"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!"
"I had an excellent experience with Kevin. He installed a very large and complex crystal chandelier in our foyer, and the entire process was handled with exceptional professionalism and precision. This was not a simple installation,the chandelier is heavy, intricate, and required careful assembly and mounting at a significant height,but he approached the job with patience, attention to detail, and clear expertise.
He took the time to ensure every component was perfectly aligned and secure, and the final result looks absolutely stunning. The installation was done safely, efficiently, and with great care for our home.
I would highly recommend him to anyone needing electrical work, especially for challenging or high-end lighting installations. Truly outstanding workmanship."
"I was very impressed with this company from beginning to end. When they gave me an estimate, they spent 90 minutes with me to make sure I selected the right furnace and AC. The crew came two days later and installed the furnace and AC in one day. Great job! Very happy with the whole experience. I highly recommend this company to others."
"Alex was incredibly professional and honest about the work that was needed for my home - while gathering quotes other technicians tried to up charge me but Alex was up front and honest about the work I needed and provided proof and documentation I would hire Alex to do all of my electrical work for all of my properties currently and in the future."
"Prompt service! Andy is an awesome and patient technician! Root Electric saved my sanity and saved me money. I will definitely be using Root Electric for any future electrical needs!"
Benfield Electric Company is an area leader in the Electrical Service field, serving customers throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. We work with residential and commercial clients and pride ourselves on our capability to meet all types of electrical wiring demands and deadlines. Established in 1968, we are a licensed, bonded and insured class A Electrical contractor. We are focused on providing a wide array of services to meet all our customer's needs
"They are sewer and drain specialists and they do it really well. Reasonable prices, responsive service. We had family visiting and they moved schedules to and to us. We're grateful that they did so."
M.E. Flow offers FREE in-home consultations for replacement HVAC systems and we are an authorized dealer of most major brands. Established in 1951 by Millard Edward Flow we remain family owned. Replacing your HVAC system and water heater is a big investment. When you go with M.E. Flow your satisfaction is guaranteed. We do not install customer supplied equipment, do new construction, or give quotes over the phone. We send a professional home comfort advisor to your home--even meet you after hours. During your home visit we will design you the perfect system, answer all your questions, and get your system in the family budget. Financing and/or rebates are typically available. Qualified Staff: You get a team of professionals, NATE certification means your getting the best. Company employees are required to pass a background investigation which include a criminal records check and drug testing. We also offer the best guarantees.
Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:
The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.
While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.
The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.
Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000
To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.
You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.
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.
The Marumsco, 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.
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.
