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Avatar for M&L Electrical Solutions LLC
M&L Electrical Solutions LLC
4.9(
22
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Salem, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had a great experience working with M&L Electrical Solutions. They were professional, communicated well, and completed the electrical work in a timely manner. They installed the exit signs and handled the wiring efficiently, and everything looks clean and well done. They also provided a referral for drywall repair, which I appreciated. Overall, very reliable and easy to work with. I would definitely use them again."
Remodel
Electrical Project
Electrical Project
Remodel
Electrical Project

+28

Response time2 days
Response rate100%
3 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Milwaukee Electrical
Milwaukee Electrical
5.0(
2
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Salem, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Elliott does great work for a great price. He installed a new 100 amp breaker box and updated some of the house wiring to accommodate the new service. He also wired the newly renovated basement with all the wiring and installed all the outlets, switches and drop ceiling LED lights that have dimmer capability. He is meticulous in what he does."
Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Ls industrial repair
Ls industrial repair
5.0(
2
)
Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Salem, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"He showed up in a timely manner. He did the job quickly. There was a shorted wire that he had to re-run and pull through the existing pipe. So far it's all working great and has not needed to return. So far everything working great."
Avatar for Power Tech Electric
Power Tech Electric
4.9(
394
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Salem, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Gary arrived to perform the work on time as promised. He did an excellent installation job (as also mentioned by the building inspector) and delivered everything promised in his bid for the job. He was very polite and responded to all of our questions. He also did an excellent job cleaning up after the work was completed. Would definitely hire him again."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+22

Recommended by97%of homeowners
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.

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.

To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.

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.

Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

The Salem, WI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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