How long does a whole-house generator last?

<div>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

<div>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:<ul><li>Refrigerator: 600 watts</li><li>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</li><li>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</li><li>Water heater: 3,000 watts</li></ul>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </div>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

Get matched with top generator installers in Tuscola, MI

There are 1 highly-rated local generator installers.

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Verified generator installations reviews

Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Tuscola, MI

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

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

Last update on May 08, 2025

Reviewed in July 2017
Excellent! The salesman was knowledgeable and took the time to explain the use of the generator and answered all of my questions. He looked around my yard and determined an excellent location for the generator. The installation crew was A-1. They were polite and knew exactly how to do the work....
Oak Electric Service Inc
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Reviewed in January 2013
The team from Hartland Elec. were very professional. They arrived on time and did a good job. They explained how everything worked and walked me throught it all. They cleaned up well and even did some extras for me. They traced wires for me that were unrelated to the job, they labeeld all 3...
Hartland Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
Paid $3600 to fix my generator and still not fixed. Said they would refund if they couldn't fix it and now they are saying Tough Luck. Never use them, they will cheat you out of your hard earned money.
M.R. Electric Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2015
Shawn did a great job for us. You could not ask for anyone more knowledgeable, reliable and trustworthy. He took personal responsibility for making sure the installation was perfect. When he committed to being here...he was ALWAYS here. We will be using him for routine maintenance and would...
Gen Pro LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
When Shawn gave his estimate, we gained a lot of knowledge about generators. The other companies could not compete with his knowledge, personality or price. Shawn and his crew did a great job. Other than having the generator here, nothing was left out of place and no mess. Shawn took care...
Gen Pro LLC
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Reviewed in April 2017
From quote through installation, Shawn provided an outstanding experience. I had 3 companies quote this job, and only Shawn spent the time educating me and explaining my options. From placement of the generator to explaining the options for different transfer switches and patiently answering all...
Gen Pro LLC
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Reviewed in August 2015
Gen Pro was very efficient, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. You can have confidence that Shawn will provide excellent customer service.
Gen Pro LLC
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Reviewed in June 2017
Shawn has assembled a great team. He brought a licensed plumber and electrician along with his GenPro crew. They spent the entire day installing the generator, extending our natural gas line, and replacing our existing, outdated electrical service. As you might expect with an older home, the day...
Gen Pro LLC
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Reviewed in January 2017
Great - Shawn was very helpful on the phone. He kept me informed as to his estimated his arrival, he arrived on time and fixed the problem quickly. He updated the generator processor as a courtesy, and made other helpful suggestions. Great Service
Gen Pro LLC
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Reviewed in October 2019
After living with 2 power outages that lasted for days this summer we decided it was time for a whole house generator. I checked Angies List and found Gen Pro. All the reviews are accurate. Shawn (the owner) is terrific. He does what he says he will do, when he says he will do it, and is so...
Gen Pro LLC
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Generator installers in Tuscola

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 92% of Angi customers

122 local quotes requested

Providing electrical services for over 20 years in residential and commercial. Generator installs from Kohler to Generac for your home or commercial settings. We guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule a free estimate today.

"The owner was 15 minutes early every day. He and his associate were organized and very neat. They also cleaned up after themselves when they were done. There was an oversight during the estimate phase however he didn’t charge me for all of the extra costs associated with the over site. He was receptive to suggestions and added new projects for the appropriate cost of course. I had another contractor bid on my project. His estimate was $20,000. At the conclusion of my project it will cost about $8,000. I have been very happy with this company and would hire him again!"

Karen C on March 2025

Craft Electrical Services

5.00(

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Craft Electrical Services

5.00(

)

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Craft Electrical Services has over 23 years of quality experience and I know what it takes to get the job done right! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Our team has quality experience in this industry, and we make sure our customers are happy before we leave. Call or click to schedule an estimate today!

"Very well, everything went as planned. Brandon and his employees were all very friendly and professional. I have used Craft Electrical Services for several projects over the past few years and have always been very happy with the work they do!!"

Ted C on December 2020

Jack's Heating & Cooling

4.50(

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Jack's Heating & Cooling

4.50(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

For over 75 years Jack's Heating & Cooling has been family owned and operated servicing the thumb area. It has and will continue to be our mission to provide you with the highest quality of service. From service to installation we are here to help along the way now and in the future.

"Great job with a good price would definitely used again."

Mike F on February 2024

"Great job with a good price would definitely used again."

Mike F on February 2024

Generator installations FAQs

Installing a whole-house generator costs about $5,000 on average. Prices range from $1,550 to $8,500, depending on size, brand, fuel type, and assembly. The size of your whole-house generator is the most significant cost factor, with large homes with high energy demands costing the most to power. Types of whole-home generators include:

Portable generators with 1kW–7.5kW capacity: $500–$2,000
Partial generators with 9kW–20kW capacity: $2,000–$6,300
Whole-house generators with 22kW–48kW: $5,000–$18,000

When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. Costs to maintain and repair generators vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible.

When choosing the right size generator for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:

Refrigerator: 600 watts
Large dehumidifier: 700 watts
Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts
Water heater: 3,000 watts

Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

The value of installing a whole-house generator is that your home has guaranteed power, even if the power grid in your area is down. Whether a whole-house generator is worth installing in your home depends on how often you use it, your home’s location, and your lifestyle. For example, installing a whole-house generator is likely worth it if you:

Experience frequent or prolonged power outages
Work from home
Store a lot of cold food
Have a sump pump
Have a pump for well water
Use electronic medical devices
Live in a climate requiring heating or cooling

The homeowners guide to generator installations

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

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Elisa Greenberg

•

Mar 3, 2025

How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 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.

Michelle Nati

•

Apr 1, 2025

Can a Whole-House Generator Run an Air Conditioner?

A whole house generator can keep your home running during a power outage, but can it handle the energy demands of an air conditioner? Here’s what to consider.