What types of fuel do generators take?

• <div><p>Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:</p><ul><li><p>Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year </p></li><li><p>Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit</p></li><li><p>Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Crete, NE

Q: How big of a generator do I need for a transfer switch?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s largest outlet is 30 amps, you&rsquo;ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.</p></div>

Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a whole house generator?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Crete, NE

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Crete, NE 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 Crete, NE 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 June 05, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Epp did and amazing job at installing drain tile for me!
Epp Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in August 2025
Excellent customer service and knowledge about the installation process and product development.
Maly Flooring
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Reviewed in March 2025
Great product! We love our Mad City shower. Everyone one we worked with were courteous and helpful. The crew doing the install kept the work are clean and did a great job. Yes, we recommend Mad City.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in March 2024
I do not hesitate to call Hawks for any heating and plumbing service. Hawks installed two high efficiency heat pump / furnace systems in our house two years ago. After planning, the work was completed within one day, all old equipment hauled away, and both areas left spotless. Both systems...
Hawks Plumbing & Heating, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Owner, Matt, and his crew did a great job in a very timely manner. They installed a new chain-link fence at our new residence. I highly recommend Salt Valley Fence Company. And I might add they had great service after the sale.
Salt Valley Fence Company, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
The installers were hard workers, cleaned up well after old gutter removal and were even kind to my dog.
LeafGuard
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Reviewed in December 2022
They were quick in ordering my lights & installing. And when I called asking for an adjustment to the lights at very top 2 story treeâ ¦â ¦quick to come back& adjust to my satisfaction ! What a refreshing change from my prior service !!!!!!!
Lamplighters Landscape Lighting, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Very polite and respectful when I called about a quote and their quotes are reasonably priced and customer satisfaction is one of their top priorities. From what I have seen and heard from others is that their work is professionally done in a timely manner and they strive to make the customer...
CJ Construction
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Reviewed in November 2021
Installed a large picture window feb. 2020 when it was the record cold spell, and 5 degree exterior temp. The guys came in, removed the old and installed the new in about 40-45 minutes! The shocker was the $10 savings in gas and electric during the record cold from the previous months bills!! We...
Bristol Windows, Inc
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Reviewed in April 2021
McGee Gutters and more did an excellent job on our gutter install.. I was very impressed with the service and price. He also installed our egress windows, windows, and sliding glass doors. Along with other things. I highly recommend this company
McGee Elite Gutters 'N More
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Find Generator install pros in Crete

JP Electric, Inc.

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"JP Electric installed a Kohler generator for us and they did an excellent job! They were on time and on budget. The generator looks and works great and we could not be happier. HIGHLY RECOMMEND JP ELECTRIC!!!!!"

+22

Response time1 day

Response rate89%

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The Empire was professional with their work, they did everything requested super quickly and with a super clean installation. I'm very happy with the result."

+11

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by77%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Was very polite and helped with planning the layout. Did a very nice job installing a new breaker box for the addition and running wiring and installing switches and outlets and indoor and out door lighting. Very satisfied and would definitely recommend Marcus!"

Response time10 mins

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Welcome to Scheer Electric, LLC, the leading electrical specialists serving Lincoln and the surrounding areas. With over 10 of experience in projects ranging from panel upgrades to outlet repairs, we look forward to earning your business. Call today for a free estimate!

Response time4 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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River Valley Electric

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+2 more

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

"Good quality timely and affordable."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Citywide Electric LLC

5.0(

)

Generator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With years of experience serving the Bismarck area, we are your solution for all your electrical needs. We take great pride in our extreme professionalism, timeliness and superior customer service on every job. We make sure to develop a lasting relationship so that the next time service is needed there will be no question on who to call. Check out our 5 star reviews from happy customers! Call us today so we can discuss your needs and make a plan that fits your budget. Satisfaction guaranteed!

Response time2 hrs

Response rate96%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Echo Group, Inc.

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Repair - For BusinessPortable Generator - Repair

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

When it comes to standby generator sales and service, Echo Group Inc. has the power! With generators by Generac, Siemens, Winco, Kubota, Winpower, Tiger-power, Milbank and many others, we provide professional and affordable generator service for residential, commercial, and industrial standby, mobil, and portable units for homeowners and business owners needing the piece of mind that the convenience a generator provides. No matter what your application is, Echo Group Inc. can help. Call us today!

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

"Build a privacy fence and garage floor epoxy coating. wasn't the cheapest but I'm very pleased with the job."

+136

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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Echo Group

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Repair - For BusinessPortable Generator - Repair

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

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Shepard Electric

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+2 more

Serving Crete, NE and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

At Shepard Electric, we are your premier choice for all your electrical needs. We have provided high quality work and friendly customer service for years. Call today!

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Showing 1-10 of 13

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year
Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year
Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit
Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

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.

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.

The Crete, NE 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

Alison Kasch
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2026 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Generator Installer
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Heather Ayer
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
Becca Lewis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Who Installs Generators? A Complete Guide
Wondering who to hire to install a generator? Consult this guide to learn who to hire to install a generator or a transfer switch.