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Superior Electric Services
5.0(
3
)

Serving Superior, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The service was prompt, efficient, and provided in a professional and friendly manner. Did what was needed, gave useful advice, and made no attempt to sell us services that werenâ t needed. Highly recommended!"
Response time6 hrs
Response rate100%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Tek Electric
2.3(
3
)

Serving Superior, 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
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

If you’re wondering whether gas generators produce carbon monoxide, know that natural gas generators do not produce carbon monoxide if they are functioning properly, as natural gas burns cleanly. However, if the generator malfunctions and the gas does not burn completely, there is potential for carbon dioxide to be produced. To prevent malfunctions, it's crucial to perform regular maintenance, including running the generator weekly and scheduling professional inspections every 6 to 12 months. Also, be sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they function in the rare case of the generator producing carbon monoxide.

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.

You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.

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.

The Superior, WI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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