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Avatar for Rick Thompson Electric
Rick Thompson Electric
4.9(
78
)

Serving Dahlgren, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1981

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"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!"
Response time2 days
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by90%of homeowners
Avatar for M. W. Butler Electrical, LLC
M. W. Butler Electrical, LLC
0.0(
2
)

Serving Dahlgren, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

M. W. Butler Electrical is proud to be a family owned and locally operated business that has been serving the community since 2006! With years of experience and unmatched expertise, we can help with any and all of your electrical needs. Since opening our doors we have built our business on providing customers with the highest quality products and service at a fair price. Our customers know that they can count on us to be timely, tidy and when the job is done that they will be 100% satisfied with the work completed. Let us show you the M.W. difference, get in touch today!\n-$150 diagnostic fee applied to job when hired

104 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for R J ELECTRICAL L L C
R J ELECTRICAL L L C
4.8(
5
)

Serving Dahlgren, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"While installing the whole home power system the team kept the yard orderly and saved way more grass the promised just from working smarter thank you again for all of you help."
Charging Station complete
Fixture day
New Kitchen lighting
Disconnect for safety
Wall lighting

+53

Response time3 hrs
Recommended by66%of homeowners
Avatar for NL&K Electrical Services
NL&K Electrical Services
5.0(
2
)

Serving Dahlgren, VA and surrounding areas

"I had seven different lighting fixtures installed throughout the house along with 3 mounted TV’s. He’s knowledgeable and skilled and completed the job quicker than I expected. Extremely personable, I recommend him to all of my neighbors on my street. I would definitely hire NL&K again."
The new ring doorbell
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for AC/DC Electric LLC
AC/DC Electric LLC
5.0(
2
)

Serving Dahlgren, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The team was punctual and did exceptional work. In addition, I got three quotes and they were the best quote that I received. The guys were knowledgeable, and worked diligently to complete the job in one day. Very impressed. Would highly recommend."
Gas line grounding
Level 2 EV Charger
Generator relocation
Pole light
New outlet installation

+4

Response time2 days
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for The Home Depot - Generators
The Home Depot - Generators
2.5(
1
)

Serving Dahlgren, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Today, we're proud to be the world's largest home improvement retailer. In 2,300 stores across North America, we aspire to excel in service – to our customers, associates, communities and shareholders. That's what leadership means to us. That's The Home Depot difference.

Generators
Generators
Generators
Generator
Generators

+5

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.

The Dahlgren, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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