"I’m back again to write another stellar review for GAC. Last year they replaced our HVAC system; this year we circled back and had them install a home generator. This was a long and drawn out process due to the various approvals needed from Montgomery County as well as coordination with Washington Gas (which ended up not just being a simple sign off but necessitating an additional, expensive upgrade to the gas line from the street to our home). Nevertheless, GAC did a fantastic job shepherding this process over the 6+ months of waiting on stakeholders, and they were also maximally accommodating to our family’s significant constraints on time and availability (due to health concerns related to a medically fragile family member). A special kudos to Sandy M, GAC’s master electrician, who took it on personally to ensure we were taken care of all throughout this process, going above and beyond with phone calls, text messages, personal visits, etc. on behalf of my family, I want to thank GAC and am giving top marks across the board for this effort which was complex , lengthy, and ultimately successful."
"It went great! Professional, quick to call and discuss the request. What I like the most was their genuine interest in helping me fast. They gave me an estimate the same day and the job was performed in less than 48 hours. I would definitely hire Green Electric for my future requirements. Thanks Mr. Darnell!"
"Your technician that came out to do a yearly maintenance inspection on my generator was very nice and knowledgeable. He arrived actually earlier than expected and went right to work. I would recommend your company to anyone and it was so nice to deal with someone who acted like they enjoyed their work and wanted to please. Thank you!"
"Great job helping sort out the open neutral I had. I was able to get the new wire, breaker, and outlets installed so the electronics are isolated on their own circuit. Thanks again."
Calvert Generator is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n
"We had been considering a home generator for a few years as the power grid we are on has periodic problems, with no solution in sight from Dominion Power. We did our due diligance on interviewing a number of providers found on Angies List. In the end, we had a couple of good offers, but none we are responsive as Patrick Collins of Ritzau. LLC. Patricks team we very responsive and professional. From the time I asked to schedule for an estimate until the deal was complete...he was always matter of fact and to the point, timely with responses to my questions, and was always open and honest. His company is smaller than some I interviewed, and he actaully is the installer and has hands on the entire project. Others companies while competitive, had sales reps visit and do the estimates, and were not part of the install team. It has been my experience that you want to deal directly with the team lead for these types of projects, and Patrick was the best. The package deal included the lastest Generac 22KW generator, vice the 20KW that others offered. The long pole in the tent was getting Washington Gas to install upgraded gas meter that would accomodate the generator, and the Fairfax Country inspections. Overall this was an excellent experience. I would highly recommend Ritzau, LLC and Patrick Collins to anyone who is serious about getting a home generator. They are the pros and get down to business. Quick, professional and timely.
A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.
The cost to install a whole-house generator averages $5,200, with a typical price range of $1,500 to $8,900. However, total costs can vary from $400 for a small portable unit to over $18,000 for a large-capacity system. The most significant cost factor is the generator's size and capacity, but other variables include the brand, fuel type, and labor for assembly and installation.
Generator costs can be broken down by type:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500 to $2,000
Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000 to $6,500
Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000 to $18,000
To avoid paying for more power than you need, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load for your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes to find the best deal for your specific needs and budget.
If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.
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.
While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.
The Springdale, MD homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Baltimore, MD varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Washington, DC varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
