Get matched with top generator install pros in Dickerson, MD

Q: Can a portable generator power an entire home?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm">whole-home generator</a> instead. </p></div>

Q: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

Q: How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you&rsquo;ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won&rsquo;t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, 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. </p></div>

Q: How much energy can I expect a home wind turbine to generate?

• <div><p>Energy output depends on turbine size, average wind speed at your site, and system efficiency. A 5 kW turbine in a good wind location can generate 8,000 to 12,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which may cover a large portion of an average home&rsquo;s needs. Accurate output estimates require a professional wind assessment and a review of your household&rsquo;s energy usage patterns.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Dickerson, MD

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Dickerson, MD 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 Dickerson, MD 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 13, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
Aduu Solar Energy was Easy and efficient company. Aduu Solar Energy was simple, informative and straightforward. Each person I dealt with knew status and what the next step was. Everyone was courteous and listened to and answered my many questions. Installers were great people and neat too....
ADUU SOLAR ENGINEERING LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
We hired General Remodeling Group to renovate our DC home and add master bedroom and mudroom additions. They handled everything from the design and permitting (via their architect), to building the foundation, framing, additions, remodeling a bathroom, widening hallways, installing flooring,...
General Remodeling Group
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Reviewed in March 2023
Arizona Backup Power Company has earned a lot of our respect when we purchased from them the standby power generator system for our new house in Scottsdale. They handled the permit and the whole installation process. We are grateful for their services and will advise everyone to hire them.
Arizona Backup Power
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Reviewed in March 2020
A few days before the installation of my home generator my brother passed. I was told it will be a two-day install. When they called to confirm the appointment and I told them I could not do a two day install because I had to leave for the funeral. Blessed their hearts, they worked overtime and...
Russell's American Mechanical
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Reviewed in March 2019
Richard and his team have been great to work with. They make my yard look terrific, and Richard always gives helpful advice and is available to answer questions. Last fall they completed a variety of projects (including installing a flagstone walkway, planting a dogwood, general maintenance,...
New Dawn Gardens
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Reviewed in November 2016
Awesome job! Meticulous workmanship, knowledgeable staff & a solid installation, producing a truly professional result. They repaired the unit, installed the "hide" system on the exterior of the house & even painted the containment structure to match my brick exterior so it's not noticeable to...
Perry Aire Services Inc
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Reviewed in December 2014
Working the people in the store to drop off my water, talking to Denise on the phone and working with Gene in the field was great. Everyone was friendly and really helpful and knowledgeable. Everyone showed up on time and did everything they were supposed to do. The attention to detail on the...
Solutions in Aqua Services/American Water Pro
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Reviewed in September 2014
I was satisfied with what they did. It was expensive. They were very responsive and they come when we need them. They are not cheap but whatever we get from them is good quality. We did have to have the generator serviced because it wasn't working properly. It was a problem with the...
New Age Lighting
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Reviewed in October 2011
We accepted Gene's bid to do major renovations to two full bathrooms in our 1917 home. Due to our home's age, Gene conducted an initial site assessment to gather additional information based on what we requested. While I was able to layout and design each bathroom prior to contacting Gene, I...
Stowe Contracting -Transformative Innovations
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Reviewed in July 2006
Gene Williams, Construction Manager, and crew installed awning. Downspout was dislodged during re-routing. The awning leaks where joined to the house, rain drips off awning back onto deck as if awning not there. The water is also causing erosion around concrete walk and steps under deck. This...
American Aluminum Products Inc
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