Get matched with top generator install pros in Chetek, WI
Top-rated generator install pros.

Need a pro for your generator install project in Chetek, WI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Chetek

Tek Electric
2.3(
3
)

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"First, they were recommended to us for the whole house generator by home depot.  We were so happy with the generator that we had him do a bathroom fan at my house and a bathroom fan at my son's house.  I did some checking and that was a reasonable price.  With the work he did, it was more than reasonable.  The job was a little more involved than he thought it would be and he didn't have any problem with any of it.  Without anything to judge the pricing from, other than online and a couple of guys I had come over who weren't on the same page as me, I'd say excellent.  The quality was top of the line.  As soon as he got the generator, he got over here to put it in. As a matter of fact, I am thinking about calling him again for something."
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Chippewa Valley Electrical Contractors, Inc.
2.8(
2
)

Serving Chetek, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Chippewa Valley Electrical Contractors Inc is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Natural gas generators are designed to run for extended periods of time, such as power outages during a natural disaster. Since there’s no limit to the supply of natural gas, they don’t need to stop for refills. However, generators do need maintenance, including pauses to check and add oil. Constantly running them will also cause a lot more wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan.

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, installing a generator usually increases your property value because buyers are getting the added peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to maintain power through blackouts. In most cases, you should see close to a 100% return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that home generators usually need a permanent foundation, and installing a concrete slab will likely raise your property taxes slightly.

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.

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

The Chetek, WI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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