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Spark Electric Company
New to Angi

Serving Columbus, NE and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Spark Electric Company is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n

Response time4 hrs
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for JP Electric, Inc.
JP Electric, Inc.
5.0(
21
)

Serving Columbus, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"JP Electric re-defines professionalism in every respect... We had two Kohler generators installed on adjacent properties, and from the initial quote to the final cleanup we were dealing with superbly qualified and professional individuals. The installation was A+ in terms of fit and finish, and Jeff was on top of every aspect of the process, even lining-up the gas company, and the permit officials so that the tasks to be done inside could fit our schedules. We will have JP Electric install another generator at a rental property next Spring and we look forward to what we already know will be a great installation and follow-up service!"
Kohler 48RCL
KOHLER 20RESD
KOHLER 20RESC
KOHLER 60KW industrial
Kohler 48RCL

+22

Response time1 day
Response rate89%
Recommended by95%of homeowners
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

To power a central air system during a power outage, the whole-house generator will need to be at least 5,000 watts, and this number will significantly increase for larger units. Check the specific wattage requirements of your AC unit to choose the right generator size. Consider consulting a generator installer to ensure your whole-house generator meets your electrical load needs.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

  • 2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. 

  • 4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.

  • 8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

  • 20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

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.

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.

It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around $300 on average, while installing a new whole-house generator costs around $5,000 on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.

The Columbus, NE homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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