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Frank Blankenship Properties & Electrical, LLC
4.5(
27
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

Frank Blankenship Properties & Electrical is just what you needed to light up you life, or main focus is Electrical Switches, Outlets & Fixtures, Electrical Wiring or Panel Upgrade, So don't sreach in the dark for a good electrican when you are ready to hire call us.\n

13 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by84%of homeowners
McSweeney Electric
5.0(
2
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Nate was the one who came out to install our home charger and he was amazing. He went over what I wanted and where best to execute the procedure. I was very impressed with his knowledge and his attitude, very approachable and would definitely hire again when I am in need of electrical services."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Mister Sparky of Southern West Virginia
Mister Sparky of Southern West Virginia
5.0(
2
)
Portable Generator - Install

Serving Athens, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Monica and Harley treated us like family. The company is fantastic. Lee and his wife made sure we were happy with the work. They went above and beyond. May God bless them and the company with great success."
Response time8 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. 

While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.

Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

  • 2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. 

  • 4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.

  • 8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

  • 20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

The Athens, WV homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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