"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 Thomas worked well together as a team and finished the installation without a problem. I would highly recommend them for your Generac, or general electrical, work. They are conscientious, hardworking, amenable and clean up after the job is complete. What more could you ask for?"
"Great folks, quick, efficient, and professional. Would definitely recommend. I had a whole house generator installed, they had it done before I knew it!"
"Andrew did an excellent job replacing my electrical panel. He was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The work was completed efficiently, and everything looks great. I'm very satisfied with the quality of the installation and would definitely recommend Andrew to anyone needing electrical work."
"Mr. Bailey assembled the fan, installed it properly and quickly. He took the old fan to the curb so that I wouldn't have to. The cost (211.50) was a bit more than I had anticipated but the value for the service was reasonable. I can wholeheartedly recommend Lighthouse Electrical Service."
"It went very well, Cody arrived on time, explained what he was doing and did it. I find Cody Thompson to be a very good service man and was satisfied with him arriving on time, doing his job and telling when he was done and what he had done. Thank You !!"
"The guys arrived on time. Kept me informed as to what was being done. Confirmed placement of the floor outlet and outside switch. Work was done beautifully. After installation, they cleaned up!"
"Phil at Lake Road Electric was great with customer service, full transparency on pricing, and not only getting the job done in a timely matter, but more importantly, making sure the job was done right! I will be calling Lake Road Electric for my next project and I highly recommend!"
"I called them and they came out within in a week. Quoted the job and completed it the same day. Very professional. Very nice workers. They were absolutely outstanding"
"You will not find anyone more knowledgeable, dependable and trustworthy than Doug for your electrical needs!! Stacey is terrific on the admin side of things and keeps the business running smoothly. Together, they make such a terrific team! We have had Doug take care of our needs throughout several homes that we have owned over the years. There is no one else that I would want to take care of us than True Line Electric!!"
A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.
No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.
Carbon monoxide emissions aren’t only dangerous to human life, but they also harm our planet. While natural gas generators emit lower levels of CO than other fuel sources, there are still ways to reduce emission levels. For example, shop around for an eco-friendly generator that complies with current emission standards. Also, make sure your generator is serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup.
While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.
Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.
The Goodrich, MI homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
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.
