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Avatar for Ajax Mechanical LLC
Ajax Mechanical LLC
4.4(
5
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Vassar, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I was very impressed. I'd particularly note John's knowledge and creativity. After having two furnace servicers tell me there was nothing to be done, John kept going with the old one and was able to get it working. At less than what I had been charged to tell me it was impossible. Unfortunately, that only worked for less than a week and we went on to replace the furnace and put in a new chimney liner.
But I was very happy with the service.
"
Recommended by80%of homeowners
MJL Electric, LLC
New to Angi
Generator - Install - For BusinessGenerator - Repair - For Business

Serving Vassar, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

MJL Electric, LLC, is the premiere commercial & industrial electrical contractor in the greater Eastern Michigan region. With over 20 years of experience servicing the electrical needs of the local businesses and factories, we are considered masters within the industry. We are also both experts and skilled craftsman in the field, as we ensure that every job is done right, within budget and on time. We utilize the same degree of personal care and consideration on every project, regardless of size and scope. We exhibit exceptional attention to detail and quality craftsmanship, unparalleled in this day and age. Whether it is a smaller job, something larger or a vastly complex project, do not hesitate to contact us today!

Response time10 mins
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.

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. 

Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

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.

The Vassar, MI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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