Is it better to repair or replace a malfunctioning generator?

• <div><p>It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around <b>$300</b> on average, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installing a new whole-house generator costs</a> around <b>$5,000 </b>on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.</p></div>

Can a natural gas generator work without electricity or in a power outage?

• <div><p>Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-install-generator-transfer-switch.htm?entry_point_id=33797025">transfer switch</a> (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.</p></div>

How much does it cost to install a generator?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:</p><ul><li><p><b>Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW):</b> $500–$2,000</p></li><li><p><b>Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW):</b> $2,000–$6,500</p></li><li><p><b>Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW):</b> $5,000–$18,000</p></li></ul><p>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.</p></div>

How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you’ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Best generator install pros near Ontario, WI

Q: Is it better to repair or replace a malfunctioning generator?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s usually better to repair your generator if it isn&rsquo;t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around <b>$300</b> on average, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">installing a new whole-house generator costs</a> around <b>$5,000 </b>on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to set up utilities?

• <div><p>Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.</p></div>

Q: How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you&rsquo;ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won&rsquo;t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Top-Rated Generator install pros in Ontario - Updated Nov 2026

Wisconsin Generators LLC

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very prompt and professional, installation was in a timely manner. Very helpful with any questions and explanations. After job was complete. Highly recommended."

24 neighbors recently requested a quote

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CLEAR WATER ELECTRIC LLC

4.5(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Excellent service and quality work! They wired our shed and did an incredible job from start to finish. Professional, reliable, and detail-oriented. Everything works perfectly, and the setup looks super clean. Highly recommend them for any electrical work!"

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Oak Ridge Electric, LLC

4.9(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Provided a quick estimate and was flexible with day/timing of installation. Very friendly and reasonable pricing. Quality service and work. Highly recommended!"

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Here at, JP Benson LLC, we take great pride our 20+ years of experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the needs of the consumer. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. \n

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Ontario, 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

Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

"Kevin is really courteous and I'd highly recommend him!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+1 more

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

My company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

Response time1 day

Response rate91%

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Floyd's Fix It Up

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairPortable Generator - Install+1 more

Serving Ontario, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1994

Free estimates

Floyd's Fix It Up 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.

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Generator Install FAQs, answered by experts

It’s usually better to repair your generator if it isn’t working properly, as it will typically be much more affordable and should yield similar results. Generator repairs cost around $300 on average, while installing a new whole-house generator costs around $5,000 on average. The only exception is if you know your generator is reaching the end of its useful life, usually between 30 and 40 years. If you have an older generator, you could face multiple repairs in the coming years, which might mean that a full replacement will be more cost-effective over time.

Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a transfer switch (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.

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
Partial-Home Generators (9kW–20kW): $2,000–$6,500
Whole-House Generators (22kW–48kW): $5,000–$18,000

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.

Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.

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.

The Ontario, WI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

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•
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How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Generator Installer
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.
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Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
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Generator Installation: Everything You Need to Know
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