Get matched with top generator install pros in Ada, MI

Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need to run a fridge?

• <div><p>While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you&rsquo;ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.</p></div>

Q: Can you use your electric car as a backup battery?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/using-electric-car-as-home-generator.htm">if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery</a>, 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.</p></div>

Q: How do I know what size of whole house generator to choose?

• <div><p>Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you&rsquo;ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">Calculate your home&rsquo;s electrical load</a> based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.</p></div>

Q: Can I plug a generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That&rsquo;s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-put-out-electrical-fire.htm">electrical fire</a> or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Ada, MI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Ada, MI 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 Ada, MI 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 18, 2025

Reviewed in September 2024
If I could give a zero start I would. We paid for our installation and were told we would get a call within 10 business days to have our carpet installed. After numerous calls in to Lowe’s we have yet to be scheduled for install. When you call to talk to someone you are on hold for 15-25 minutes...
LOWES
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Reviewed in September 2023
Sweetwater Electric installed my Generac whole house generator. Part way through the installation, we discovered a problem with the landscaping and placement of the generator. Sweetwater was patient while we worked out the issue and resumed work the day after the landscaper left. Alan and...
Sweetwater Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2016
Excellent Service! Bob Johnson is highly knowledgeable with appliances. He is on time for appointments, courteous of customers' schedules, offers generous advice, ethical, stays within quotes and gets the job fixed! Bob is friendly and able to give helpful feedback over the phone before an...
Johnsons Appliance Repair
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Reviewed in March 2016
Wanted a whole house generator, and from the initial quote from Dan B., to the installation with Tom, who put in the new gas line, to Josh, who installed the generator, service was awesome. Not the cheapest out there, but because of their world of information, great literature to back up...
The Service Professor, Inc. - Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2015
I bought a whole house automatic generator from Costco. But when I got quotes from various so called reputable companies to do the installation I found that they had two installation prices. One price was for if I bought the generator from them and then a second, much more expensive price for...
Control Electric Inc
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Reviewed in June 2015
Steve Essenburg Electric installed an automatic transfer standby generator. The price was very fair. The electricians showed up when scheduled and did an absolutely professional job. The generator was fully hooked up (electrically) in one day. The plumber was ill that day but showed up the...
STEVE ESSENBURG ELECTRIC INC
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Reviewed in February 2015
Furnace quit on Sunday. Service tech showed us how to get it running enough to keep the house warm. Installed new system on Monday. Service was prompt, installation neatly done and well explained. Installers took great care in tarping the floors and cleaned up well when finished. I had used them...
Jacobson Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in June 2014
It went great. They are very professional, come when they say they'll be there and do a thorough job. As for my generator, another vendor told me that it was dead and presented me with a $5,000 quote for a replacement. The Schaafsma rep came out, checked it over and found a missing spark...
Schaafsma Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in June 2014
We've used Ted in the past for our kitchen remodel. He is a general contractor which is nice, he can help with most things. He is very nice, very professional, and we will continue to use him.
Perkins Custom Remodeling
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Reviewed in June 2013
Installation went very well. ARKS Electric did what they said they would do on time. PROBLEM: The Briggs and Stratton unit we bought from ARKS had a number of problems from the start. ARKS was very prompt in taking of the problems. Both ARKS and I had a VERY hard time with B and S customer...
ARKS ELECTRIC
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