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 Watson, NY

Q: How much does portable generator installation cost?

• <div><p>Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.</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: Is a home generator a tax write-off?

• <div><p>Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.</p></div>

Q: Can you plug a generator directly into your house?

• <div><p>No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Watson, NY

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Watson, NY 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 Watson, NY 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 November 15, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Tom and Anderson did an outstanding job installing my windows and answering my questions. I would recommend them to anyone needing to replace/ install new windows.
Renewal by Andersen of Eastern NY
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Reviewed in November 2025
Quality work! Frank came out for three jobs.. Two electrical jobs and one outdoor project. 1) installed new lights in my basement and moved the switches to a more logical location. 2) removed an old lamp post outside and shut off the electrical lines that ran to it. When my wife and I decide...
Dig Dug Electric LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Rob was prompt, professional, courteous, prepared for the install/hook up of dishwasher. He was very knowledgeable and cleaned up after the job was complete. Would highly recommend him and would defi itely hire again.
Robert's Plumbing Service
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Reviewed in November 2024
No hassle company to work with. The company provided me with choices of generator for comparison gave me a price with a 5 days to mull it over . Delivered and installed on time and well done. Up and nd running so far, so good.
Hurricane Home Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2024
Fantastic install of home generator and kitchen outlet replacement.
A Squared Electric Inc
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Reviewed in January 2023
Dave replaced our water heater which was connected to our oil fired boiler, with a new electric hot water tank. We had no problems. Very professional installation.
Dave's Plumbing
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Reviewed in August 2020
A neighbor highly recommended Green Pines to fix a major septic problem at our three bedroom vacation home in the Southern Adirondacks. Great advice! Green Pines is a longstanding family business that offers extremely high quality work at a reasonable price. They can and will solve your septic...
Green Pines Septic Excavation
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Reviewed in September 2018
Mr. Duff was the first person to call us after I listed my need for a generator service. He came on time, tuned our generator and charged the price he quoted on the phone. We would recommend him to anyone.
Copper Field Power Systems & Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2015
Generx Generators is an AWESOME company to do business with. We were looking for a whole-house stand-by generator and were fortunate to locate this company on the web. They are located in our home city of Oldsmar, FL and are centrally located in the Tampa Bay area. Mark Costis, owner/operator of...
Generx Generators
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Reviewed in May 2015
The guy (I think his name was Mike...but not sure, so much time has passed) was very pleasant and careful. Installing the ice-maker valve was tricky and took some time, but he did a good job. We are very happy with all three of his installations and with the total experience.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pitt County
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Find Generator install pros in Watson

W B Lightning Rods

W B Lightning Rods

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

200 local quotes requested

WB Lightning Rods is a third-generation lightning protection contractor. Family Owned and operated for over 60 years. installing U.L. Listed Lightning protection systems, All Over the East coast, Midwest south east and south west regions of the U.S. Installations on Residential Homes, Estate Properties, Agricultural and Equestrian Properties. Lightning Protection for trees is also available. No job to big or small References upon Request. Contact us today for a no cost or obligation estimate. We look forward to working with you on your Lightning Protection Project. Thank you. **WE ARE NOT ELECTRICIANS** **WE ONLY INSTALL LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEMS **

"Great company, they were fast, friendly, & accommodating. I would definitely use them again."

Jennifer B on October 2024

"Great company, they were fast, friendly, & accommodating. I would definitely use them again."

Jennifer B on October 2024

Donohue's Lightning Rods

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Donohue's Lightning Rods

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

106 local quotes requested

The modern suburban and small town home of today has become an ideal lightning target. The home owner would do well to recognize lightning for the destructive force that it is and protect against this major life and fire hazard. Donohue's Lightning Rods is based in Missouri, near the factory where most of the residential and commercial lightning rod supplies are manufactured. Jim travels regularly to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New York. Call today to find out when Jim will be in your area. For installations outside Missouri, Kansas, or Texas, Jim waits until there are a few customers lined up, thus being able to provide the same quality services at affordable prices. **WE DO NOT DO ELECTRICAL SERVICES.** (ONLY LIGHTNING RODS)

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

Cazenovia Equipment Company, Inc.

No reviews yet

Cazenovia Equipment Company, Inc.

No reviews yet

64 years of experience

Cazenovia Equipment Company specializes in John Deere equipment for lawn and garden maintenance, farming, professional landscaping, construction work, golf courses, municipalities, government, etc. In addition to John Deere equipment, Cazenovia Equipment Company also carries over 30 over premier brands. Cazenovia Equipment Company specializes in high quality brands and top notch service and support, providing solutions for every need. Brands we carry: John Deere Frontier STIHL Outdoor Equipment Honda Power Equipemt Ariens Snow Blowers Kuhn Kuhn Knight Pottinger Trioliet H&S Brillion Degelman Hardi Geringhoff Unverferth CAM Superline Husky Mensch Supreme Wiedenmann Buffalo Turbine Salsco Lastec Goossen AgriMetal SIP Broyhill Vicon DR Power Equipment Selbro Pequea

Cazenovia Equipment Company, Inc.

No reviews yet

Cazenovia Equipment Company, Inc.

No reviews yet

64 years of experience

Cazenovia Equipment Company specializes in John Deere equipment for lawn and garden maintenance, farming, professional landscaping, construction work, golf courses, municipalities, government, etc. In addition to John Deere equipment, Cazenovia Equipment Company also carries over 30 over premier brands. Cazenovia Equipment Company specializes in high quality brands and top notch service and support, providing solutions for every need. Brands we carry: John Deere Frontier STIHL Outdoor Equipment Honda Power Equipemt Ariens Snow Blowers Kuhn Kuhn Knight Pottinger Trioliet H&S Brillion Degelman Hardi Geringhoff Unverferth Alamo CAM Superline Husky Mensch Supreme Smart-Till Wiedenmann Buffalo Turbine Salsco Lastec Woodbay Goossen AgriMetal SIP Broyhill Vicon DR Power Equipment Selbro Pequea

Cazenovia Equipment Company, Inc.

No reviews yet

Cazenovia Equipment Company, Inc.

No reviews yet

64 years of experience

Cazenovia Equipment Company specializes in John Deere equipment for lawn and garden maintenance, farming, professional landscaping, construction work, golf courses, municipalities, government, etc. In addition to John Deere equipment, Cazenovia Equipment Company also carries over 30 over premier brands. Cazenovia Equipment Company specializes in high quality brands and top notch service and support, providing solutions for every need. Brands we carry: John Deere Frontier STIHL Outdoor Equipment Honda Power Equipemt Ariens Snow Blowers Kuhn Kuhn Knight Pottinger Trioliet H&S Brillion Degelman Hardi Geringhoff Unverferth Alamo CAM Superline Husky Mensch Supreme Smart-Till Wiedenmann Buffalo Turbine Salsco Lastec Woodbay Goossen AgriMetal SIP Broyhill Vicon DR Power Equipment Selbro Pequea

CLD Custom Carpentry

No reviews yet

CLD Custom Carpentry

No reviews yet

15 years of experience

Quality oriented business. Offering professional and reliable services.

Lewis Electric and Power

5.00(

)

Lewis Electric and Power

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Lewis Electric is committed to provide quality residential and commercial electrical work at a reasonable cost to the consumer. We also provide telephone, television, and data wiring. Lewis Electric donates time to local organizations whenever possible.

Anderson Water Systems Inc

3.42(

)

Anderson Water Systems Inc

3.42(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

31 years of experience

Our mission is to provide our customers with not only better water but the best! We offer free water testing by mail or in the comfort of your own home. We believe if you have never had your water tested, how do you know what is in it? Remember, just because it is clear, does not mean it is clean! Please find out what is in your water today!

"Falsely advertised their "lifetime warranty." Would not correct this or provide any compensation. Manager provided disrespectful customer service. Would NOT ever use again."

Kerry M on May 2022

"Falsely advertised their "lifetime warranty." Would not correct this or provide any compensation. Manager provided disrespectful customer service. Would NOT ever use again."

Kerry M on May 2022

Shah Tax & Accounting Services

No reviews yet

Shah Tax & Accounting Services

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

Professional tax & accounting services firm located in North Brunswick, NJ. Small sized to pay attention to your needs, and providing the greatest of tax and accounting services in the area.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Showing 1-10 of 15

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.

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.

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.

Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.

No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

The Watson, NY 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
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 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.
Breyden Kellam
•
Oct 30, 2025Oct 30, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Heather Ayer
•
May 22, 2025May 22, 2025
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.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.