How long does a whole-house generator last?

• <div><p>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to <b>20 years</b>. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-generator-repair-cost.htm">Costs to maintain and repair generators</a> vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about <b>$150 to $300 per year</b> for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible. </p></div>

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Q: How much does it cost to install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">cost to install a whole-house generator</a> averages at <b>$5,200</b>, but costs can range from <b>$1,500 to $8,900,</b> depending on the type and size of the generator, and the labor required to install it. To find the best deal while still ensuring the unit meets all the needs of your household, hire an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your must-have appliances and electronics beforehand so you don&rsquo;t pay for more power than you need. As always, be sure to get at least three quotes to find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.</p></div>

Q: How do I reduce AC startup power for a generator?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What size generator does my house need?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together. </p><p>A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you&rsquo;ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.</p></div>

Q: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Grantsville, WV

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Grantsville, WV is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Generator Install companies in Grantsville, WV is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Generator Install needs.

Last update on November 10, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
Dylan was great to work with! He installed my windows in a timely and professional manner. Highly recommend!
DM CONSTRUCTION LLC
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Reviewed in January 2025
He was very knowledgeable of what he was doing and generally considered about our problem especially with the weather. He was very nice, friendly, and understanding. I would recommend him to anybody.
George's Drains, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2018
The installers were on time. However, one of them appeared to be in training (and made several comments which reflected a lack of sufficient training). In order to find installation instructions, I had to do more research on the specific brand of water softener than I expected to, which wasn't a...
Vienna Plumbing Repair
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Reviewed in June 2017
Since they cashed the check, they can-not be located. They only have voice mail, and will not return any messages left on the voice mail. I gave filed a complaint with the BBB complaint number 12237940. I will also be making a complaint to the state Atty Generals office, as well as filing a...
Vision Home Improvement
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Reviewed in November 2016
It was easy to install with good instructions. The call center was very helpful.
SimpliSafe Home Security
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Reviewed in October 2015
Still waiting for them to return my call. I explained to the lady that other contractors have not returned my calls. She assured me I would get a call to schedule an estimate. In my opinion, Harrison Construction is as unreliable as any other general contractor I have dealt with.
HARRISON CONSTRUCTION INC
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Reviewed in May 2015
Old driveway, sidewalk and patio removed and new forms installed on day one. All concrete poured and installed on day two. Concrete infused with fiberglass to increase strength. Concrete was smoothed and broom finish applied. All work looks wonderful. M&S is very responsive, and always...
M & S Concrete
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Reviewed in November 2013
We have been pleased with how prompt Matt responds to our requests. He always prioritizes our "lists" of jobs and gives an estimate when requested. He is efficient and quite fair in his price. He will shop around to get a good deal when using other services or purchasing parts. He has worked as...
Handy Works
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Reviewed in October 2013
The installer, Jessie, did an excellent job installing the doors. He tried to accommodate an old garage door opener I was trying to keep in service. He even tried putting a new control board in the old closer which was lacking power in the down cycle. Finally, he tuned the spring to enable...
OVERHEAD DOOR
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Reviewed in February 2012
They are general contractors. They do painting, drywall and anything that needs to be remodeled. They do excellent work. I like the fact that they are dependable and they do excellent work. They do what they say they are going to do. Any contractor I've ever dealt with, I wouldn't give...
Drake's Construction & Restoration
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Find Generator install pros in Grantsville

FS Electric

4.96(

)

•Approved Pro

FS Electric

4.96(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

10 local quotes requested

FS Electric is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

"Excellent workmanship. Good price. Goes out of the way to make sure it is satisfactory."

David B on April 2024

"Excellent workmanship. Good price. Goes out of the way to make sure it is satisfactory."

David B on April 2024

Big Bend Generators

4.75(

)

Big Bend Generators

4.75(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Big Bend Generators sells all new. Briggs & Stratton and General Electric Home and Business automatic standby generator systems, all made in the USA. we do the ordering, deliver the system, installation done by my licensed, certified electrian sub contractor, after the sale we do all of the 24 - 7 warranty service includes weekends, holidays.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. Costs to maintain and repair generators vary by location and type of generator, but you can expect to pay about $150 to $300 per year for annual generator maintenance checks. An experienced generator service technician will inspect your generator’s engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels to keep your generator in good working condition for as long as possible.

The cost to install a whole-house generator averages at $5,200, but costs can range from $1,500 to $8,900, depending on the type and size of the generator, and the labor required to install it. To find the best deal while still ensuring the unit meets all the needs of your household, hire an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your must-have appliances and electronics beforehand so you don’t pay for more power than you need. As always, be sure to get at least three quotes to find the ideal fit for your needs and budget.

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.

You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together.

A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you’ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

The Grantsville, WV homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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