Get matched with top generator install pros in Homer, NY

Q: How do I determine what size generator my house needs?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:</p><ul><li><p>Refrigerator: 600 watts</p></li><li><p>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</p></li><li><p>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</p></li><li><p>Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts</p></li><li><p>Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts</p></li></ul><p>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.</p><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6&ndash;9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7&ndash;10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10&ndash;14 kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12&ndash;16 kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16&ndash;20 kW+</p></li></ul><p>For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.</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>

Q: Are natural gas generators worth it?

• <div><p>While natural gas generators are costly, they&rsquo;re a great option for standby power due to the reliability of natural gas as a fuel source. Unlike other fuels, natural gas is delivered through underground pipes, making outages extremely rare and less likely to be affected by the elements. As long as the area isn&rsquo;t prone to earthquakes, they offer an unlimited supply of natural gas that doesn&rsquo;t degrade over time or require storage in tanks.</p></div>

Q: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

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>

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Anderson Water & Power

4.4(

618

)

Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

Approved (Corporate)

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1988

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We really like the professional job done by Paul, James III and Nate, they answered all our questions and explained everything to our understanding. They are no doubt well-trained in their field and dedicated to the reputation of the company. Kudos to our saleperson Tom, who also happens to be the president. We had on-location visits from 3 companies to have a whole-house generator installed and no doubt picked the best company."

+62

Response time2 days

189 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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Hurricane Home Solutions, Inc.

4.6(

245

)

Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Pretty straight forward. Establish size,generator. Installed in an afternoon. Work professional and neat."

Response time11 hrs

Response rate100%

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

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4 Green Power Systems, LLC

4.2(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"This company did our annual inspection of our generator. They were very efficient, on time, and stood by their word on the cost. I was very pleased."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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MAK Precision

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Repair - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install+1 more

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Mechanical and electrical background with trade school degree. Offering repairs and handyman services.

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They are very skilled, knowlegeable, and professional. I really appreciate their flexibility in the installation process by using in two phases to accommodate my request to install sooner if there are cancellations. The electrician who installed the transfer switch wore a mask and left the area cleaner than he found it :) I am sure the generator installation will go just as smoothly as the transfer switch install."

Response time2 days

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Mitchell Electric and HVAC/R

4.3(

)

Generator - Repair - For Business

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Mitchell Electric was very prompt and very professional."

Response time40 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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4 Green Power Systems, LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

4 Green Power Systems, is you 1 stop shop for a turn-key Contractor. For Generac Automatic Generac Generators we have been awarded both the Elite Status and PowerPro by Generac. Mitssubishi Ductless has awarded us Diamond Contractor status, Samsung heat-pumps has awarded us Premier status and GeoStar GeoThermal HVAC systems. We design it, sell it, install it and service what we sell. With over 40 years in the business we do it right the 1st time.

+46

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Quality Forced Cleaning

5.0(

)

Portable Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Repair

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Welcome to Quality Forced Cleaning!\n\nOwner and operator, David, takes great pride in his professionalism and customer satisfaction. David and his team are the experts you need to take care of your exterior home cleaning needs! With over 10 years of experience, we can handle any project you want with promptness and professionalism. We will always treat your home as we would our own, and will make you our top priority. \n\nWe specialize in pressure washing and also soft washing services. House siding, roofs, driveways/sidewalks, dryer vent clearing, concrete pools, outdoor kitchens, fence and patio restoration. Window and gutter cleaning packages also available! \nPrices start as low as:\n$89 for driveways!!\n$249 for exterior walls!!\n\nWe are also able to provide our own water so yours doesn’t have to be used. \n\nGive Quality Forced Cleaning a call today! For a free estimate.\nYou won't be disappointed!\n

+12

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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McMichael Electrical Contractors, Inc.

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

At McMichael Electrical Contractors, Inc., we pride ourselves on providing quality service that our customers can believe in! Whether it is panel upgrades, service work, or generator installations, we can take care of all of your electrical needs! We service Keuka Park and the surrounding areas! \n

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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H & N International, Inc.

3.5(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Homer, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Scott did a great job installing my ceiling lights,came out day after I called. Am very happy with work."

+19

Recommended by86%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 24

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.

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.

While natural gas generators are costly, they’re a great option for standby power due to the reliability of natural gas as a fuel source. Unlike other fuels, natural gas is delivered through underground pipes, making outages extremely rare and less likely to be affected by the elements. As long as the area isn’t prone to earthquakes, they offer an unlimited supply of natural gas that doesn’t degrade over time or require storage in tanks.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

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.

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