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Robertson Electric
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Grottoes, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1968

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

At Robertson Electric, we're proud to serve our community, and we look forward to keeping you comfortable for many years. With a dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction, our professional team provides award-winning service in heating, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, and indoor air quality in Charlottesville, Virginia, and surrounding areas.\n\nOur founder, Bill Robertson's vision of delivering exceptional service at a reasonable rate has guided us for over 50 years. As one of the largest full-service companies in the area, we take pride in serving long-standing customers, ensuring their homes are comfortable year-round.\n\nWe believe in customer service, guaranteed satisfaction, and a commitment to quality. Our expert technicians handle every job with precision and care to ensure the best service and customer experience possible.\n

Avatar for Livengood Electrical LLC
Livengood Electrical LLC
4.4(
18
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Grottoes, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The job went great! Livengood Electric went over and above my expectations for this project. This wasn’t the easiest project out there on sure but with Jake’s expertise he was able to make short work of the project. We have a new service panel do you provide us years ofTrouble free electrical service, and a new generator but when the power goes out! We couldn’t be happier! Thanks again Jake!"
Electrical Project
Vanity lighting, fan, can lights, gfci receptacle and switches.
50 amp breaker panel with surge protector
Electrical Project
Electrical Project

+24

Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Hudson's Home Repair & Painting
Hudson's Home Repair & Painting
4.6(
39
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Grottoes, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

"Work Randy's done has been excellant. The only problem for me, is that he has a very busy schedule and has to fit work on my house in when he has the chance. Based on work done so far I'd highly recommend him. In fact, I have.
Pete Johnston
"
Before
During
Finish
Befor
Half Way

+2

Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for Woodson’s Electric
Woodson’s Electric
5.0(
5
)
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Grottoes, VA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Hi, I’m Matt Woodson, owner of Woodson’s Electric. With over 22 years of hands-on experience in the electrical trade, I specialize in delivering high-quality, code-compliant electrical solutions with a strong focus on safety, precision, and long-term reliability.\n\nAt Woodson’s Electric, we don’t believe in shortcuts. Every project—whether it’s a full service upgrade, generator installation, EV charger setup, or detailed troubleshooting—is completed with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. I take the time to properly diagnose issues, explain solutions clearly, and ensure every job is done right the first time.\n\nAs a family-oriented business owner, I understand the importance of trust when working in your home. I treat every project with the same care and respect I would expect for my own family, building lasting relationships through honesty, professionalism, and dependable service.\n\nIf you’re looking for a skilled electrician who takes pride in quality work and stands behind

This is the finished panel
This is half way done
Generator transfer switch install.
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+15

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

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.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. 

Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It’s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator’s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.

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.

The Grottoes, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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