"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."
"I hired them to come and install an exhaust fan as well as a thermostat. After realizing my hvac system also had a humidifier function that was incompatible with the thermostat I bought they were able to properly install my exhaust fan (I bought the wrong kind as well) and hung a chandelier under two hours. Very efficient and fair pricing."
"On both appointments, the technicians (David the first time, Matt & Evan the second time) were respectful and honest, very well organized. And they arrived right on time. We had ceiling fans and recessed lighting installed. They kept the work areas clean. -Frank K., City of Gambrills. My wife and I are very happy with their work, and the jobs were completed in the quoted time, even early! Everything was well explained and questions were answered with the feeling that they weren't in a rush to leave until I was satisfied. We will call again for future jobs."
"Mr. Electric responded immediately to my request and scheduled the quote visit the next day. They were able to fix the electrical switch during that apointment in a very fast and professional manner. I highly recommend them."
"Anthony and his team do expert electrical work of all kinds. We are a 145 year old non-profit organization with buildings and grounds, and have contracted with Technician Engineers Group (TEG) on two large projects (and several small ones) over the last 15 years. One project rewired a large 125 year old building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and one installed an extensive outdoor lighting system. In these two unusual situations TEG worked closely with us to find innovative solutions to our unique needs. We are very pleased with the results, enjoyed their can-do approach, and highly recommend this company for any electrical challenge. We found TEG reliable, honest, on time, and all the work was completed ahead of schedule."
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
"Ron Ethridge (owner) did the work. He was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and experienced. He was available on the phone during the project - after hours and weekends. He is very familiar with permitting and licensing and working with Pepco and the inspectors."
"Callahan worked me in during a busy week before the 4th even though it was a cold call. I did not know him.. The electrician was exactly on time at 8AM and he wore a mask. He did a perfect job, and went out of his way to make the wire out of site as it was installed across my garage.. Even though it took a little longer than anticipated, he still charged me the quoted price.. I will definitely call him again for all my electrical work."
"Awesome! I wanted to do a heavy-up at my new home. I shopped around and got quotes from several companies incl Tim. I chose Paradise because of the price, responsiveness, and professionalism that Tim conducted himself. The job called for significantly more work than expected because of my desire to eventually add a backup generator, Tim made sure that I would not need to reinvent the wheel later and installed the right equipment to meet my future needs. During the course of his work I decided to add several additional outlets and discovered a mis-wired light. He took care of all of the work in short order. Tim is officially my go-to electrician."
"Everything was installed correctly, but it was crooked. A little bit of effort to make it straight goes a long way. But overall, happy with the job and would hire again. They were punctual and delivered what I needed."
If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.
The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.
Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000
To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.
Natural gas generators are designed to run for extended periods of time, such as power outages during a natural disaster. Since there’s no limit to the supply of natural gas, they don’t need to stop for refills. However, generators do need maintenance, including pauses to check and add oil. Constantly running them will also cause a lot more wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan.
With proper maintenance, a whole-house generator can last between 20 and 40 years. The specific lifespan depends on how often and for how long the generator is used, and some models may have their life expectancy rated in hours of operation. To maximize its lifespan, expect to spend around $150 to $300 per year for annual maintenance checks from a qualified technician. During these checks, a technician will inspect the engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels. Consulting your installer and choosing a low-impact fuel like natural gas or diesel can also help ensure your generator lasts as long as possible.
Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.
The Tracys Landing, 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.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.
