Get matched with top generator install pros in Arcola, VA

Q: What size generator does my house need?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together. </p><p>A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you&rsquo;ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.</p></div>

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. </p></div>

Q: What are the pros and cons of using a natural gas generator?

• <div><p>Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installation costs</a>, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator. </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>

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>

There are 14 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Arcola, VA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Arcola, VA 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 Arcola, VA 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 31, 2025

Reviewed in February 2025
Aduu Solar Energy was Easy and efficient company. Aduu Solar Energy was simple, informative and straightforward. Each person I dealt with knew status and what the next step was. Everyone was courteous and listened to and answered my many questions. Installers were great people and neat too....
ADUU SOLAR ENGINEERING LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
We hired General Remodeling Group to renovate our DC home and add master bedroom and mudroom additions. They handled everything from the design and permitting (via their architect), to building the foundation, framing, additions, remodeling a bathroom, widening hallways, installing flooring,...
General Remodeling Group
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Reviewed in March 2023
Arizona Backup Power Company has earned a lot of our respect when we purchased from them the standby power generator system for our new house in Scottsdale. They handled the permit and the whole installation process. We are grateful for their services and will advise everyone to hire them.
Arizona Backup Power
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Reviewed in March 2020
A few days before the installation of my home generator my brother passed. I was told it will be a two-day install. When they called to confirm the appointment and I told them I could not do a two day install because I had to leave for the funeral. Blessed their hearts, they worked overtime and...
Russell's American Mechanical
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Reviewed in March 2019
Richard and his team have been great to work with. They make my yard look terrific, and Richard always gives helpful advice and is available to answer questions. Last fall they completed a variety of projects (including installing a flagstone walkway, planting a dogwood, general maintenance,...
New Dawn Gardens
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Reviewed in November 2016
Awesome job! Meticulous workmanship, knowledgeable staff & a solid installation, producing a truly professional result. They repaired the unit, installed the "hide" system on the exterior of the house & even painted the containment structure to match my brick exterior so it's not noticeable to...
Perry Aire Services Inc
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Reviewed in September 2014
I was satisfied with what they did. It was expensive. They were very responsive and they come when we need them. They are not cheap but whatever we get from them is good quality. We did have to have the generator serviced because it wasn't working properly. It was a problem with the...
New Age Lighting
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Reviewed in September 2013
His name was Mike. He was good. He coordinated everything. He served as my general contractor.
American Windows & Siding
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Reviewed in October 2011
We accepted Gene's bid to do major renovations to two full bathrooms in our 1917 home. Due to our home's age, Gene conducted an initial site assessment to gather additional information based on what we requested. While I was able to layout and design each bathroom prior to contacting Gene, I...
Stowe Contracting -Transformative Innovations
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Reviewed in July 2006
Gene Williams, Construction Manager, and crew installed awning. Downspout was dislodged during re-routing. The awning leaks where joined to the house, rain drips off awning back onto deck as if awning not there. The water is also causing erosion around concrete walk and steps under deck. This...
American Aluminum Products Inc
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