What is the lifespan of a whole-house generator?

<div>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

<div>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:<ul><li>Refrigerator: 600 watts</li><li>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</li><li>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</li><li>Water heater: 3,000 watts</li></ul>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </div>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

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Q: How much does a whole-house generator cost?

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">Installing a whole-house generator costs</a> about $5,000 on average. Prices range from $1,550 to $8,500, depending on size, brand, fuel type, and assembly. The size of your whole-house generator is the most significant cost factor, with large homes with high energy demands costing the most to power. Types of whole-home generators include:<ul><li>Portable generators with 1kW&ndash;7.5kW capacity: $500&ndash;$2,000</li><li>Partial generators with 9kW&ndash;20kW capacity: $2,000&ndash;$6,300</li><li>Whole-house generators with 22kW&ndash;48kW: $5,000&ndash;$18,000</li></ul></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

There are 4 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Spotsylvania, VA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Spotsylvania, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Spotsylvania, VA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on August 09, 2025

Reviewed in July 2012
The process went without a hitch. I called any number of electricians who did not seem especially interested in a small job following the big storm of a few weeks ago. I called Expert Home Electric by R.D. Samuels, spoke to the woman at the office and received a prompt call to schedule an...
Expert Home Electric
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Reviewed in November 2014
A senior technician gave the house a thorough examination, including the circuit breaker panel and power requirements of all major appliances and quite a few minor ones to ascertain load requirements and whether any load shedding modules would be required depending on the generator selected. He...
Appleton Campbell
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Reviewed in December 2011
From start to finish John McGill of Battlefield Electric was A-#1. He was on time with EVERY appointment made, or if delayed a prompt phone call to keep us informed of the change of time. Not once were we left wondering when he would get here. He is extremely knowledgeable about his work,...
Battlefield Electric
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Reviewed in October 2012
Went very well. Everything was accomplished as described and any concerns we had were addressed and corrected faster than expected.
Inspired Electrical Solutions Inc
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Reviewed in April 2013
After a prolonged power outage (4 days), we decided to purchase a standby, whole-house generator and were considering an out-of-town supplier (40 miles), but were urged to consider All Install, LLC (9 miles) by our local propane provider. The owner responded to our inquiry within hours and made...
All Install LLC
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