"I regularly and highly recommend Don's Electric to anyone who is looking for top-notch electricians and outstanding people to work with. Don's Electric is a well-run company that provides superb service. The Gabbard family is the best! For example, last week we had a lengthy power outage, and (through no fault whatsoever of Don’s Electric) the engine in our back-up generator died, requiring replacement. With no replacement engine immediately available, Don's Electric was quick to the rescue; within a few hours, the Gabbards had installed a portable generator for use during the balance of the outage. (By the way, Don’s Electric previously replaced my outdated electrical service promptly, professionally, and at a very competitive price.) Thank you, Don's Electric!"
"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?"
"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."
"We lost power after a horrific storm and we contacted them and they sent a tech out after hours and got your generator back up and running. I would highly recommend. Will use again if this ever happens again and we will be referring all of our customers, family and friends to. I'll take care of you guys!"
"wonderful company, i had a specialty issue; needed a new attic fan to vent the heat from a very hot atrium to the outside. these guys came over, took out the old fan, ordered the new one and installed. contractors were very polite, knowledgeable & expedient once the decision was made, i recommend to all."
"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!!"
Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a transfer switch (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.
To power a central air system during a power outage, the whole-house generator will need to be at least 5,000 watts, and this number will significantly increase for larger units. Check the specific wattage requirements of your AC unit to choose the right generator size. Consider consulting a generator installer to ensure your whole-house generator meets your electrical load needs.
DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.
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.
Energy output depends on turbine size, average wind speed at your site, and system efficiency. A 5 kW turbine in a good wind location can generate 8,000 to 12,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which may cover a large portion of an average home’s needs. Accurate output estimates require a professional wind assessment and a review of your household’s energy usage patterns.
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.
