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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Installation pros in Chesnee, SC

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

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Last update on April 25, 2025

Reviewed in October 2024
Greg was very professional, showed up on time, finished work in a timely manner. His pricing was very fair & the work looks very professional & clean. This guy knows his stuff & I would highly recommend him meet any of your electrical needs! Will definitely use him for any future electrical...
Avila Electric
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Reviewed in October 2024
We were affected by Hurricane Helene and had no power. I was running extensions all throughout my house to my generator and it was an absolute mess. I called Greg seeing if he had availability to hook my generator up to my breaker box and told him my situation and how we had no idea how long...
Avila Electric
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Reviewed in August 2017
It went great. They showed up when they said they would and completed the project as scheduled. Everything works and we're ready for the next ice storm!
Griffin Electric
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Reviewed in February 2012
Had blue ridge come out to give a bid after trying 2 other providers, one of which was overpriced and the other obviously didn't know the product well. Dave Clark was punctual, friendly and very knowledgeable. He got the bid to me promptly, and was within the price range I had in mind. Once I...
Blue Ridge Security Solutions
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Reviewed in October 2012
Very professional, starting with the response from their home office, the follow up as to the appointment date, and the work of the service technician.
Carolina Heating Service Inc
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Reviewed in September 2012
I was fortunate to discover Blue Ridge, since an Angie's list search under "Generator" did not turn them up. My wife encountered an advertisement in our newspaper's bi-weekly "Town" magazine just as I was about to contract with another company. Their estimator appeared when he said he would,...
Blue Ridge Security Solutions
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