"The guys arrived exactly at the prearranged time. They informed me that the work would take longer than the '2 man hours' that I bought through the Angie's List Deals before they began the job - which I appreciated. They were on task and professional the whole time. They explained any problems they encountered while re-installing the old light fixture - need new bulbs. They cleaned up any mess they made at the end of the job. Rates and cost of supplies were reasonable. I WILL BE CALLING THEM BACK FOR ANY OTHER ELECTRICAL WORK IN THE FUTURE. "
"While I did not hire, Rick Thompson Electric were straight forward and explained they did not do work on B&S Generators; however, they did provide me with the number for Inspired Electrical who I am working with. Not many companies will be straight forward and recommend a competitor. Definitely signs of a true professional!"
"You cannot find a better contractor than Raufi Services. We hired Raufi Services to install 240V/50A wiring for a hot tub. They were extremely efficient, polite, and timely. The quality of their work was outstanding--I couldn't even tell they ran the wiring in the house after they were done. They were also very competitive in their cost estimate."
"Seriously a great guy and did exactly what I needed. Also made it look clean and like it was supposed to be on the house. I know for sure we will be using him again for any projects we end up wanting done. Thank you for everything!"
"The service that Zack Weaver and Justin Fox provided when they installed my new furnace was fantastic. The attitude and willingness to answer my questions are what you are looking for when such a major addition to your home is happening. I have been in the people business for over 30 years and these professional rank in the top 5% when it comes to service. Job well done."
"Received a call from Parrish Services. We spoke for almost 30 minutes on the phone plus using a video app I was able to stream to him my home heating system. Based on my situation and the current installed oil heating system I would be wasting money trying to change to a new electric system. He indicated the system installed was a top of the line efficient system. After the conversation I let him know I appreciated his honesty and input. That input included having to upgrade electrical panel etc.. Bottom line.. Found Parrish to be honest, bottom line answers yet willing to work with you on what you want done. Thanks Parrish .Services..."
"They did a good job. I got them from Angie’s List. The price is a little high but they did good work. They were very nice. I am pleased with what they did."
A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.
No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.
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 installation costs, 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.
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.
Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.
The Culpeper, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
