Is it better to repair or replace a malfunctioning generator?

• <div><p>It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around <b>$300</b> on average, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installing a new whole-house generator costs</a> around <b>$5,000 </b>on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.</p></div>

What size generator do I need for a 1500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-many-watts-house.htm">total wattage</a> of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Weston, MA

There are 15 highly-rated local generator install pros.

TRUSTED BY WESTON, MA HOMEOWNERS

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Weston, MA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Weston, 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 Weston, 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
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Reviewed in September 2013
They were very competent. I like there timeliness and they did everything they said they would do.
Rodenhiser Home Services
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Reviewed in October 2024
Reasonable rates, professionally done right. Would hire again and highly recommend Brian and his crew and services.
Victory Electrical Services
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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.
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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
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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.
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Find Generator install pros in Weston

Cotti-Johnson Heating-Cooling-Electrical

Cotti-Johnson Heating-Cooling-Electrical

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

975 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

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Nicholson Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

53 local quotes requested

25 years of experience

Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is the company of choice for all your plumbing, heating and air conditioning repair and replacement needs. Our commitment is to you, our customer, and to provide you with outstanding plumbing and HVAC service. You can rest assured with our 100% satisfaction guarantee, 24-hour emergency service, solid warranty and highly trained technicians. Serving the Metro West, MA's service and installation needs. Fully Licensed in MA Plumbing and Gas Fitting. Lic# 30207. Universal EPA Certified & 410A Certified. Fully Insured. Nicholson Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning offers a 5% senior discount on service repairs.

"Went very well and got more information than with other companies."

Susan H on April 2025

"Went very well and got more information than with other companies."

Susan H on April 2025

Wired Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Wired Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

84 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

VMA Electric Inc

VMA Electric Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

242 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

Rodenhiser Home Services

Rodenhiser Home Services

Customers say: Super punctual

407 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

ElectriChris, Inc

ElectriChris, Inc

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

56 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

4th Generation Electric, Inc.

4th Generation Electric, Inc.

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

61 local quotes requested

At 4th Generation Electric, we proudly uphold a legacy of excellence in electrical services that spans four generations. For 13 years, we've been delivering top-tier residential electrical solutions. Our mission is to provide comprehensive and cutting-edge design, installation, and upgrades. As a certified Generac dealer, we specialize in backup power solutions and EV charger installations. Our team, with unmatched expertise, is dedicated to analyzing, troubleshooting, and solving all your electrical needs. Trust 4th Generation Electric to deliver innovative solutions for the modern electrical world. Your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.

"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 switch and generator hook up, he recalled when we first met almost 20 years ago. From that time forward, he and his teams have completed work for my family that spanned from outlet installation and replacement, wiring our full new build construction home, inclusive of aiding with the installation of the power line from the street (which was 700 feet away from the house), outside patio electrical work for an elaborate tiered landscape, generator hook up requirements, among other things. Just as our electrical needs grew over time, and John and 4th Generation Electric have as well, the same level of attention to detail, focus on customer satisfaction, and not only the desire to strive for perfection but the expectation to do so, has been the standard that he knows not only his customers expect but that he expects for himself and his teams. It’s easy to write a review like this when it writes itself. If you have any sort of electrical work needs, big or small, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not asking John for a quote."

Joe F on 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 switch and generator hook up, he recalled when we first met almost 20 years ago. From that time forward, he and his teams have completed work for my family that spanned from outlet installation and replacement, wiring our full new build construction home, inclusive of aiding with the installation of the power line from the street (which was 700 feet away from the house), outside patio electrical work for an elaborate tiered landscape, generator hook up requirements, among other things. Just as our electrical needs grew over time, and John and 4th Generation Electric have as well, the same level of attention to detail, focus on customer satisfaction, and not only the desire to strive for perfection but the expectation to do so, has been the standard that he knows not only his customers expect but that he expects for himself and his teams. It’s easy to write a review like this when it writes itself. If you have any sort of electrical work needs, big or small, you’d be doing yourself a disservice not asking John for a quote."

Joe F on September 2024

NETR Inc

NETR Inc

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

251 local quotes requested

For emergency services, please call 781-933-6387. N.E.T.R., Inc. is here to help homeowners install the best heating and cooling systems that fits their needs. Since 1989, we’ve installed heating and cooling systems in Boston and its surrounding areas, tackling tough problems that our clients face. Our goal is to ensure our clients have energy efficient, quiet, reliable systems so they can live their lives to the fullest both at home and at work. Our dedication to our customers’ needs is what drives us each and every day. Our approach to temperature control and comfort has helped us become one of the most respected names in heating, cooling, and refrigeration in New England

"Before installing a mini-split, the sales person told me that I'd need to cut down an interior shelf to a specific height. I paid a handyman $400 to do exactly what the sales person instructed. Later on, N.E.T.R. came and did the installation; however, AFTER the installation, a technician told me that they hadn't accounted for the vent opening and closing and that the shelf would need to be further cut down. As you can imagine, this type of service is rather ridiculous. If they knew that the shelf would need further cutting, they should have NOT installed the unit. I have called N.E.T.R. six (6) times in three weeks, and no one has called me back about this issue. After paying for the unit and for a handyman, it's ridiculous that I have AC that is compromised because no one with the company thought to properly measure the space so that the work by the handyman could be done once. At this point, I'd like for N.E.T.R. to take care of this for me."

Linda O on June 2025

"Before installing a mini-split, the sales person told me that I'd need to cut down an interior shelf to a specific height. I paid a handyman $400 to do exactly what the sales person instructed. Later on, N.E.T.R. came and did the installation; however, AFTER the installation, a technician told me that they hadn't accounted for the vent opening and closing and that the shelf would need to be further cut down. As you can imagine, this type of service is rather ridiculous. If they knew that the shelf would need further cutting, they should have NOT installed the unit. I have called N.E.T.R. six (6) times in three weeks, and no one has called me back about this issue. After paying for the unit and for a handyman, it's ridiculous that I have AC that is compromised because no one with the company thought to properly measure the space so that the work by the handyman could be done once. At this point, I'd like for N.E.T.R. to take care of this for me."

Linda O on June 2025

PW DiMasi Electric

PW DiMasi Electric

Customers say: Quality work

27 local quotes requested

32 years of experience

We have been a Waltham based local electrical company since 1993. I Peter W DiMasi Master Electrician (15273A) owner of PW DiMasi Electric am committed to serving our customers with the best service and quality of work. We have courteous and qualified electricians that will complete any electrical job, small or large. We pride ourselves in quality, service and when the job is done, cleanliness! You will not need to clean after us. We are here for all your electrical needs from lighting design, installing an extra receptacle to wiring a new building. We install phone, cable TV, lighting, recessed lights, electric heat, service upgrades, circuit breakers, power generators, computer networking and much more. We are fully licensed and insured and have been vote best of the best since 2000.

"We hired PW DiMasi to install receded lighting in an upstairs office and could not be happier with the results. Peter, the owner, was prompt in scheduling a time to provide a project estimate and quoted us a fair price. He also showed up on the day of the project to introduce the two electricians that would be doing the work. The team was courteous, professional, and did a great job installing the lights. They also were careful to cover the room with tarps to minimize dust and cleaned up the workspace afterwards. If we have a future need for an electrician, PW DiMasi will be our first call."

Jeff F on January 2025

"We hired PW DiMasi to install receded lighting in an upstairs office and could not be happier with the results. Peter, the owner, was prompt in scheduling a time to provide a project estimate and quoted us a fair price. He also showed up on the day of the project to introduce the two electricians that would be doing the work. The team was courteous, professional, and did a great job installing the lights. They also were careful to cover the room with tarps to minimize dust and cleaned up the workspace afterwards. If we have a future need for an electrician, PW DiMasi will be our first call."

Jeff F on January 2025

Motha Electric

27 Knight Road

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Motha Electric

27 Knight Road

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

40 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Motha Electric provides our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!

...

Showing 1-10 of 178

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around $300 on average, while installing a new whole-house generator costs around $5,000 on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.

A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.

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.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

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The Weston, 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.
Melissa Graham
•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
How Much Propane Does a Whole-House Generator Use?
When the power goes out, your whole house generator can keep your home running if it has enough propane to fuel it. Read our guide to propane use for whole house generators to determine how much you need.
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.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 26, 2025Mar 26, 2025
Pros and Cons of a Whole-House Generator
Whole house generators can power homes when electric problems hit, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know when you’re thinking about buying.