"Andrew came to our house between Ann Arbor and Plymouth at 8 PM on Tuesday when a storm caused an electrical outage. We had a generator but we're only getting partial power in the house. Andrew ran tests inside the house, determining that not enough power was coming into the house. He then started testing different areas of the generator until he found the part not working. Once he located the problem, he quickly fixed it. Because he didn't give up on me or my problem, he restored electricity, saving me hundreds from food spoilage in a refrigerator and freezer. I don't think most electricians would have stuck with the problem or been able or willing to fix the generator. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would."
"WEe called Byers and Coltin was the technician they had sent over. He's an absolute professional with ethic, knowledge, workmanship and ability. The job was left spotless upon completion. Would hire them for any and all electrical need. Don't waste time calling everyone, CALL BYERS"
"He is great with communication! Worked around my schedule! Flexible and gave great ideas for things that would work well for me! Great all around to work!"
"Mitch was very responsive to the original request and came out and provided a quote right away. Despite the challenges with COVID, he still kept me up to date on when they could start the job. He brought out a very professional crew and got the generator installed in 2 days. He kept his word throughout the process. I would recommend him to anyone."
"Don was very pleasant to work with. He did forget to call me about when he would pick up the generator. But with the price and speed and workmanship made up for it."
"Updating our wiring for an electric water heater was sucessfully completed and done in a very timely period . They very efficient and knowledgeable. I would hire them again."
Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:
The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.
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.
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.
You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.
Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.
The Hadley, 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.
