How does a generator transfer switch save me money?

• <div><p>It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hook-up-generator-to-house.htm">hook up of a generator to your home</a>. </p></div>

Does installing a generator increase home value?

• <div><p>Yes,<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/generator-installation-avoid-electrical-disasters.htm"> installing a generator</a> usually increases your property value because buyers are getting the added peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to maintain power through blackouts. In most cases, you should see close to a 100% return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that home generators usually need a permanent foundation, and installing a concrete slab will likely raise your property taxes slightly. </p></div>

What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

Can I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Marble Hill, MO

Q: Can you use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</p></div>

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Find Generator install pros in Marble Hill

Donohue's Lightning Rods

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Donohue's Lightning Rods

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

96 local quotes requested

The modern suburban and small town home of today has become an ideal lightning target. The home owner would do well to recognize lightning for the destructive force that it is and protect against this major life and fire hazard. Donohue's Lightning Rods is based in Missouri, near the factory where most of the residential and commercial lightning rod supplies are manufactured. Jim travels regularly to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New York. Call today to find out when Jim will be in your area. For installations outside Missouri, Kansas, or Texas, Jim waits until there are a few customers lined up, thus being able to provide the same quality services at affordable prices. **WE DO NOT DO ELECTRICAL SERVICES.** (ONLY LIGHTNING RODS)

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

1.00(

)

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

1.00(

)

33 years of experience

We are the experts in the field of Whole Home Generator Sales and Installation, with over 20 years of experience in the game. We provide turn-key installation by licensed professionals - 24 hour emergency service - Remote Monitoring - Long term maintenance and service by factory trained technicians.

"They initially contacted me via email ready to make a visit for the install. Said that they could do the project no problem. Then when they realized I wouldn’t be buying a generator from them, which I had TOLD them upfront, they canceled on me. That is not an acceptable way to do business. They should simply state that they only install generators that they sell and not waste my time."

James K on May 2025

"They initially contacted me via email ready to make a visit for the install. Said that they could do the project no problem. Then when they realized I wouldn’t be buying a generator from them, which I had TOLD them upfront, they canceled on me. That is not an acceptable way to do business. They should simply state that they only install generators that they sell and not waste my time."

James K on May 2025

Lake area electrical contracting

Blomberg Insulation Company

No reviews yet

Blomberg Insulation Company

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

"Making home comfort more Affordable" is our motto. Working hand and hand with our customers, we strive to make every customer feel like family. With the most experienced technicians and highly trained staff, we offer many services pertaining to the insulation field. We work with both home-owners and General Contractors to Bring the best insulation has to offer to YOU.

MIDWEST ENGINEERING CO

No reviews yet

MIDWEST ENGINEERING CO

No reviews yet

24 years of experience

Consulting Engineering Services for land development, environmental engineering, and asset management

GIFFORD LUMBER CO INC

No reviews yet

GIFFORD LUMBER CO INC

No reviews yet

96 years of experience

Welcome to Gifford Lumber Company, The largest and oldest home center in the county, where you'll always find Quality At The Right Price! Whether you are a contractor, home owner or a do-it-yourselfer we are your source for the products want and the service you need. Since 1929 Gifford Lumber has supplied materials for the building needs in the area. Come in and let our staff help you find just what you need. We have Low Prices and a Great Selection!

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

ABC Electric LLC

4.50(

)

ABC Electric LLC

4.50(

)

Customers say: Quick response

57 years of experience

automatic standby generator sales and service.

Showing 1-10 of 11

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home.

Yes, installing a generator usually increases your property value because buyers are getting the added peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to maintain power through blackouts. In most cases, you should see close to a 100% return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that home generators usually need a permanent foundation, and installing a concrete slab will likely raise your property taxes slightly.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

The Marble Hill, MO 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

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•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
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Pros and Cons of a Whole-House Generator
Whole house generators can power homes when electric problems hit, but they aren’t for everyone. Here’s what you should know when you’re thinking about buying.