"The installation techs for my generator install were very polite and professional. They put a drop cloth down so they wouldn't make a mess on my floors. The generator cummings is top of the line."
"DES added several connections to the main breaker console. Responded timely to my request. Very professional and efficient. Also provided very welcome insights on the operation of the generator equipment, services and overall master system. Outstanding! Very highly recommended."
"I recently had my generator repaired and serviced, and I was very impressed with the quality of work. Johnny was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to make sure everything was running properly before he left. My generator is now running great, and I appreciate the honest, reliable service. I highly recommend him for generator repair and maintenance needs."
"Sierra did a great job. Ran new electric and installed our Govee lights. Even took the time to help us download app on phone so we can control the lights."
"the plumber, Nick O, did a great job. He was careful, expert in installing a washer/ dryer combo, went the extra mile to do a great job, thank you , Nick"
South Townes electric, is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and responsibility in all of our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 15 years of experience serving Hamburg, NY and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!
"Creekside Power is outstanding for electrical work!! The attention to detail put into their work when installing my Generac home standby generator was first class. I am pretty OCD about the way things are done, and Shawn s work was definitely up to my standards. I would highly recommend Creekside Power their price was my second lowest out of 14 estimates... Shawn was only $125 higher than my lowest estimate... and that person was not trained & certified to install Generac products, nor was he a Generac dealer like Shawn... that made my decision very easy. Everything was completed in a neat and orderly fashion. Shawn was very patient throughout, taking the time to answer my frequent questions. He used a level throughout the install and took his time as a result, everything lines up and matches up with my existing breaker box, etc. Shawn was very careful, diligent, and a bit OCD about how straight everything was during our install, which I thought was great!! Shawn takes pride in his work and it shows! Call Shawn for a free estimate... Shawn knows his stuff and you will like him. He did a great job for us on two jobs - a backup/standby generator install and a replacement of my meter channel!! He also ran a new electrical line to an out-building at my mom's house. I have already recommended Shawn to anyone I know who mentions wanting to get a generator installed."
"Mike was able to successfully repair the generator after the installer was unable to repair the generator and have it serviced properly. He went above and beyond to ensure everything was working as it should."
Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.
As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.
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, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a transfer switch (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.
The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.
Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000
To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.
The Clarence, NY homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.