local quotes requested

Experiencing issues with your heating, air conditioning, plumbing, or electrical systems? Cotti-Johnson is your reliable one-stop shop for all home comfort needs. From simple fixes to large-scale projects, our professional team handles everything with honesty and expertise. We offer 24/7 emergency services and specialized design services for landscape and indoor lighting. Trust us for top-notch, efficient, and transparent service. Visit our website at callcotti.com or call us at (833) 826-8844 to see how we can improve your home's comfort and efficiency.

"Happy with the work, and the customer service. Will definitely call on them for future work."

Fran P on June 2025

"Happy with the work, and the customer service. Will definitely call on them for future work."

Fran P on June 2025

Wired Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Wired Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

83 local quotes requested

At WIRED Electrical Contractors, we’re pursuing excellence: from your initial consultation to our superior warranties and follow-through. Owned and operated by master electrician Paul Crowley, our team of trained and certified master electricians provide MetroWest MA homeowners with quality craftsmanship, upfront pricing, and attentive responsiveness throughout every project phase. Our focus on quality has earned us the Angi Super Service Award for ten years running. We are a full service residential electrical contractor. We specialize in home EV charging installations and are Tesla trained and certified. We are also certified installers with Qmerit, Chargepoint, and ClipperCreek.

"Paul was on time and got to work right away. He was very respectful of my home and put on boot covers as soon as he entered and placed a plastic protecter on the floor beneath where the fan was to be installed. Very neat and clean. While performing the installation, he informed me that the mounting bracket that was used for the original fan was only rated for a light fixture and showed me the difference between the screws used for the current bracket and the proper one. He quoted a price for the proper bracket and I gladly obliged. He also installed a new wall switch that controls both the fan and light kit wirelessly. The final results are perfect. Before he left, I asked him about replacing my noisy bathroom fan with something quiet and with a heater. Since a new line to a circuit breaker would have to be dropped, he checked out my electrical panel. He informed me that my current electrical panel was not up to code and who ever worked on the panel to add new breakers overloaded the panel (22 breakers in a 20 breaker panel). He was not pushy at all in having the panel upgraded to the proper size but did inform me of potential issues I could have in the future and that it is not up to code. I am extremely satisfied with the job Paul did and I plan on having Paul perform the other needed services I require. A+."

Michael L on June 2018

"Paul was on time and got to work right away. He was very respectful of my home and put on boot covers as soon as he entered and placed a plastic protecter on the floor beneath where the fan was to be installed. Very neat and clean. While performing the installation, he informed me that the mounting bracket that was used for the original fan was only rated for a light fixture and showed me the difference between the screws used for the current bracket and the proper one. He quoted a price for the proper bracket and I gladly obliged. He also installed a new wall switch that controls both the fan and light kit wirelessly. The final results are perfect. Before he left, I asked him about replacing my noisy bathroom fan with something quiet and with a heater. Since a new line to a circuit breaker would have to be dropped, he checked out my electrical panel. He informed me that my current electrical panel was not up to code and who ever worked on the panel to add new breakers overloaded the panel (22 breakers in a 20 breaker panel). He was not pushy at all in having the panel upgraded to the proper size but did inform me of potential issues I could have in the future and that it is not up to code. I am extremely satisfied with the job Paul did and I plan on having Paul perform the other needed services I require. A+."

Michael L on June 2018

ElectriChris, Inc

ElectriChris, Inc

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

55 local quotes requested

Welcome to the world headquarters for ElectriChris Inc! We offer both residential and commercial electrical services for the greater Boston area. From outlets & fixtures, to panel upgrades and wire installations, we do it all. Owner Chris David has over 20 years on hands on electrical experience and has the knowledge to handle your project with ease. Call us today for an estimate!

"Excellent service, communicates about arrival time, and a great guy! I will hire him again when needed."

Abigail V on April 2025

"Excellent service, communicates about arrival time, and a great guy! I will hire him again when needed."

Abigail V on April 2025

VMA Electric Inc

VMA Electric Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

241 local quotes requested

Medium size Electrical Company based out of Metrowest Area. Currently have 9 licensed employees. Always free estimates. All pricing is based on specific work.

"The installation went quickly and easily for us, and the level 2 charger is just where we need it. I am grateful that I can park, get charging, and be in the house with a cup of tea within a few short minutes. It is so convenient, and the car charges quickly. The VMA installers were so helpful in getting me started once the installation was finished. We have had VMA do quite a few household projects for us, and everything about them is excellent, from scheduling, to the actual work, and to billing. Highly recommend!"

Rosalind F on September 2025

Medium size Electrical Company based out of Metrowest Area. Currently have 9 licensed employees. Always free estimates. All pricing is based on specific work.

"The installation went quickly and easily for us, and the level 2 charger is just where we need it. I am grateful that I can park, get charging, and be in the house with a cup of tea within a few short minutes. It is so convenient, and the car charges quickly. The VMA installers were so helpful in getting me started once the installation was finished. We have had VMA do quite a few household projects for us, and everything about them is excellent, from scheduling, to the actual work, and to billing. Highly recommend!"

Rosalind F on September 2025

Harland Electric Inc

Harland Electric Inc

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

49 local quotes requested

Family owned & operated. Additional e-mail - [email protected]. Additional contact name - William R Harland Jr. Award winning. Certified Generac Servicing Dealers.

"Ryan and Tom arrived promptly, performed an exceptional job on replacing my undercounter lighting, as-well as repairing a ceiling fixture. Cleaned up everything thoroughly and made sure to demonstrate the new lighting settings so I was comfortable with them. Terrific job all-around and would highly recommend."

John F on January 2023

Family owned & operated. Additional e-mail - [email protected]. Additional contact name - William R Harland Jr. Award winning. Certified Generac Servicing Dealers.

"Ryan and Tom arrived promptly, performed an exceptional job on replacing my undercounter lighting, as-well as repairing a ceiling fixture. Cleaned up everything thoroughly and made sure to demonstrate the new lighting settings so I was comfortable with them. Terrific job all-around and would highly recommend."

John F on January 2023

Rodenhiser Home Services

Rodenhiser Home Services

Customers say: Super punctual

404 local quotes requested

97 years of experience

When it comes to great service for your home or business, it doesn't get better than the professionalism and dedication of Rodenhiser. It's an unsurpassed level of service built on a promise that ensures you get the very best - when you call Rodenhiser your satisfaction is guaranteed. With 90+ years of delighted residential and commercial clients, you can be sure that it's a promise that Rodenhiser delivers on every day.

"The work was done correctly and promptly, but quite expensive. On the plus side, he presented all the options and didn't really try to upsell. Just the facts."

Stephen M on August 2024

"The work was done correctly and promptly, but quite expensive. On the plus side, he presented all the options and didn't really try to upsell. Just the facts."

Stephen M on August 2024

Integrity Electrical Services

Integrity Electrical Services

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 97% of Angi customers

41 local quotes requested

Our Services-24/7 Emergency Service, Fast Same Day Service, Electrical Repairs, Wiring Upgrades, Panel Replacements & Upgrades, Generator Install, Ceiling Fan Repair/Installations, Indoor/Outdoor Lighting Installations, Smart Home Installations, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations And Much More! Please Call Or Text Our Office Today To Schedule An Appointment At 978-761-5978.

"I called Integrity Electrical after several outlets in the house failed, including the one for the refrigerator. Joe responded immediately, figured out the problem, and did a great job of explaining the work that needed to be done. Joe and Alex upgraded the house to 200 amp service, which involved replacing the electrical panel, upgrading outlets, and replacing a meter box that had water damage. I would not hesitate to call them again."

Maureen K on June 2020

"I called Integrity Electrical after several outlets in the house failed, including the one for the refrigerator. Joe responded immediately, figured out the problem, and did a great job of explaining the work that needed to be done. Joe and Alex upgraded the house to 200 amp service, which involved replacing the electrical panel, upgrading outlets, and replacing a meter box that had water damage. I would not hesitate to call them again."

Maureen K on June 2020

Village Home Services

Village Home Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

88 local quotes requested

Village Home Services formally known as Village Electric and Village HVAC. We stand at the intersection of expertise and community spirit. With our plumbing, electrical, and HVAC services, we go beyond fixing problems; we enrich lives, one home at a time. In our village, your comfort and safety are our top priorities.

"Craig was friendly, informative and very efficient. I would definitely hire them and recommend them to friends."

Gina R on September 2025

"Craig was friendly, informative and very efficient. I would definitely hire them and recommend them to friends."

Gina R on September 2025

Wilson Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Wilson Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

43 local quotes requested

38 years of experience

Family owned and operated since 1987, Wilson Brothers HVAC, Inc. has been a leader in the installation and repair of complete, custom-designed, heating and cooling systems for homeowners in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Hot air, radiant, and hydro-air heating systems fired by either gas or oil, along with complete central air or ductless cooling systems. Trust your home comfort to Wilson Brothers, Your All-Season Comfort Specialists. We also service additional areas through our sister companies, Accurate Baker Elman and Murphy's.

"I install central ac, one ductless AC and replace furnace last year by Wilson brother. I contacted 4/5 contractors for this work. Wilson brother provide best customer service. they replied to my question very quickly, while other could response a few days later. the installation was also very professional and effectively. after installation, they also provides all information showing me how to apply for MASS SAVE. it was very helpful"

Jason L on September 2019

"I install central ac, one ductless AC and replace furnace last year by Wilson brother. I contacted 4/5 contractors for this work. Wilson brother provide best customer service. they replied to my question very quickly, while other could response a few days later. the installation was also very professional and effectively. after installation, they also provides all information showing me how to apply for MASS SAVE. it was very helpful"

Jason L on September 2019

JP McCurdy Electrical Services Inc

JP McCurdy Electrical Services Inc

Customers say: Quality work

64 local quotes requested

26 years of experience

We are your solution to everything electrical! From your everyday electrical construction and repair items to the design of a complete integrated home system from the ground up and more! McCurdy Electric - call for peace of mind - we'll do the rest. Our trained and certified team of Electricians bring many years of experience to meet every one of your electrical projects. We stay ahead of the curve in custom installation and design of specialty electronic items, such as generator systems, smart home technology, advanced lighting control, Audio/Video, alarm, video surveillance, and much more. We can help you with all of your Electrical needs, and we have the track record to back it up. Please visit our website at www.McCurdyElectric.com for more information. Call for Peace of Mind. We'll Do the Rest.

"Thank you Joe/McCurdy electrical for coming on very short notice. I appreciate the time and care you took to figure out our electrical needs for the installation of a whole house water filtration system. Thank you also for the advice on some other projects we plan to do in the near future."

Paul P on May 2025

"Thank you Joe/McCurdy electrical for coming on very short notice. I appreciate the time and care you took to figure out our electrical needs for the installation of a whole house water filtration system. Thank you also for the advice on some other projects we plan to do in the near future."

Paul P on May 2025

...

Showing 1-10 of 185

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.

The typical cost of a home generator is around $5,000, but prices range from $400 up to $13,000, depending on a few factors. The most significant cost factor is the generator size, as larger generators that can support more square footage usually cost more. You can install an emergency backup generator for between $500 and $2,000 or a partial-home generator for between $2,000 and $6,500. Whole-home generators usually total between $5,000 and $13,000, with some models climbing as high as $18,000.

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.

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.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

The Arlington, MA 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.
Heather Ayer
•
May 22, 2025May 22, 2025
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
Breyden Kellam
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Do Natural Gas Generators Produce Carbon Monoxide? A Complete Guide
Natural gas generators emit carbon monoxide, a harmful gas. Learn about what carbon monoxide is and tips to operate your generator safely.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.