How long does a whole-house generator last?

<div>When maintained properly, a whole-house generator can last up to 20 years. <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 $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. </div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

<div>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:<ul><li>Refrigerator: 600 watts</li><li>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</li><li>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</li><li>Water heater: 3,000 watts</li></ul>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </div>

What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

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

<div><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">Installing a whole-house generator costs</a> about $5,000 on average. Prices range from $1,550 to $8,500, depending on size, brand, fuel type, and assembly. The size of your whole-house generator is the most significant cost factor, with large homes with high energy demands costing the most to power. Types of whole-home generators include:<ul><li>Portable generators with 1kW&ndash;7.5kW capacity: $500&ndash;$2,000</li><li>Partial generators with 9kW&ndash;20kW capacity: $2,000&ndash;$6,300</li><li>Whole-house generators with 22kW&ndash;48kW: $5,000&ndash;$18,000</li></ul></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

<div>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:Portable generator:<ul><li>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </li><li>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</li><li>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</li></ul>Partial to whole-house generator:<ul><li>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</li></ul></div>

There are 4 highly-rated local generator installers.

Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Riverside, OH

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

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

Last update on April 26, 2025

Reviewed in October 2022
As to be expected….Perfect. Wells came out and resolved the issue. The repairman who provided the service seemed very knowledgeable and kept us informed of what he was doing every step of the way and by doing so it taught us more about how our generator operates.
Wells Electric Service LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
We wanted a backup generator for our house. For living in an industrialized area (Dayton), we lose power about as often as many 3rd world countries. When the power goes out, we can't get water (we have a water well in B'creek), we can't get heat (even though it's a gas furnace), and hot water...
Jeff Bonham Electric Inc
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Reviewed in October 2013
They were very efficient, professional, and honest. He installed the generator in one day. While they were here they were even able to identify a gas leak in my furnace, notified me, and contacted Vectren. I would highly recommend him based on my experience.
Jeff Bonham Electric Inc
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Reviewed in August 2014
Jeff and crew installed a generator for me and did a great job. I can't say much about the price but I don't feel that it was high, I was willing to pay for quality and I wasn't disappointed. I will be requested a quote for another job. Very happy with the service provided.
Jeff Bonham Electric Inc
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Reviewed in August 2016
Josh and the others were great from start to finish - explained the installation, what would be needed both from them and the gas company, and how the internet connection worked so that we are notified when we are away if the generator kicks into action. The whole process was first rate from...
Jeff Bonham Electric Inc
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Reviewed in March 2013
They were fantastic. I liked that they took care of everything and we did not have to hire any other service providers for the different types of work. They handled the job within one day.
A-Abel
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Reviewed in February 2016
We were experiencing outlets that were cutting in and out at times - at least some of them. There were about 8 -9 outlets that were involved. A-Able showed up promptly when scheduled. The electrician was very friendly and professional. After a few outlets, he knew the problem and was able to...
A-Abel
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Reviewed in April 2015
Our generator did not start for the weekly "test". It is a whole house generator. I called Ed's promptly and one of their electricians came right out to assess the problem. The display panel was showing low oil pressure. He went to the trouble of going to the store for me and getting the right...
Ed's Heating Cooling Plumbing Electric
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Reviewed in December 2013
This was a 2 day project, because there was so much that needed to be done. They were able to take care of the entire project. They had a detailed job and they were so knowledgeable. There was not a questions that was asked that they could not answer. If we left a message they were prompt with...
Jeff Bonham Electric Inc
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Reviewed in July 2014
This company is nothing but professional. They do all of our annual service on our generator and have had them out on a couple of occasions for miscellaneous electrical jobs. They are my "go to" electricians.
Jeff Bonham Electric Inc
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