Can a natural gas generator work without electricity or in a power outage?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-install-generator-transfer-switch.htm?entry_point_id=33797025">transfer switch</a> (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.</p></div>

What are the pros and cons of using a natural gas generator?

• <div><p>Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installation costs</a>, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Norway, MI

Q: What are the benefits of a portable generator?

• <div><p>Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.</p></div>

Q: What size of diesel generator do you need to run a house?

• <div><p>Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">electrical load</a> of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.</p><p>In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. </p></div>

Q: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Norway, MI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Norway, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Norway, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on March 10, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Brew City Builders was a pleasure to have done business with. From scheduling with Amy to our project completion, it was a smooth process. They were very attentive to our design ideas and communicated with us throughout the project. We had 2 porches/decks as well as a custom fabricated fence...
Brew City Builders Decks
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Reviewed in June 2023
I request a job to remove a claw foot tub from bathroom and install a new walk in shower. He completed half the project and then left his money. I paid him because he assured me that my bathroom would be completd by the end of May.
RC Custom Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Very good worker .On time for work. Excellent installation work. Would hire again.
EDI PAINT LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
Great product, very professional inspection & installation team!! Completed the entire project in about 6 hrs.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2022
We have had Rick do several projects for us from snow removal, remodeling, landscaping, installing vinal flooring, drywall installation and painting and have found his work to be excellent. He is very meticulous in all phases of his work including cleanup after completion. I have and will...
RL Handyman Service
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Reviewed in April 2021
We are very pleased with the work performed on our gutters and downspouts by Chad and his team from Sodak LLC. Chad was particularly helpful with solving a problem with one section of existing gutter and recommended a larger size that we had his team install. His team was very efficient and...
Sodak, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2019
the sales people are so knowledgeable, the company was very prompt and delivered on all it's promises. The installation guys were friendly, clean and helpful. I love that my house feels warmer and my furnace can be kept lower without me feeling cold.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2018
Dan showed up precisely on time, quickly determined the problem and told me what was wrong and how it needed to be fixed. He suggested using a smaller expansion tank as he said the one originally installed was bigger than it needed to be. Going with the smaller tank saved me $400. He said...
Suburban Installers, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2018
From the time we first met with Grant, we felt like we were his only clients. He worked with us to create a plan that was within our budget, and an agreed upon timeline. Grant listened to our ideas, and he gave us new ideas we had not thought of on our own. His crew members were prompt,...
Grant Thompson Construction, Inc.
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Find Generator install pros in Norway

RP Olson Electric, Inc.

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Norway, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

"He responded quickly, especially with any emergencies."

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Home Improver

New to Angi

Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Norway, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in painting and handyman service and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to working with you. Give us a call today!

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more.

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

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.

Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial installation costs, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator.

The Norway, MI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

Taylor Freitas
•
Sep 1, 2026Sep 1, 2026
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2026 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
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.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Generator Installer
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.
Heather Ayer
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
Angi
•
Aug 22, 2026Aug 22, 2026
Generator Installation: Everything You Need to Know
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.