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Edmore Electric Co., Inc.
5.0(
3
)

Serving Alma, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Edmore Electric Co., Inc., 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.

Response time4 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Town & Country Electric, Inc.
Town & Country Electric, Inc.
5.0(
45
)

Serving Alma, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Casey and his team did an excellent job installing can lights in my kitchen> Very professional and timely in completing the job. Highly recommend Casey and the team at Town and Country"
Collage of pictures
Craft Room Fixture
Coordinated Light Fixture Locations
Dining Room Fixtures
Grand Rapids Home

+13

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Connection Electric LLC
Connection Electric LLC
4.9(
65
)

Serving Alma, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Abe was great to work with. Upgraded electrical box, wired a/c, and installed generator. Very thorough in explanation of work process and efficient in getting the job done. Excellent communication, as the work was done in my absence at my cottage. Overall outstanding customer service experience. Will work with Abe again in the future."
Living room lighting
Finished project
Response time11 hrs
Recommended by94%of homeowners
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.

The Alma, MI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.