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Avatar for Chain O'Lakes Electric LLC
Chain O'Lakes Electric LLC
5.0(
16
)

Serving Ellsworth, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2021

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Great job by the electricians. They arrived early, called the boss and asked questions when they were not sure. Offered suggestions on how to bring the property up to code, identified the problem and installed a smart thermostat. Job well done."
Generator install
Generator install
Generator install
Generator install
Electrical projects

+14

Response time7 hrs
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by43%of homeowners
Avatar for Blue Waters Electric, LLC
Blue Waters Electric, LLC
4.2(
5
)

Serving Ellsworth, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Exceptional customer service. Always timely and knowledgeable with answering questions. Was able to schedule our new build very quickly and got the job done to a high standard. Highly recommend Blue Waters Electric!"
Response time2 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Grizzly Electric, LLC
1.3(
2
)

Serving Ellsworth, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Grizzly Electric, LLC is a licensed and insured company committed to reducing energy cost and lowering energy bills for our customers while providing quality service. We serve the beautiful Grand Traverse area as well as Western and lower Michigan. Specializing in panel upgrades, generators, custom lighting, hot tubs, fixtures and much more. We offer flexible payments and affordable electrical services

Recess Cans
Carport Recess Cans
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

  • Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year 

  • Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year

  • Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year

  • Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year

  • Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit

  • Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

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.

In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you—and might be required to do so by your building department—but you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.

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.

The Ellsworth, MI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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