"I have been hiring Cody Malone since we purchased our house in July 2012. They have switched out outlets, installed indoor ceiling fans, installed outdoor ceiling fans, ran electrical to my outdoor water feature and switched out my light fixtures. I plan to hire them again when I add electric to my detached garage. They always do a great job and arrive when they say they will. I have never had a single issue and they have been to my house for no less than six different projects!"
"Atlas was the first electrician company to respond to my request for quotes. All they needed were pictures of my fixtures to be installed and my explanation of pre-installed switches and wiring, in order to give me a quote. Other companies that responded wanted to charge me $75-$100 just to come out and give me a quote. Atlas was able install my 3 fixtures very quickly and did an outstanding job. I will definitely use them again when I have the need."
"Ahmad was a true professional!! He came in and looked at what I wanted done and was able to start and complete the light/ceiling fan repositioning in the same visit. He was kind and very informative and made my electrical installation safe (which it wasn’t before).
Thank you for your kindness and for explaining everything to me so now I know what to look for and what questions to ask in the future!!!"
"Since day one, Deybi and his crew have been able to solve any electrical problems I've had and provide efficient and effective solutions at a proactive level, long term result. First time working with them was due to our previous preferred electrical contractor failing to help with complex electrical problems at a commercial space (office space), so after some looking we found DBG Electric. They were able to help with setting up light switch wiring, installing cubicle receptacles and replacing fluorescent light ballast along with breakers. At another commercial site, we needed help with installation of power packs, emergency lights and flood lights. All of these were installed in a high ceiling area, which was no problem for DBG. They've also helped with lighting a my personal residence, ranging from kitchen light replaced with LEDs to recess lighting needed in the basement. I highly recommend using them, specially with difficult projects that require some ingenuity."
"Very responsive, extremely knowledgeable, excellent problem solvers. They kind of really solved the mystery of why the generator didn't work that had to do with the electric."
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.
A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.
In most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home generators. A permit for a generator usually costs between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you—and might be required to do so by your building department—but you’ll be on the hook for the cost of the permit. You should ask your installer before agreeing to any work if they will pull the necessary permits for your project.
If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.
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.
The Dumfries, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install a whole-house generator in Washington, DC varies based on factors like generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Learn the typical price range and what influences your total cost.
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.
Before deciding between a gas generator and a natural gas generator, explore the differences. Compare gas vs. natural gas generator with our informative guide.
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.
