"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."
In many cases, yes. There are models called dual-fuel generators and fuel switches, but only between certain types of fuel. For example, with the right setup you can convert a generator from natural gas to propane. Some allow switching between diesel and gasoline. There are even tri-fuel generators available in some cases, which adds a large layer of security if you are worried about fuel availability in times of crisis. Always check your generator capabilities and manual instructions before trying to switch fuels. Some generators can use another fuel but may need a fuel conversion kit to prep them first.
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.
Generators are safe to use as long as they are installed and operated correctly according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The most critical safety tips are to never use a portable or fuel-powered generator inside an enclosed space due to the risk of lethal carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outdoors where fumes can dissipate away from your home. Additionally, never attempt to connect a generator to your home’s electrical panel yourself—hire a professional to ensure the setup meets safety standards. Finally, avoid overloading the generator by not connecting more appliances than it is rated for, as this can damage your equipment or cause a fire.
If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.
Yes, installing a generator usually increases your property value because buyers are getting the added peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to maintain power through blackouts. In most cases, you should see close to a 100% return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that home generators usually need a permanent foundation, and installing a concrete slab will likely raise your property taxes slightly.
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.
