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Avatar for SciFiHomes Inc
SciFiHomes Inc
5.0(
27
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair+4 more

Serving Rapidan, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"These guys did a fantastic job and were an absolute pleasure to work with. Small business, all primary work done by the three owners/operators of the group, who are are masters in their respective fields: "Tech Guy", Electrician, and Gas Fitter. (I genuinely hope to not cause offense by this broadly generalized description). I had a 20kW Cummins LP/NG-fired automatic backup generator installed and connected to a new automatic transfer switch, and (since we had no existing gas system) a new 500gallon LP propane tank installed and under-grounded to feed the generator. My main electrical panel was brought up to current code in the process. The excavation and burial work was subcontracted to a trusted local operator that did really nice work, and they worked with Southern States to provide a tank and first fill. They handled all the permits and coordinated the inspections. Waiting for the county inspector, and waiting for Southern States to fill the tank after the gas inspection, were the only observable delays in the process, and those were negligible/reasonable. The SciFiHomes people were quick, efficient, and obviously practiced with all of their pieces of the work. They will strongly prefer Cummins-brand generators over the competitors, and they are more a more expensive initial investment compared to them. After doing my own research after their sales pitch, it is a very worthwhile "upgrade". The difference between Cummins' generators and the competitors is fuel efficiency; according to the math, I'll get over 24 hours of additional runtime vs (as an example) Generac's 20kW generator at 40% average load on a full 420gallons of propane in the new 500gal tank. With an extended outage, or multiple long outages as with last winter in Frederick County, that's a very significant advantage. Sorry for the "sales pitch"; I only included this to prove that they're in my opinion very justified in pushing the "premium" brand. We purchased the extended warranty uplift as well as their extended service agreement. We can't recommend them enough; fantastic experience, and this generator has already flawlessly provided over 20 hours of outage coverage in the 5 months we've had it. Winter is coming, and we'll be ready this time. It just works... These guys and their total solution probably isn't the absolute cheapest in the area... but we absolutely got what we paid for. Thanks SFH!"
Cummins Onan 400A ATS
Cummins Onan 20kW
Briggs & STratton Standby Generator
Response time7 hrs
Response rate100%
4 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for American Electrical Solutions, Inc.
American Electrical Solutions, Inc.
4.7(
16
)
Generator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Rapidan, VA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"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!"
Conduit
Examples of our Quality
Office
Panel Upgrade
Examples of our Quality

+7

Response time1 day
6 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for M. W. Butler Electrical, LLC
M. W. Butler Electrical, LLC
5.0(
3
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Rapidan, 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

26 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by66%of homeowners
Avatar for Ultimate Electrical Services
Ultimate Electrical Services
5.0(
15
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Rapidan, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Brad came to my house, gave me his expert advise on how to wire up my generator. Excellent service very nice quick install and gave me a tutorial on how to operate when power goes out. 10/10 for this guy heâ  s awesome definitely the electrician guy to have on hand ð  Â"
Response time10 hrs
Recommended by93%of homeowners
Showing 1-10 of 35
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home. 

Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.

The Rapidan, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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