Get matched with top generator install pros in Upperco, MD

Q: How long can a whole house generator run?

• <div><p>As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn&rsquo;t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.</p><p>Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn&rsquo;t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.</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: How big of a generator do I need for a transfer switch?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator&rsquo;s largest outlet is 30 amps, you&rsquo;ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to repair or replace a malfunctioning generator?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s usually better to repair your generator if it isn&rsquo;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>

Q: Are there tax credits for home generators?

• <div><p>In most cases, there are no tax credits available for home generators. However, that&rsquo;s a general statement that applies to federal tax credits, so you might have access to state or local tax incentives. You can check the <a href="https://www.dsireusa.org">Database of State Incentives for Renewables &amp; Efficiency (DSIRE)</a> for more information about your area. If you hire a reliable home generator installer, they should also know if there are any state or local perks you can use to reduce your installation costs, including tax breaks and rebates.</p></div>

There are 9 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Upperco, MD

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Upperco, 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 Upperco, 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 October 24, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
Thompson Creek replaced the siding/trim for my whole house about 10 years ago. They also did a patio door and a number of windows. At the time of install, they indicated that the siding and patio door would have the same (lifetime) warranty as the windows. Within the first 10 years they came out...
Thompson Creek Window Company
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Reviewed in July 2024
Microwave install
Bradshaw Repair
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Reviewed in June 2024
Bart was super responsive, thorough in inspection, generally great to work with. Highly recommended.
All American Home Inspections, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
Edwin and his team are fantastic. I have been working with Edwin for nearly 10 years. He is the only person I go to for routine landscaping, stone work, hardscaping, and general â handymanâ work around my home. On his most recent project for me, he completely transformed the exterior of my...
The Geo Real Deal
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Reviewed in December 2020
Technician could not diagnose the problem. He said everything looked right and he spent considerable time trying to locate the issue. However, he thought it could be connected to an issue with our generator system and offered to speak with our generator company to try and solve it. He was very...
Bethany Air Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in April 2017
CClassic Marble and Granite delivered and installed three quartz counter tops in our new kitchen and one quartz counter top in our master bathroom. On the appointed day (1/12/17) Classic sent a representative to measure for the new countertops and agree on the details of the installation with...
Classic Granite & Marble
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Reviewed in August 2015
I found Design Expo through Angie's List. i called the store and Scott came to my house that very afternoon. He made an excellent recommendation for carpet. I stopped in the store to pick out the carpet color and Gene was very helpful with that. The installers did an awesome job, were very...
The Design Expo - Flooring Center of Bowie
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Reviewed in October 2014
Installing a residential photovoltaic (PV) system, i.e., solar panels, is not a straight forward home improvement project. The industry is still maturing as the technology is changing rapidly and the federal and state incentives have not stabilized. It still takes about 7 or 8 years to recoup...
Maryland Solar Solutions Inc
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Reviewed in June 2014
They're great, very nice. In general, he seems super super nice I'll be glad to use them with trees also, he was punctual in returning the call.
Arbormasters Tree and Landscape
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Reviewed in May 2013
Gene and his crew were awesome! We were impressed with Gene from his initial visit when he came out to give us an estimate. The bathroom is in the loft of a cottage and is kind of a funky space that initially had a weird layout. Within 2 minutes of first looking at it, Gene came up with a whole...
Stowe Contracting -Transformative Innovations
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