How long does a whole-house generator last?

• <div><p>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to <b>20 years</b>. <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 <b>$150 to $300 per year</b> 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. </p></div>

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Q: What size generator does my house need?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together. </p><p>A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you&rsquo;ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.</p></div>

Q: How can I reduce carbon monoxide emissions from my natural gas generator?

• <div><p>Carbon monoxide emissions aren&rsquo;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. </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: How much horsepower do I need?

• <div><p>If your home already has a grinder pump and you&rsquo;re still noticing issues (like frequently clogged toilets and sinks), it could be time to upgrade your grinder pump. Start by checking your existing horsepower. If there are four or fewer people living in your home, using a 1/2-horsepower grinder pump should be sufficient. Larger households should consider investing in a 1-horsepower grinder pump to maximize wastewater removal efforts.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Saginaw, MN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Saginaw, 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 Saginaw, 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 November 18, 2025

Reviewed in October 2023
We had 7 windows replaced. They trimmed all the windows, turned out beautiful. Rusty and Stacy were our installers. In the spring I will have a few more window installed. I will request Rusty and Stacy to be the installers.
Renewal by Andersen Lake Superior Region
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Reviewed in October 2023
These people are so friendly, so knowledgeable, so professional, and so thorough! We had my deceased mother-in-law's 80-foot table and eight chairs that we wanted redone. They were a dark oak (think 1970s), and I wanted to have them lightened up, strengthened, and reupholstered. Jen took us...
Frostbite Furniture, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2020
Working with Rick was a pleasure from the initial request for quote to final installation. Our new closet (versus the original closet layout) is perfectly suited to us thanks to Rick taking time to listen and assess our needs as well as his effective design work. It was also a pleasure to work...
Closets For Life
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Reviewed in August 2019
I was looking for an honest, efficient and affordable company to put my 90 year old mother's Generac generator in working order. From my first call to NWI to the finished product, this company was service oriented, efficient and professional without "taking her to the cleaners" for the cost of...
NWI Generator Group LLC
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Reviewed in June 2018
Jeff was great to work for and the fellow that installed the roof was a real professional. We liked working with the both of them.
Collins Roofing and Sheet Metal
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Reviewed in May 2018
Very professional company. Reasonably priced and a great job of the installation. I highly recommend them!
Gutter Helmet of Northern Minnesota
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Reviewed in September 2013
It went alright, I wasn't really thrilled. They were supposed to install two fan outlets in my ceiling. They did refund me some of the money. They were satisfactory.
D & R Electrical Svc
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Reviewed in February 2012
They did general maintenance. They cleaned out the furnace and made sure everything was in proper working order.
Randall Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning Inc
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Reviewed in July 2011
I contacted NMR Management to see if they could inspect a foreclosure property we just secured. They got there within 24 hours, inspected, took pictures and reported back to us. We then authorized them to do work. They changed the locks, fixed a broken window, removed a lot of trash,...
NMR Management
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Reviewed in April 2011
Will not install carpet, or give you names of people they use to install carpet, unless you have purchased the carpet from them.
CARPET CONNECTION
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Find Generator install pros in Saginaw

Weiers Electrical LLC

4.93(

)

•Approved Pro

Weiers Electrical LLC

4.93(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

2 years of experience

Weiers Electrical LLC is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations

"Great job very professional, he kept me informed as to the progress "

Michael G on July 2025

"Great job very professional, he kept me informed as to the progress "

Michael G on July 2025

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together.

A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you’ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.

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.

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.

If your home already has a grinder pump and you’re still noticing issues (like frequently clogged toilets and sinks), it could be time to upgrade your grinder pump. Start by checking your existing horsepower. If there are four or fewer people living in your home, using a 1/2-horsepower grinder pump should be sufficient. Larger households should consider investing in a 1-horsepower grinder pump to maximize wastewater removal efforts.

The Saginaw, 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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