What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</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>

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Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

Q: Where can you install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">cost to install a whole-house generator</a> averages at <b>$5,200</b>, but costs can range from <b>$1,500 to $8,900,</b> depending on the type and size of the generator, and the labor required to install it. To find the best deal while still ensuring the unit meets all the needs of your household, hire an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your must-have appliances and electronics beforehand so you don&rsquo;t pay for more power than you need. As always, be sure to get at least three quotes to find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Charleston, TN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Charleston, TN 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 Charleston, TN 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 October 25, 2025

Reviewed in December 2024
The owner/installer installed a waterfall for my pond. The base material was TN Natural Stone but he only purchased about half of what he needed. He finished the job with stones I already had in the previous water runoff ditch. He installed lights for accent but damaged my existing landscape...
Nooga Waterscapes
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Reviewed in June 2024
Very helpful in where we needed hand bars. Gary was the installer.
West Shore Home Chattanooga
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Reviewed in November 2023
Quality product, competent installers
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
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Reviewed in January 2020
The original quote was double the final cost. We took part in the work off and arranged to purchase the materials. A significant amount of the materials requested were not used and more of some had to be purchased. Quite a bit of material was wasted due to poor work organization and use of less...
A+ Custom Renovation
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Reviewed in September 2016
Installation was quoted to take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete....it was finished in 4 months. The delays included poor scheduling, incorrect ordering/shipping of hardware, and general carefree attitude of the company, and it's owner Nancy Card. This process caused me to miss 8-10 hours of...
The Blind Lady LLC
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Reviewed in May 2014
Mike was professional, to the point and got right to work and fixed my leaking washing machine (a general electric) within 30 minutes. He showed up when he said he would and even called to let me know he was on the way. I really appreciate this type of communication from repair people who come...
Scenic City Appliance Service
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Reviewed in November 2013
Carl the installer was in charge and kept the job at a steady speed. Paying xtra attention to installin flashing that was missing prior to installing new siding. When working on older homes a good installer never knows what he's going to find. But Carl and his men were able to work around and...
CRS Exteriors
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Reviewed in April 2012
They charge $35 for just general bugs and also during the summer months they do an additional service for mosquitoes at $45 which is great. They have always done great.
Cook's Pest Control Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
Her name is Stephanie. She does an excellent job. She is very reasonable. She comes when she says she would. She does general household cleaning. She came out, vacuumed, cleaned all the windows, dusted everything and cleaned the bathrooms as well as all the countertops. Everything was...
HappyFeet
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Reviewed in June 2011
They are a good place to buy materials. The people were friendly and helpful. The service is excellent. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. I've have nothing but a good experience with them. Generally they have excellent prices.
Lowe's Of Chattanooga
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Find Generator install pros in Charleston

Foster Electric

Foster Electric

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

41 local quotes requested

FREE QUOTES ⚡CALL (423) 892-6759 ⚡ ALL Electrical. TV Mounting. Fast & Reliable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Service. Insured, Bonded, and Licensed for YOUR protection. Licensed in TN & GA. Solar Panel Installation.

"I booked Foster Electric of Chattanooga on 10/04/24 to install dimmer switches and mount my big-screen TVs on the wall on 10/19/24. I paid a 50% deposit ($500+) a couple of weeks ago for them to come out on 10/19/24, but they were a no-call, no-show."

Richard A on October 2024

"I booked Foster Electric of Chattanooga on 10/04/24 to install dimmer switches and mount my big-screen TVs on the wall on 10/19/24. I paid a 50% deposit ($500+) a couple of weeks ago for them to come out on 10/19/24, but they were a no-call, no-show."

Richard A on October 2024

Allstar Electric, LLC

Allstar Electric, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

16 local quotes requested

6 years of experience

Allstar Electric, LLC brings an unmatched commitment to excellence to your electrical projects. We have 21 years experience delivering unsurpassed professionalism, expertise, and value. We take pride in providing our customers with personalized customer service, the highest industry standards, and top quality workmanship. References available upon request. Give us a call today!

"Did a fantastic job"

Jay B on September 2025

"Did a fantastic job"

Jay B on September 2025

W B Lightning Rods

560 Peoples Plaza Unit 234

W B Lightning Rods

560 Peoples Plaza Unit 234

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

253 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

McCay Southern Electrical, LLC

McCay Southern Electrical, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

24 local quotes requested

15 years of experience

McCay Southern Generators is your first choice for professional residential electrical project sales and service. We are an authorized Generac generator dealer and offer a full line of standby generators for your home. We are fully licensed and insured to ensure project is completed efficiently and affordable. Find out why our customers love working with McCay Southern Generoators. Call us today!

"Very professional sales and installation people."

Domenick A on August 2024

"Very professional sales and installation people."

Domenick A on August 2024

MT Electrical services

1398 Old Chattanooga Pike Southwest

No reviews yet

MT Electrical services

1398 Old Chattanooga Pike Southwest

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

Residential Electrical work, we offer a 24-hour emergency electrical service and we also have an electrical Preventative Maintenace plan we offer. We repair broken electrical systems we troubleshoot and repair issues

Ion Electric, LLC

123 North Valley Dr Nw

No reviews yet

Ion Electric, LLC

123 North Valley Dr Nw

No reviews yet

8 years of experience

The business is small but seeking to grow. Currently there's only one employee.We often offer promotions on electrical home safety components. Such as smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, gfci receptacle installation, and arc fault protection for electrical panels. We accept credit cards.

SB Electrical Contracting

Po Box 4133

No reviews yet

SB Electrical Contracting

Po Box 4133

No reviews yet

24 years of experience

Electrical Contracting

Newton Electric

180 County Rd 504

No reviews yet

Newton Electric

180 County Rd 504

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

I'm new to Angies list but i've been doing electrical work since 1998 . Its just me and my tools , no fancy buildings or trucks so prices are low. Also new customers will not be charged a service call fee.[ First time customers only, thats a savings of 40$] . Call for more info, evening work and emergency calls are welcome.

Tatum Electric is a Residential and small commercial electrical contractor. I have 2 well equiped vans and one truck. I carry worker's compensation insurance and general liability insurance. I have electrical licenses in GA and TN.

Showing 1-10 of 12

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

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.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

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 cost to install a whole-house generator averages at $5,200, but costs can range from $1,500 to $8,900, depending on the type and size of the generator, and the labor required to install it. To find the best deal while still ensuring the unit meets all the needs of your household, hire an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your must-have appliances and electronics beforehand so you don’t pay for more power than you need. As always, be sure to get at least three quotes to find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.

The Charleston, TN 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
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 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.
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•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 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.
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.
Alison Kasch
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Is a Whole-House Generator Worth It? What to Know Before You Invest
Is a whole-house generator worth it? Discover the key factors influencing ROI and whether it's the right choice for your home.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 28, 2025Mar 28, 2025
Generator vs. Inverter Generator: Which Should You Choose?
Traditional and inverter generators can provide off-grid or emergency power. Learn the pros and cons of a traditional generator vs. inverter generator.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Diesel Generator Maintenance Services: 10 Steps to Know
Diesel remains a popular fuel option for a variety of home generators, but you will need to plan your maintenance carefully. Here’s how it works.