How do I know what size of whole house generator to choose?

• <div><p>Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">Calculate your home’s electrical load</a> based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Hartford, VT

Q: Do I need a permit to install a generator?

• <div><p>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 <b>$50 and $250</b>, depending on where you live. Your electrician or certified generator installer will usually pull the permit for you&mdash;and might be required to do so by your building department&mdash;but you&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: Do I really need a generator transfer switch?

• <div><p>Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-an-electrical-emergency.htm">electrical emergencies</a>. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency. </p></div>

Q: Can you plug a generator directly into your house?

• <div><p>No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.</p></div>

Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Hartford, VT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Hartford, VT 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 Hartford, VT 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 October 27, 2025

Reviewed in August 2024
Great quality installation with reasonably priced
Your Local Floor Pro LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Excellent job with hard working and respectful employees - cleaned the basement of 200+ year old home littered with generations of junk as well as mold; it now looks fantastic. Shoveled out drive way as a bonus.
Silver Environmental
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Reviewed in January 2024
We had a new chimney and 2 liners installed. Steve was awesome! Explained all aspects of the work and did a beautiful job!
Kearley Masonry
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Reviewed in November 2022
Had a gutter system installed this fall. The customer service reps were friendly and knowledgeable. After install, saw a small concern in which they immediately came out and addressed. Problem was more the roof than the gutter system actually.
Clear Choice Home Improvements, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2022
Only placed our order on July 21, not installed yet.
Budget Blinds of Concord & Hanover
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Reviewed in January 2022
Sincal installed a new chimney and air tube fell out after 5 uses. Tech came o tightened part and it fell out 2 days later along with bricks. Company blamed us of taking brand new chimney apart. Took about 2 months for a response just wanted $150 refund for the fact that what they fixed fell...
Sin Cal Chimney's
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Reviewed in February 2021
They were on time and very efficient, complete install done in one day. Many excellent additional features we took advantage of, such as surge suppressor and monitoring. Honest and dependable company to work with. Would recommend them without hesitation.
Generator Supercenter of Maine
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Reviewed in November 2020
The installation team was exceptionally courteous, and professional. Work was done rapidly, and right within the time schedule, they had estimated. I highly recommend this work team.
Clear Choice Home Improvements, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2017
The men from Claremont Glassworks did an excellent job when I had my garage doors replaced. They were on time, professional, and polite. They had both doors removed, and new ones replaced, plus two new garage door openers installed, in only a couple of hours. Great doing business with them
CLAREMONT GLASSWORKS
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Reviewed in September 2016
On time bed was installed in my water bed frame which I wanted to keep. Install went great. Very happy with our bed. No problems.
SleepZero Sleep Systems
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Find Generator install pros in Hartford

Vertex Contracting Inc.

Vertex Contracting Inc.

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

126 local quotes requested

3rd generation electrician. We specialize in re-wiring historical sites, electrical services, repairs, installs, troubleshooting, lighting, panel upgrades, ceiling fans, EV/Electric Charging Stations, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

"They are outstanding!"

Jake V on August 2023

"They are outstanding!"

Jake V on August 2023

McCormick Electrical, LLC

McCormick Electrical, LLC

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

2 years of experience

Welcome to McCormick Electrical, LLC! In business since 2023, we are a full service electrical company who takes great pride in the quality of our work and guarantees customer satisfaction. We specialize in all maintenance and repair for both residential and commercial properties, and no job is too big or too small. Serving Rutland and its surrounding towns, be sure to give us a all today!

"Colin is an excellent licensed electrician ..He is completing several projects for us and we couldn’t be happier .. As stated in other reviews : prompt - courteous and extremely knowledgeable and very professional."

Mike C on October 2024

"Colin is an excellent licensed electrician ..He is completing several projects for us and we couldn’t be happier .. As stated in other reviews : prompt - courteous and extremely knowledgeable and very professional."

Mike C on October 2024

Schaal Electric PC is a family ownwed and operated business located in Wilder Vt since 1972. We are a full service electrical contractor and are regions Distributor for Gillette Generators. Offering to dealers,contractors and retail sales installation and service on all models.We offer a fully installed turn key system.

RICHARD ELECTRIC INC

131 A ST

4.15(

)

RICHARD ELECTRIC INC

131 A ST

4.15(

)

Customers say: Quality work

65 years of experience

Established in 1960. We have 24 hr. emergency service available. Work is completed by Licensed Electricians and Registered Apprentices per the National Electrical Code.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

BT Morin Electric

5.00(

)

BT Morin Electric

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Residential & light commercial electrical contractor

Powers Generator Service

5 Business Center Dr

4.25(

)

Powers Generator Service

5 Business Center Dr

4.25(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

31 years of experience

Additional address - PO Box 10005, Swanzey, NH 03446. Additional contact name - Sheena Royce. Number of Employees: 45. We offer Financing.

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.

Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. Calculate your home’s electrical load based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.

Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency.

No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

The Hartford, VT homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.