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>

Get matched with top generator installers in Tulsa, OK

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 2 highly-rated local generator installers.

Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Tulsa, OK

*The Angi rating for Generator Installation companies in Tulsa, OK 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 Tulsa, OK 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 25, 2025

Reviewed in January 2017
2 electricians showed up but they didn't have a part so they said they would be back in a couple of hours. They did return & completed the task, there was some minor adjustments that needed to be made when they were finished, but tested the panel by plugging in the generator work completed.
Millers Superior Electric
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2020
The gentlemen from Electric City preformed an outstanding job rewiring our home; surpassing our expectations along the way. Everything was done neatly and in a timely manner. Over the past couple of weeks many of our family and friends have come over to admire their craftsmenship. Please give...
Electric City
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2020
Very happy with price and quality of work.. Electricians were expert plus went above and beyond and corrected some existing issues with our electrical panel to bring it up to code.. Also went in attic and re-installed ceiling fan hangar to ensure it would bear the weight..
Electric City
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2017
There is a reason AJ has 174 A grades on Angie's List. You won't find anyone who does better work for price than Jeff and his crew. I'd used him before and I'd use him again.
Electric City
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2013
It looks like a Volkswagen engine. We have never had the electricity go out, except once. It was expensive. We went out and saw that the gas thing has to be parallel to the pipe. We didn't have any gas. They came and fixed it. This was like a Friday night, and they came out in fifteen minutes. I...
Commercial Power Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2014
Ran and buried conduit and electrical lines to my home main power panel and separate electrical line to my Koi pond, poured concrete pad for generator, ran gas piping and arrange hook up of gas to generator and obtained all necessary permits and inspections,
PCES Electrical
Request a quote