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Avatar for Walker Electrical Service L.L.C.
Walker Electrical Service L.L.C.
4.9(
57
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Hickory, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Showed up on time for estimate appointment and for the service call. Excellent work done at a fair price. Highly recommend and will use again. I had a new lantern installed over my garage (mounted in stone face) and also tied to my timer, and had a new motioned-activated flood light installed."
hot tub disconnect
conduit run to rear of home
ground reseeded
ground reseeded
ground reseeded

+25

Response time8 hrs
35 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by52%of homeowners
Avatar for Stickler's Electrical Service
Stickler's Electrical Service
5.0(
22
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Hickory, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Site visit with Anthony and quote was best price by comparison with other quotes. Install was on point as discussed, installing electric to newly built metal building"
Lighting Before
Lighting After
Power and wiring
interior
panel

+4

Response time7 hrs
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for Walker Electrical Service L.L.C.
Walker Electrical Service L.L.C.
5.0(
7
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Hickory, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We have used Walker Electrical Service for years. They are a family owned business, very courteous, very professional, and highly efficient. When they make appointments, they are there! Most reliable company we have ever used. Cannot recommend them enough!"
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for GSM Services
GSM Services
4.7(
103
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Hickory, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1927

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired GSM Services to replace my A/C unit and furnace with a newer, upgraded system. A few weeks ago Kelly came to my house to give me an estimate for a new heating and air system. He was on time and very professional. He surveyed my existing system, took measurements of my house, and did some calculations to determine exactly what type and capacity system that I would need. He showed and explained to me several options as well as their prices. He wasn’t pushy as he left in order to give me time to review the different options before making my decision. I called the office the next day with my decision and to set up a date and time for installation. Today (May 22) Kyle and Craig showed up on time and were extremely professional as well. They worked from 8:30 to 5:30 completing the replacement of my entire heating/air system. The field team leader also showed up just to ensure that everything was going smoothly. They were very helpful in answering any questions that I had throughput the day and they took the time to explain to me about the new system after installation was complete (I.e. how to operate the new programmable thermostat). Overall, it was a great experience and I will definitely use them again."
New Air Conditioners
AC System Replacement in Charlotte, NC
Dust and debris from ductwork pulled into the duct cleaning machine
Dryer Vent Cleaner Charlotte, NC
Ductless Mini Split Installation

+66

Response time1 day
50 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for PRIORITY ELECTRIC AND LIGHTING, LLC
PRIORITY ELECTRIC AND LIGHTING, LLC
5.0(
6
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Hickory, NC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

PRIORITY ELECTRIC AND LIGHTING, LLC We offer over 20 years of experience in the electrical industry. We take on a wide range of electrical projects to include full installation for additions and remodels as well as generator installs, wiring and panel upgrades, and a variety of other jobs. We take pride in our quality of work and our commitment to outstanding results. We're committed to providing a personalized service for each individual project we take on. We look forward to building strong, long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction.

Response time12 hrs
17 neighbors recently requested a quote
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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.

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you—and might be required to do so by your building department—but you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.

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.

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

The Hickory, NC homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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