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*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Ellendale, MN 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 Ellendale, MN 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 May 07, 2025

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Avatar for Southern Minnesota Electric, Inc.
Southern Minnesota Electric, Inc.
5.0(
2
)

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

For all your electrical needs, we have over twenty years of experience serving Minnesota with all types of electrical tasks. Call for a free estimate today!

Response time3 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Rentas Electric LLC
New to Angi

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet every consumer's needs.\nIt is our mission to provide excellent customer service from start to completion of a project.\nTo understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a personal and professional manner.\nOur reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.\n

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

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.

Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.

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. 

The Ellendale, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

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