Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Ridgewood, NJ

There are 14 highly-rated local generator install pros.

TRUSTED BY RIDGEWOOD, NJ HOMEOWNERS

  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.6
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon25
    Verified generator installs reviews

Find Generator install pros in Ridgewood

Avatar for Arctic Air Conditioning

Arctic Air Conditioning

1 Pleasant Valley Rd
4.84(
828
)
Approved Pro

Arctic Air Conditioning

1 Pleasant Valley Rd
4.84(
828
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 95% of Angi customers
Recommended by 95% of HomeAdvisor customers
690 local quotes requested

Arctic Air Conditioning is a family run business that has served New Jersey since 1977. We specialize in residential and commercial Air Conditioning, Heating, Humidification, and indoor air quality. Our other services include Plumbing, Electrical, and Garage Doors. Our philosophy is to provide top of the line equipment with the best installation and service available in the industry. We are an award winning Lennox Dealer and Home Depot Service Provider.

"Great!! Would hire again"

Erik A on May 2025

Arctic Air Conditioning is a family run business that has served New Jersey since 1977. We specialize in residential and commercial Air Conditioning, Heating, Humidification, and indoor air quality. Our other services include Plumbing, Electrical, and Garage Doors. Our philosophy is to provide top of the line equipment with the best installation and service available in the industry. We are an award winning Lennox Dealer and Home Depot Service Provider.

"Great!! Would hire again"

Erik A on May 2025


Avatar for MDL Electric LLC Cooling & Heating

MDL Electric LLC Cooling & Heating

4 Harrison Ave
4.61(
128
)
Approved Pro

MDL Electric LLC Cooling & Heating

4 Harrison Ave
4.61(
128
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
238 local quotes requested
18 years of experience

We provide our diverse Northern NJ customers a prompt response, consistently top quality electrical work designed to meet and exceed local and national industry standards for safety and efficiency, regardless of the size or scale of the electrical work. MDL Electric LLC, a family owned electrical contracting business established in 2007. The owner, Miguel Deleon started working in the electrical industry since 1993; he has over 20 years of electrical experience in all aspects of electrical work. We are committed to providing exceptional service, expertise to every project and get the job done and guarantees customer satisfaction. All our technicians are trained and certified; backgrounds checked and attend continuing education seminars to be up to date on electrical codes. For more than 20 years, Miguel De Leon has been providing solutions oriented to each customer may it be Residential, Commercial, or Industrial. Our mission is to create successful and lasting partnerships by exceeding expectations and gaining trust through exceptional performance. Let MDL Electric LLC bring power to your next project. We are a fully licensed Electrical and HVAC Business. Call us and experience true family quality.

"I contacted MDL Electric LLC Cooling and Heating on 01/19/19 Saturday evening via Angie's List messaging on my tablet. A response came within 15 minutes but I missed it since I didn't expect a reply that night. The first reply stated that someone would help me out first thing Monday morning. I replied the next day (Sunday 01/20) at 1pm asking for a specific time. The next reply on Angie's List messaging came at 7 min. after midnight on 01/21 stating 10-11 am but I didn't see it thinking "first thing" Monday morning implied around 7:30 when MDL states that they open for business. Another reply came at 07.34 in the morning stating that they would be arriving between 8-8:30 am. I also received a phone call at 7.35 am from Miguel the owner stating that Rudy was the name of guy that was coming between 8-8:30 am. At 8.00 am, the doorbell rang, the contractor came on time! Rudy arrived and I told him the problem and the possible culprits. I also mentioned that I was an Angie's List member and that MDL Electric LLC Cooling & Heating stated on their profile & website for 10% off if you were an Angie's List member and asked for an estimate of the price when he was done diagnosing. He simply replied that he didn't know and that someone else would take care of the pricing and billing. I was a bit hesitant but Monday was extremely cold: 6 degrees outside so I described my problem to Rudy hoping I wouldn't be price gouged. Another contractor stated they wanted $200 just to show up (diagnosis fee + more if additional work needed to be done) and MDL just sent someone to help correct the problem. I'm not sure if one is better than the other but I like doing business with family owned companies so I gave Rudy a chance. A non-GFCI outlet outside, 1 GFCI outlet inside near the sink, and other 2 other outlets that turned off appliances when I used them w/ an industrial strength extension cord from Home Depot. It could possibly be causing problems upstairs with the 2 switches in the bathroom if they were on the same circuit and that the house has solar installed. The last part is important because it scares away most contractors if they find out you have solar installed or the price quote goes up. It can be dangerous and it's always good disclosing the work environment before the contractor arrives. Two other electrical contractors saw that I had solar and just stated that they couldn't help me at all. I had already purchased a dozen commercial grade Levitron outlets but I didn't have any internal electrical wire or light switches for the bathroom upstairs and asked Rudy if he needed anything else. He inspected the parts that I provided then told me he'd be right back and went outside to his car to get his tools. Rudy went to the electrical panel, did a quick diagnosis and replaced the GFCI outlet inside the house. I showed him the outside outlet and he said that it should be a GFCI outlet outside. I agreed and he proceeded to install the GFCI outlet & non-metallic box that I had previously ordered for another job (that I was going to do myself but having solar installed scared me off). Everything worked after that, no need to replace any other outlet! The outside GFCI outlet was difficult to install but Rudy managed to fix the issue of the space behind the outlet being too deep. Before leaving, Rudy asked if I wanted him to fix the switches in the bathroom upstairs that I showed him earlier. I said no, leave them for another time since I did not have any parts for him to change out. I had a similar issue with a tenant at another location that needed to be diagnosed where there was no power from an outlet and the lights in a nearby room were dimming as a result. I asked if I needed to request another quote using Angie's List for the location or if Rudy was allowed to work at the other location once he finished up. Miguel called me on the phone and asked some questions then said that Rudy can follow me to the other location. I called ahead to make sure the tenant was home for the visit: no sense in wasting electrician & my time if tenant wasn't available. At the other location, Rudy went to the electrical panel, did some diagnosis and proceeded to replace an outlet that a non-electrician handyman had previously closed off. A little before 9:30, 2 locations, 3 replaced outlets (2 of them GFCI and 1 of them outdoors in the frigid cold) with diagnosis at both locations, job was completed. Tenant was happy, I was happy. Miguel called me at 9.30 am when the job was done and quoted me $350 for the job, with a 3.5% ($12.25) fee if I needed to use a credit card. I gave him my details over the phone and received a receipt for the transaction today via email which I provided to Miguel via text message yesterday. While I don't know if that price includes the 10% discount for being an Angie's List member, I figured Miguel can keep it as a tip for a job well done. I tried to use that other "free" contractor service but they kept trying to verify me before they would let me see a contractor list so thank you Angie's List! I apologize for the formatting, it was formatted before being submitted to Angie's List, afterwards, it looks like a huge block of text with absolutely no formatting. That's Angie's List, not my writing."

Derek C on January 2019

We provide our diverse Northern NJ customers a prompt response, consistently top quality electrical work designed to meet and exceed local and national industry standards for safety and efficiency, regardless of the size or scale of the electrical work. MDL Electric LLC, a family owned electrical contracting business established in 2007. The owner, Miguel Deleon started working in the electrical industry since 1993; he has over 20 years of electrical experience in all aspects of electrical work. We are committed to providing exceptional service, expertise to every project and get the job done and guarantees customer satisfaction. All our technicians are trained and certified; backgrounds checked and attend continuing education seminars to be up to date on electrical codes. For more than 20 years, Miguel De Leon has been providing solutions oriented to each customer may it be Residential, Commercial, or Industrial. Our mission is to create successful and lasting partnerships by exceeding expectations and gaining trust through exceptional performance. Let MDL Electric LLC bring power to your next project. We are a fully licensed Electrical and HVAC Business. Call us and experience true family quality.

"I contacted MDL Electric LLC Cooling and Heating on 01/19/19 Saturday evening via Angie's List messaging on my tablet. A response came within 15 minutes but I missed it since I didn't expect a reply that night. The first reply stated that someone would help me out first thing Monday morning. I replied the next day (Sunday 01/20) at 1pm asking for a specific time. The next reply on Angie's List messaging came at 7 min. after midnight on 01/21 stating 10-11 am but I didn't see it thinking "first thing" Monday morning implied around 7:30 when MDL states that they open for business. Another reply came at 07.34 in the morning stating that they would be arriving between 8-8:30 am. I also received a phone call at 7.35 am from Miguel the owner stating that Rudy was the name of guy that was coming between 8-8:30 am. At 8.00 am, the doorbell rang, the contractor came on time! Rudy arrived and I told him the problem and the possible culprits. I also mentioned that I was an Angie's List member and that MDL Electric LLC Cooling & Heating stated on their profile & website for 10% off if you were an Angie's List member and asked for an estimate of the price when he was done diagnosing. He simply replied that he didn't know and that someone else would take care of the pricing and billing. I was a bit hesitant but Monday was extremely cold: 6 degrees outside so I described my problem to Rudy hoping I wouldn't be price gouged. Another contractor stated they wanted $200 just to show up (diagnosis fee + more if additional work needed to be done) and MDL just sent someone to help correct the problem. I'm not sure if one is better than the other but I like doing business with family owned companies so I gave Rudy a chance. A non-GFCI outlet outside, 1 GFCI outlet inside near the sink, and other 2 other outlets that turned off appliances when I used them w/ an industrial strength extension cord from Home Depot. It could possibly be causing problems upstairs with the 2 switches in the bathroom if they were on the same circuit and that the house has solar installed. The last part is important because it scares away most contractors if they find out you have solar installed or the price quote goes up. It can be dangerous and it's always good disclosing the work environment before the contractor arrives. Two other electrical contractors saw that I had solar and just stated that they couldn't help me at all. I had already purchased a dozen commercial grade Levitron outlets but I didn't have any internal electrical wire or light switches for the bathroom upstairs and asked Rudy if he needed anything else. He inspected the parts that I provided then told me he'd be right back and went outside to his car to get his tools. Rudy went to the electrical panel, did a quick diagnosis and replaced the GFCI outlet inside the house. I showed him the outside outlet and he said that it should be a GFCI outlet outside. I agreed and he proceeded to install the GFCI outlet & non-metallic box that I had previously ordered for another job (that I was going to do myself but having solar installed scared me off). Everything worked after that, no need to replace any other outlet! The outside GFCI outlet was difficult to install but Rudy managed to fix the issue of the space behind the outlet being too deep. Before leaving, Rudy asked if I wanted him to fix the switches in the bathroom upstairs that I showed him earlier. I said no, leave them for another time since I did not have any parts for him to change out. I had a similar issue with a tenant at another location that needed to be diagnosed where there was no power from an outlet and the lights in a nearby room were dimming as a result. I asked if I needed to request another quote using Angie's List for the location or if Rudy was allowed to work at the other location once he finished up. Miguel called me on the phone and asked some questions then said that Rudy can follow me to the other location. I called ahead to make sure the tenant was home for the visit: no sense in wasting electrician & my time if tenant wasn't available. At the other location, Rudy went to the electrical panel, did some diagnosis and proceeded to replace an outlet that a non-electrician handyman had previously closed off. A little before 9:30, 2 locations, 3 replaced outlets (2 of them GFCI and 1 of them outdoors in the frigid cold) with diagnosis at both locations, job was completed. Tenant was happy, I was happy. Miguel called me at 9.30 am when the job was done and quoted me $350 for the job, with a 3.5% ($12.25) fee if I needed to use a credit card. I gave him my details over the phone and received a receipt for the transaction today via email which I provided to Miguel via text message yesterday. While I don't know if that price includes the 10% discount for being an Angie's List member, I figured Miguel can keep it as a tip for a job well done. I tried to use that other "free" contractor service but they kept trying to verify me before they would let me see a contractor list so thank you Angie's List! I apologize for the formatting, it was formatted before being submitted to Angie's List, afterwards, it looks like a huge block of text with absolutely no formatting. That's Angie's List, not my writing."

Derek C on January 2019


Avatar for Newgrange Electric Inc.

Newgrange Electric Inc.

111F Roosevelt Ave
4.64(
69
)
Approved Pro

Newgrange Electric Inc.

111F Roosevelt Ave
4.64(
69
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
41 local quotes requested
17 years of experience

Owned & operated by Edward Byrne. Centrally located in NYC, we serve all of Long Island, the five boroughs (NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island) and Westchester. We offer 24-hour emergency service, free estimates, quick response times, reasonable rates on service calls and competitive pricing on larger jobs.

"They did a great job for me."

Michael D on December 2021

Owned & operated by Edward Byrne. Centrally located in NYC, we serve all of Long Island, the five boroughs (NYC, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island) and Westchester. We offer 24-hour emergency service, free estimates, quick response times, reasonable rates on service calls and competitive pricing on larger jobs.

"They did a great job for me."

Michael D on December 2021


Avatar for Universe Home Services

Universe Home Services

3782 Merrick Rd
4.53(
444
)
Approved Pro

Universe Home Services

3782 Merrick Rd
4.53(
444
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Super punctual
538 local quotes requested
71 years of experience

Since 1954, Universe Home Services has been proudly serving the Nassau County community and customers throughout the entire region. With Universe Home Services, one call solves it all! Their highly trained technicians offer everything from heating and air conditioning to plumbing to appliance repair and electrical services on Long Island and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with an inefficient heating system, a noisy air conditioner, clogged toilet, broken dishwasher, or outdated electrical service panel, you can get the fast, affordable service you need with Universe Home Services. They go above and beyond to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the quality of their work, offering service guarantees and parts and labor guarantees on new HVAC installations. As a family owned and operated company, Universe Home Services believes in top-quality customer service. They always treat you and your property with respect, working quickly, cleanly, and efficiently to minimize your inconvenience and leave your home in pristine condition. With more than 60 years of experience under their belt, and a commitment to unmatched quality, honesty, and expertise, Universe Home Services is the trusted name for heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair on Long Island and beyond! Call today!

"This was the worst experience i have ever had with a company. They came and damaged my house and kept us without AC for days. They admitted to the extensive damage and went weeks before attempting to repair it. The services were never fully completed and they were paid over 90% of the job. I disputed the last 10% and provided overwhelming evidence of their negligence. And after a year their last ditch effort was to send collections letters. Don't walk, RUN from this company. I will provide pics and my my experience to anyone who is planning on using this company. Used to be family owned and was amazing. Second they sold it went downhill fast."

Marshall R on June 2025

Since 1954, Universe Home Services has been proudly serving the Nassau County community and customers throughout the entire region. With Universe Home Services, one call solves it all! Their highly trained technicians offer everything from heating and air conditioning to plumbing to appliance repair and electrical services on Long Island and beyond. Whether you’re dealing with an inefficient heating system, a noisy air conditioner, clogged toilet, broken dishwasher, or outdated electrical service panel, you can get the fast, affordable service you need with Universe Home Services. They go above and beyond to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with the quality of their work, offering service guarantees and parts and labor guarantees on new HVAC installations. As a family owned and operated company, Universe Home Services believes in top-quality customer service. They always treat you and your property with respect, working quickly, cleanly, and efficiently to minimize your inconvenience and leave your home in pristine condition. With more than 60 years of experience under their belt, and a commitment to unmatched quality, honesty, and expertise, Universe Home Services is the trusted name for heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair on Long Island and beyond! Call today!

"This was the worst experience i have ever had with a company. They came and damaged my house and kept us without AC for days. They admitted to the extensive damage and went weeks before attempting to repair it. The services were never fully completed and they were paid over 90% of the job. I disputed the last 10% and provided overwhelming evidence of their negligence. And after a year their last ditch effort was to send collections letters. Don't walk, RUN from this company. I will provide pics and my my experience to anyone who is planning on using this company. Used to be family owned and was amazing. Second they sold it went downhill fast."

Marshall R on June 2025


Avatar for BURTON ELECTRIC

BURTON ELECTRIC

27 Packanack Lake Rd
4.76(
76
)
Approved Pro

BURTON ELECTRIC

27 Packanack Lake Rd
4.76(
76
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 93% of Angi customers
Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers
37 local quotes requested

Burton Electric was started to better serve this community. I have over 20 years of experience working right here in Passaic County and parts of Bergen County. My goal is to provide the best possible service at the best price. All of my pricing is up front and there will never be any surprises or wasted time on your job. I offer a one year warranty on parts and labor (excluding lamps)

"Not often I had come by a professional that is honest, reliable, responsive with fair pricing. Burton Electric has been the fourth electrician I have had making major repairs and installations in the two houses we owned in New Jersey and by far has been the best. Dave was punctual, worked very clean and was flexible adjusting and making changes as the work proceeded. He was attentive to my concern not to exceed my budget. Rarely a contractor will be encouraging saying "we can have 4 lights in this room and if it is not enough I will add more, but I think it will be enough." Saved me a couple of hundred dollars and was not tight with every little item he installed like a new and nicer plate here and there, and even replaced an old outlet and did not charge me. His estimate was the best of the other 5 contractors. Kudos Burton Electric. Highly recommended."

Herzel Y on March 2019

Burton Electric was started to better serve this community. I have over 20 years of experience working right here in Passaic County and parts of Bergen County. My goal is to provide the best possible service at the best price. All of my pricing is up front and there will never be any surprises or wasted time on your job. I offer a one year warranty on parts and labor (excluding lamps)

"Not often I had come by a professional that is honest, reliable, responsive with fair pricing. Burton Electric has been the fourth electrician I have had making major repairs and installations in the two houses we owned in New Jersey and by far has been the best. Dave was punctual, worked very clean and was flexible adjusting and making changes as the work proceeded. He was attentive to my concern not to exceed my budget. Rarely a contractor will be encouraging saying "we can have 4 lights in this room and if it is not enough I will add more, but I think it will be enough." Saved me a couple of hundred dollars and was not tight with every little item he installed like a new and nicer plate here and there, and even replaced an old outlet and did not charge me. His estimate was the best of the other 5 contractors. Kudos Burton Electric. Highly recommended."

Herzel Y on March 2019


"Amer and his team are always there when I need them! They come with a smiling face and are always solution oriented in any task I have for them. No matter the job, they make sure it is complete and done efficiently. They always leave my home clean after a job as well! I would definitely recommend this company to anyone and will continue to use them in the future."

Isabel A on July 2024

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"Amer and his team are always there when I need them! They come with a smiling face and are always solution oriented in any task I have for them. No matter the job, they make sure it is complete and done efficiently. They always leave my home clean after a job as well! I would definitely recommend this company to anyone and will continue to use them in the future."

Isabel A on July 2024


Avatar for RPM Electrical & Lighting, LLC

RPM Electrical & Lighting, LLC

45 Prospect Road
5.00(
1
)
Approved Pro

RPM Electrical & Lighting, LLC

45 Prospect Road
5.00(
1
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
9 years of experience

With over 12 years of experience, RPM Electrical & Lighting 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. Call us today!

"He is amazing Ralphie did some led lighting work for me and did all the led conversions as well. He did nearly 30 jobs for me and is super responsive. I recommend his company to anyone."

Sam R on October 2022

With over 12 years of experience, RPM Electrical & Lighting 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. Call us today!

"He is amazing Ralphie did some led lighting work for me and did all the led conversions as well. He did nearly 30 jobs for me and is super responsive. I recommend his company to anyone."

Sam R on October 2022


Avatar for Four Winds Electric, LLC

Four Winds Electric, LLC

73 Gionti Place
5.00(
5
)
Approved Pro

Four Winds Electric, LLC

73 Gionti Place
5.00(
5
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers
13 years of experience

Four Winds Electric, LLC was established in 2012 with one goal in mind - Provide quality work with complete transparency. We know that you have lots of options on how to get your electrical projects done - Four Winds promises that we will not only get the work done on time and to your satisfaction, but we want you to be a part of the process every step of the way. Whether we are working on your home, office, or business, we believe that true customer satisfaction comes from keeping YOU in the loop and getting the work done as a team! So we thank you for visiting our website and look forward to working together on your next electrical project.

"In my experience, customer service is what sets a business apart, and these gentlemen could not have delivered better! Russ and Phil were spot on the entire process: from a competitive and ITEMIZED quote showing individual service prices, to staying in contact directly with me the entire length of the job. They installed 3 new overhead fixtures, and added a new outdoor outlet and it was like walking into a new house! Highly recommend for any jobs."

Patrick K on February 2022

Four Winds Electric, LLC was established in 2012 with one goal in mind - Provide quality work with complete transparency. We know that you have lots of options on how to get your electrical projects done - Four Winds promises that we will not only get the work done on time and to your satisfaction, but we want you to be a part of the process every step of the way. Whether we are working on your home, office, or business, we believe that true customer satisfaction comes from keeping YOU in the loop and getting the work done as a team! So we thank you for visiting our website and look forward to working together on your next electrical project.

"In my experience, customer service is what sets a business apart, and these gentlemen could not have delivered better! Russ and Phil were spot on the entire process: from a competitive and ITEMIZED quote showing individual service prices, to staying in contact directly with me the entire length of the job. They installed 3 new overhead fixtures, and added a new outdoor outlet and it was like walking into a new house! Highly recommend for any jobs."

Patrick K on February 2022


Gabriel's Electric

40 Eagle Street
New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro

Gabriel's Electric

40 Eagle Street
New on AngiNew on Angi
Approved Pro
5 years of experience
Free onsite estimate

We are owner operated, and believe in building long-term relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional work through close attention to detail. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and customer service. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. We work for our customers on their schedule, as to make it as convenient as possible for you! We look forward to working with you!

We are owner operated, and believe in building long-term relationships with our clients by delivering exceptional work through close attention to detail. We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and customer service. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. We work for our customers on their schedule, as to make it as convenient as possible for you! We look forward to working with you!


Avatar for MDL Electric, LLC

MDL Electric, LLC

4 Harrison Avenue
4.81(
67
)
Approved Pro

MDL Electric, LLC

4 Harrison Avenue
4.81(
67
)
Approved Pro
Customers say: Quick response
Recommended by 97% of Angi customers
Recommended by 97% of HomeAdvisor customers
10 years of experience

is committed to excellence 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

"They did a good job replacing the 220v outlet to 120v. Good pricing too."

Maria R on May 2024

is committed to excellence 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

"They did a good job replacing the 220v outlet to 120v. Good pricing too."

Maria R on May 2024

...
Showing 1-10 of 225
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

These advanced generators use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely start, which is ideal for getting power back on immediately without venturing outside. This feature is more common on whole home generators, but you may be able to find it on large portable generators, too.

Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:

  • The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.

  • It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.

  • Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. 

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

While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.

The Ridgewood, NJ homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.
  • 🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
  • 🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
  • 🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"