Electrician & Generator FAQs
Answers to common electrical and generator questions: estimates, financing, installation, maintenance and Generac service.
What are your hourly rates?
We tell you what a service call or evaluation costs on the phone, before the truck rolls. The evaluation fee is waived if you approve the estimate and we do the work right after the evaluation.
When is my generator due for maintenance/service?
Most generators should be serviced once a year. If your generator runs often, is older, or has gone through multiple outages, additional maintenance may be recommended.
Do you offer financing?
Yes. We offer multiple financing options to help make generator and electrical projects more manageable.
How much are your estimates?
All generator and electrical project estimates are free.
How soon can I get a generator installed?
Lead times can vary depending on permitting, utility approvals, and schedule availability, but permit timing depends on your city or county. The install itself is usually one day.
What brand of generators do you work on?
We work on Generac and Kohler generators.
How much is generator maintenance?
Maintenance pricing can vary depending on the brand, model, size, and condition of the generator. Contact our office and we can provide pricing based on your unit.
What is the cost of a whole home generator?
The cost varies based on generator size, electrical scope, gas work, permitting, and site conditions. We provide free estimates and can give exact pricing after reviewing your home.
How do I know what size generator my home needs?
During your free estimate, one of our team members will perform a load analysis to determine the proper generator size for your home and your needs.
Do you offer generator monitoring services?
Yes. We offer cellular monitoring service so your generator can communicate with you and our office if it has any issues.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes. Phones are answered 24/7. Call and we will let you know the soonest available option.
What areas do you service?
We service the Greater Houston area and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether you are in our service area, contact our office and we can confirm.
What should I do if I smell gas?
Leave the area immediately and contact your gas company or emergency services if needed. Do not try to troubleshoot it yourself. Safety comes first.
What are your office hours?
Phones are answered 24/7. Office hours are 7:00am – 5:00pm Monday – Friday. Holiday hours may differ.
When does my warranty expire?
Warranty length depends on the manufacturer, model, and installation date. If you send us your serial number and installation information, we can help you determine your warranty status.
Portable Units, Deposits, Payments
Do you work on portable generators?
We sell DuroMax portables at the showroom and install inlets and transfer switches for them. Our repair work focuses on standby generators.
Do you require a deposit for installation?
Yes. Most installations require a deposit before scheduling.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment method availability can vary, but we typically accept standard forms of payment such as cash, check, credit card, and financing. Contact our office for specifics.
Scheduling and Installation
How far out are you scheduling installs?
Scheduling depends on current workload, permitting, and utility coordination. Contact our office for the most current timeline.
Can I choose my installation date?
We do our best to work with your schedule and offer available dates, but final scheduling depends on permitting, job readiness, and crew availability.
How long does installation take?
The install itself is usually one day. Larger jobs can take two, depending on the scope and site conditions.
Will I lose power during installation?
Usually yes, but typically only for a short period of time while electrical connections are being completed.
Do I need to be home during installation?
For most jobs, someone should be available at least at the end of the installation day so we can go over the system and collect any remaining balance.
Will my generator turn on automatically?
Yes. A properly installed standby generator is designed to start automatically during a power outage.
Will it power my entire house or just essentials?
That depends on the size of the generator and how the system is designed. Some generators power the whole home, while others are set up to power selected circuits only.
What does it mean if I see a warning light?
A warning light usually means the generator has detected a fault, maintenance reminder, or other issue. If you see a red or yellow indicator, contact us for guidance.
What should I do if my generator will not start?
Check for obvious issues such as an error code, low battery, fuel supply issue, or shutdown message. If it still will not start, contact our office for service.
Maintenance and Service
How do I schedule maintenance?
Call or email our office and we will help schedule a maintenance appointment.
Can maintenance be done before storm season?
Yes. We strongly recommend scheduling maintenance before storm season to help make sure the unit is ready when you need it. Call or email our office and we will help schedule a maintenance appointment.
What happens if I skip maintenance?
Skipping maintenance can lead to reduced reliability, poor performance, and a greater chance of problems during an outage. Some manufacturer warranties also require proof of maintenance. Call or email our office and we will help schedule a maintenance appointment.
Do you service generators installed by other companies?
Yes, we can service generators that were installed by another company. Call or email our office and we will help schedule an appointment for service.
How long does a maintenance appointment take?
Most maintenance appointments take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the generator and what service is needed.
Electrical Questions
Do you install transfer switches?
Yes. We install transfer switches as part of generator systems and can also discuss transfer switch options for certain setups.
Do you offer surge protection?
Yes. We offer surge protection for homes and electrical systems.
Can you inspect my electrical panel?
Yes. We can inspect your panel and review its condition, capacity, and suitability for the work being requested.
Are you a Generac Prestige Dealer?
Yes. Wired is a Generac Prestige Dealer.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes. We offer free estimates and consultations for generator and electrical projects.
Monitoring and Mobile Link
Can I monitor my generator from my phone?
Many standby generators allow phone monitoring through the manufacturer app if connected properly.
What is Mobile Link monitoring?
Mobile Link is Generac’s monitoring platform that allows homeowners to view generator status, alerts, and activity from a phone or online account.
Portable Generator Questions
Can you install a plug for a portable generator?
Yes. We can install a proper inlet and related electrical equipment for a portable generator setup where applicable.
Policies and Customer Service
Can I cancel my appointment?
Yes. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel.
Can I reschedule my appointment?
Yes. We will do our best to move your appointment to the next available date that works.
What time will the technician arrive?
Arrival windows vary by job type and route, but our office can provide the most accurate scheduling information for your appointment.
Troubleshooting
What does a red light on the generator mean?
A red light usually indicates an alarm or fault condition and should be checked as soon as possible. Call or email our office and we will help schedule an appointment for service.
Should I test my generator before a storm?
Yes. It is a good idea to check for warning lights and make sure the unit appears ready before storm season or severe weather.
What if my generator does not turn on during an outage?
If the generator does not start during an outage, check for warning lights or obvious issues if safe to do so, then contact us for service.
Generac and Kohler Generator Error Codes and Parts
When the generator shows a code, here is what to do.
Generac generator error codes
Generac generator error codes appear on the controller display or as a flashing light, and each one points to a fault such as low battery, a fuel problem or an overspeed shutdown. A code tells us where to look, but the cause still needs checking. Write down the code, do not keep resetting it, and call us. We service Generac generators, including ones installed by other companies.
Kohler generator error codes
Kohler generator error codes show on the controller and indicate a fault or maintenance warning. Do not clear the code and carry on, because the fault may return when you need the generator most. Note what the display says, check for obvious causes such as a closed fuel valve, and call (713) 467-1125. We work on Kohler generators as well as Generac.
Kohler generator parts by serial number
Kohler generator parts by serial number is how a technician makes sure a part fits your exact unit. The model and serial number on the data plate tell us the generator's age, size and warranty status. Send us those along with the installation date, and we can look at what your generator needs when we service it. Call or email our office.
Generac Generator Models, Sizes, Prices and Fuel
The common questions when comparing home standby generators.
Generac generator models and sizes
Generac generator models come in air-cooled and liquid-cooled families, in different sizes. Smaller air-cooled units suit many homes, and larger liquid-cooled units suit bigger homes and businesses. The right size depends on the loads you want to run, which we work out in a load analysis during your free estimate. Ask us which models are available now.
Generac generator sizes and prices
We do not publish Generac generator sizes and prices on this page, because the price depends on the size, the electrical scope, gas work, permitting and site conditions. After a free estimate visit and load analysis, we give you the exact price for your house in writing. Financing is available, subject to credit approval.
What fuel does a Generac generator use?
Generac generator uses what fuel is a question we hear often. Home standby generators run on natural gas or propane. Natural gas comes from the line to your house, and propane comes from a tank. We look at your gas supply, the meter capacity and the location, then tell you which works best for your home.
Transfer Switch Types, Manufacturers and Generator Terms
Choosing the pieces that connect a generator to your house.
Transfer switch types
Transfer switch types include automatic transfer switches, manual switches and interlock kits. An automatic transfer switch senses an outage, starts the generator and moves the house load on its own. A manual switch or interlock needs you to do it. We install transfer switches as part of generator systems and can discuss options for certain setups.
Transfer switch manufacturers
Transfer switch manufacturers include the generator makers themselves, and the switch should match the generator and the panel. We install switches for Generac and Kohler systems. Rather than choose by brand name, we choose by the size of the service, the loads and the generator you have. Ask us what suits your panel.
Standby generator vs backup generator, and standby vs emergency generator
Standby generator vs backup generator and standby generator vs emergency generator are mostly different words for similar equipment. A standby generator is permanently installed, connected to your fuel supply and starts by itself when the power fails. A portable backup generator is moved and connected by hand. We focus on standby generators. Call us to talk through what suits your home.
From first call to finished job.
Estimates are free. Phones open 24/7.
