Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Altavista, VA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Altavista, VA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Altavista

Avatar for Freedom Home Services
Freedom Home Services
4.7(
32
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair+3 more

Serving Altavista, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The owner was very knowledgeable and honest and fulfilled everything he promised. The technicians were Respectful and hardworking. We were very pleased with install from start to finish and highly recommend freedom heating and air. The owner also gave us a military discount, which was very helpful."
Heat Pump Cleaning
HVAC Cleaning
Bathroom Lighting
Bathroom Lighting
Vanity Lighting

+4

Response time10 hrs
15 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by73%of homeowners
Avatar for Holistiq Building Systems and Services LLC
Holistiq Building Systems and Services LLC
5.0(
8
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Altavista, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I would like to recommend Joshua Smith as a Tesla installer and overall electrician. He did a great job for my wife and I on the installation of our powerwall 3 and car chargers within our garages as well as trouble shooting some other electrical problems at our new home at Smith Mountain Lake. Additionally, he answers phone calls and shows up on time. Again, we highly recommend Joshua."
Response time5 hrs
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Red Clay Mechanical LLC
Red Clay Mechanical LLC
5.0(
3
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Altavista, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"I had an excellent experience working with this company from start to finish. The team was professional, responsive, and truly cared about providing quality service. They communicated clearly throughout the entire process and made everything stress-free and easy to understand. What stood out most was their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction. It’s hard to find businesses these days that genuinely go above and beyond, but this company absolutely did. The work was completed on time, exceeded my expectations, and the quality was outstanding! I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for reliable, honest, and professional service. I will definitely be using them again in the future!"
Mounted 75" TV
Handyman Projects
Handyman Projects
Handyman Projects
Handyman Projects

+8

7 neighbors recently requested a quote
Showing 1-10 of 23
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.

The amount of time a standby generator can run continuously is around 3,000 hours on average. However, standby generators can generally run indefinitely as long as they have a continuous fuel supply. Generators hooked up to a home’s natural gas supply are the best option for extended usage, as these won’t rely on a finite fuel supply based on how much you have in storage. Generators running on liquid propane or diesel won’t last as long, as these require fuel storage and regular refueling to stay running.

While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.

Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

  • Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year 

  • Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year

  • Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year

  • Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year

  • Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit

  • Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

The Altavista, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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