When severe weather strikes Northern Virginia, power outages can leave homes from Fairfax to Alexandria and Arlington without electricity for hours or even days. Summer storms, winter ice, and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns have made whole house generators more than just a luxury—they're an essential investment in your home's resilience and your family's safety.
Whether you're protecting medical equipment, maintaining a home office in McLean, safeguarding frozen food supplies, or simply ensuring comfort during extended outages in Ashburn, a properly sized and installed whole house generator provides peace of mind when the grid goes down.
At AJ Long Electric, we've installed hundreds of backup power systems throughout Northern Virginia. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sizing, selecting, and installing a whole house generator that meets your specific needs, budget, and local code requirements.
Why Northern Virginia Homeowners Need Whole House Generators
Power reliability in Northern Virginia has become increasingly unpredictable. Between Dominion Energy's aging infrastructure in certain areas and the region's susceptibility to severe weather, homeowners face multiple outage risks throughout the year.
Key reasons Northern Virginia residents invest in generators:
- Storm Preparedness: Summer thunderstorms, winter ice storms, and occasional hurricanes regularly knock out power across the region. Derecho-like events can leave areas without power for a week or more.
- Medical Equipment Protection: For families with CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, medication refrigeration, or other critical medical devices, backup power isn't optional—it's essential.
- Home Office Continuity: With many Northern Virginia professionals working remotely, maintaining power for computers, internet equipment, and climate control is crucial for business continuity.
- Food Preservation: A fully stocked refrigerator and freezer represent hundreds of dollars in food. Generators prevent costly spoilage during extended outages.
- Sump Pump Operation: Basement flooding during storms can cause tens of thousands in damage. Keeping sump pumps running during power outages prevents disaster.
- Home Value: Installed generators increase property value and appeal to buyers in markets like Arlington and Alexandria where power reliability is a known concern.
Understanding Generator Sizing: Essential Loads vs. Whole House Coverage
The first and most critical decision in generator installation is determining the size you need. This calculation directly impacts your initial investment, fuel consumption, and the comfort level you'll maintain during outages.
Essential Loads Approach (12-20kW Generators)
An essential loads system powers only the circuits critical for basic comfort and safety:
- Typical Coverage: Refrigerator, freezer, some lighting, furnace/HVAC blower, sump pump, garage door opener, one or two outlets per room
- What You'll Give Up: Central air conditioning (in most cases), electric dryer, electric range, multiple simultaneous appliances, whole-home lighting
- Best For: Budget-conscious homeowners, smaller homes (under 2,500 sq ft), homes with gas appliances, properties without critical cooling needs
- Typical Cost Range: $8,000-$12,000 installed
Whole House Coverage (22-48kW Generators)
A true whole house system powers virtually everything in your home simultaneously:
- Typical Coverage: Central air conditioning (up to 5 tons), electric range, electric dryer, all lighting and outlets, hot tub, well pump, multiple large appliances running simultaneously
- What You'll Get: The ability to live completely normally during extended outages without thinking about load management
- Best For: Larger homes (over 2,500 sq ft), homes with all-electric systems, properties with central AC, homeowners who demand seamless comfort
- Typical Cost Range: $12,000-$20,000+ installed
How to Calculate Your Generator Size Requirements
Follow this step-by-step process to determine your needs:
- List Your Critical Appliances: Write down everything you absolutely must keep running (refrigerator, medical equipment, sump pump, heat/AC)
- Find Starting Wattages: Look up each appliance's starting wattage (not just running wattage). Motors require 2-3x more power to start than to run. Common examples:
- Central AC (3-ton): 10,000-15,000 starting watts, 3,000-5,000 running watts
- Refrigerator: 1,200-2,000 starting watts, 150-400 running watts
- Sump pump (1/2 HP): 2,000-4,000 starting watts, 600-800 running watts
- Furnace blower: 1,500-2,300 starting watts, 600-875 running watts
- Well pump (1/2 HP): 2,100-4,000 starting watts, 1,000-1,500 running watts
- Add 20-25% Safety Margin: Never size a generator at exactly 100% of your calculated load. This reduces strain, extends lifespan, and accommodates future needs.
- Consider Load Management: Modern generators with load management systems can strategically delay starting high-draw appliances, allowing you to power more with a smaller generator.
For most Northern Virginia homes, proper sizing typically breaks down as follows:
- Small homes (under 1,500 sq ft, no AC): 12-14kW
- Medium homes (1,500-2,500 sq ft, gas heat): 16-22kW
- Large homes (2,500-4,000 sq ft, central AC): 22-26kW
- Very large homes (over 4,000 sq ft, all-electric): 30-48kW
Fuel Type Selection: Natural Gas vs. Propane vs. Diesel
Your fuel choice significantly impacts operating costs, maintenance requirements, and installation complexity.
Natural Gas Generators
Advantages:
- Unlimited runtime (connects to existing gas line)
- No fuel storage or refilling required
- Lower operating cost per hour in most Northern Virginia markets
- Cleaner burning with less maintenance
- Fuel doesn't degrade over time
Disadvantages:
- Requires existing natural gas service (not available in all Northern Virginia areas)
- Gas lines can be damaged in major disasters (rare but possible)
- May require gas line upgrades if existing service is undersized
- Slightly less power output per engine size compared to propane
Best For: Most Northern Virginia homes with existing natural gas service from Washington Gas or similar providers. This is the most popular choice in developed areas of Fairfax County, Arlington, and Alexandria.
Propane (LP) Generators
Advantages:
- Available anywhere (doesn't require utility connection)
- More power output per engine size than natural gas
- Fuel remains stable for many years
- Independent of utility infrastructure failures
- Cleaner burning than gasoline or diesel
Disadvantages:
- Requires propane tank installation (120-500+ gallons typical)
- Tank refills needed during extended outages
- Higher operating cost per hour than natural gas in most cases
- Delivery challenges during widespread regional emergencies
- Tank installation adds $1,500-$3,500 to project cost
Best For: Rural Northern Virginia properties without natural gas access (parts of Loudoun County, Fauquier County, Prince William County), homes wanting complete utility independence, or as a backup to existing natural gas service.
Diesel Generators
Advantages:
- Most fuel-efficient option for large generators
- Extremely reliable and long-lasting
- Best for commercial or very large residential applications
- Fuel widely available
Disadvantages:
- Significantly more expensive upfront
- Louder operation than gas/propane units
- More emissions and smell
- Fuel storage and degradation concerns
- More maintenance requirements
- Rarely necessary for residential applications
Best For: Commercial properties, very large estates, or homeowners with specific preferences. Uncommon for typical residential installations in Northern Virginia.
Transfer Switch Types: Automatic vs. Manual
The transfer switch safely disconnects your home from the utility grid and connects it to generator power. This is a critical safety device preventing backfeeding that can electrocute utility workers.
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS)
An automatic transfer switch monitors utility power and seamlessly switches to generator power when an outage is detected, then switches back when utility power returns.
Key Features:
- Automatic detection and switching (typically within 10-30 seconds of power loss)
- No manual intervention required—works even when you're away from home
- Automatic weekly self-test cycles
- Weatherproof NEMA-rated enclosure for outdoor installation
- Load shedding capabilities in advanced models
Cost Considerations:
- Transfer switch cost: $800-$2,000 depending on amperage rating and features
- Installation complexity varies based on electrical panel location and generator placement
Best For: The vast majority of whole house generator installations. This is the standard choice for convenience, reliability, and peace of mind.
Manual Transfer Switches
Manual switches require you to physically flip switches to transfer power from utility to generator.
Key Features:
- Much lower equipment cost ($200-$600)
- Requires manual operation—you must be home and physically switch it
- Must manually start portable generator
- Choose which circuits receive power based on generator capacity
Best For: Budget-conscious installations, portable generator connections, vacation homes where you'll always be present during usage, or backup to automatic systems. Generally not recommended for primary whole house generator installations.
Load Management Systems
Modern advanced transfer switches can include load management (also called load shedding) which intelligently controls which high-draw appliances run simultaneously:
- Prevents multiple high-wattage devices from starting at once
- Allows smaller generators to power more equipment
- Reduces fuel consumption
- Extends generator lifespan by preventing overload conditions
- Adds $500-$1,500 to system cost but can potentially reduce generator size requirements
Top Generator Brands: Generac vs. Kohler vs. Cummins
Choosing the right brand impacts reliability, warranty coverage, service availability, and long-term satisfaction.
Generac (Market Leader)
Strengths:
- Most popular residential brand with 75%+ market share
- Extensive dealer and service network throughout Northern Virginia
- Widest product range from 7.5kW to 150kW+
- Most affordable option in most size ranges
- Industry-leading 5-year warranty
- Excellent parts availability
- True Power technology for sensitive electronics
Considerations:
- Some models have plastic enclosures (higher-end models use aluminum)
- Reputation for more frequent minor repairs compared to Kohler, though warranty coverage is excellent
Popular Models for Northern Virginia:
- Guardian Series 16-26kW (most popular for medium homes)
- Protector Series 30-60kW (premium line for larger homes)
- PWRcell with battery backup integration
Price Range: $4,500-$12,000 (equipment only, before installation)
Kohler (Premium Quality)
Strengths:
- Reputation for exceptional build quality and reliability
- Quieter operation than most competitors
- All-aluminum enclosures standard across product line
- 100+ year company history
- Premium fit and finish
- Excellent for high-end homes where aesthetics matter
- Strong commercial and industrial generator division providing technology transfer
Considerations:
- 15-30% higher cost than comparable Generac models
- Smaller dealer network (though still good in Northern Virginia)
- Slightly longer lead times on parts in some cases
Popular Models for Northern Virginia:
- 14/20RESAL (14-20kW, air-cooled)
- 24RCL (24kW, liquid-cooled for quieter operation)
- 38RCLB (38kW, whole-house solution for large properties)
Price Range: $5,500-$16,000 (equipment only, before installation)
Cummins (Industrial Heritage)
Strengths:
- World-renowned diesel engine manufacturer
- Exceptional reliability and longevity
- Quiet operation with advanced sound attenuation
- Premium construction quality
- Best choice for very large homes or estates
- Global service network
Considerations:
- Premium pricing (highest of the three major brands)
- Smaller residential market presence than Generac or Kohler
- More commonly used in commercial applications
Popular Models for Northern Virginia:
- QuietConnect 20-25kW (ultra-quiet residential line)
- RS Series (premium performance for demanding applications)
Price Range: $6,000-$18,000+ (equipment only, before installation)
Which Brand Should You Choose?
For most Northern Virginia homeowners:
- Best Value: Generac Guardian Series—excellent warranty, proven reliability, widest service network
- Best Premium Option: Kohler—quieter operation, superior build quality, worth the premium for high-end homes
- Best for Large Estates: Cummins or Kohler—when budget is less constrained and you want the absolute best
Generator Placement Requirements and Considerations
Proper placement is critical for safety, performance, code compliance, and neighborhood harmony.
Code-Required Clearances
Virginia electrical and building codes (based on NEC and manufacturer requirements) mandate minimum clearances:
- From House/Structure: Minimum 18 inches (5 feet recommended for service access)
- From Windows/Doors/Air Intakes: Minimum 5 feet (to prevent exhaust entering home)
- From Property Lines: Varies by jurisdiction (typically 3-10 feet)—check with local zoning
- From Air Conditioning Units: Minimum 3 feet (to prevent hot exhaust recirculation)
- From Combustible Materials: Minimum 3 feet from wood fencing, decks, mulch beds
- Above Flood Level: Must be elevated above 100-year flood plain where applicable
Noise Considerations
Generator noise levels vary but typically range from 62-73 decibels at 23 feet (comparable to normal conversation to vacuum cleaner).
Strategies to minimize noise impact:
- Position generator as far from bedrooms and neighbor's homes as practical
- Use landscaping to buffer sound (dense shrubs, decorative walls)
- Consider liquid-cooled models (significantly quieter than air-cooled)
- Install on vibration-dampening pad
- Review local noise ordinances (some Northern Virginia HOAs have specific restrictions)
In dense neighborhoods like Arlington or Alexandria, noise is often the biggest concern. We recommend discussing placement with neighbors beforehand, especially if the generator will be near property lines.
Fuel Line Routing
Natural Gas Installations:
- Gas line must be sized appropriately (often requires upgrade from 1/2" to 3/4" or larger)
- Line routing should be as direct as possible to minimize pressure drop
- Must include emergency shutoff valve accessible from outside
- Underground portions require proper depth (18-24 inches typical) and tracer wire
- May require coordination with gas utility for meter upgrade
Propane Installations:
- Tank must be located per local fire codes (typically 10+ feet from structures)
- Line pressure regulator required at generator
- Underground lines preferred for aesthetics and protection
- Tank size determines runtime (250-500 gallon tanks common)
Concrete Pad Requirements
Generators require stable, level mounting surfaces:
- Size: Typically 4-6 inches larger than generator footprint on all sides
- Thickness: 4-6 inches of reinforced concrete
- Gravel Base: 4-6 inches of compacted gravel beneath concrete
- Leveling: Must be precisely level for proper oil lubrication
- Cost: $400-$1,200 depending on size and site conditions
Electrical Connections and Transfer Switch Installation
Professional electrical installation is essential for safety and code compliance.
Key Installation Components
- Transfer Switch Location: Typically installed adjacent to main electrical panel, must be accessible and protected from weather
- Generator Disconnect: Required by code, allows generator to be isolated for service
- Control Wiring: Runs from generator to transfer switch, carries start/stop signals and monitoring data
- Power Conductors: Heavy gauge wiring (typically 6 AWG to 2/0 AWG depending on generator size) from generator to transfer switch
- Grounding System: Must be properly bonded to home's grounding electrode system per NEC Article 250
Circuit Selection
Your electrician will help determine which circuits to include on backup power:
Essential Loads (Highest Priority):
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Furnace or boiler
- Well pump (if applicable)
- Sump pump
- Medical equipment
- Security system
Comfort Loads (Important but Secondary):
- Central air conditioning
- Water heater
- Kitchen outlets
- Home office circuits
- Primary lighting
- Garage door opener
Luxury Loads (If Capacity Allows):
- Electric dryer
- Electric range
- Hot tub
- Pool equipment
- Electric vehicle charger (at reduced capacity)
Permit Requirements in Northern Virginia
Generator installations require permits in all Northern Virginia jurisdictions. Requirements vary by location but generally include:
Required Permits
- Electrical Permit: Required everywhere for transfer switch and electrical connections
- Building/Mechanical Permit: Required in most jurisdictions for generator placement
- Gas Permit: Required for natural gas line work
- Zoning Approval: May be required depending on setback distances and local ordinances
- HOA Approval: Many homeowners associations require approval before generator installation
Jurisdiction-Specific Considerations
Fairfax County:
- Requires setback of at least 5 feet from property lines in most zones
- Noise regulations limit operation to certain decibel levels
- Permit fees typically $150-$300
- Inspections required for electrical, gas, and final installation
Arlington County:
- Stricter noise ordinances due to dense residential areas
- May require sound study for generators over certain sizes
- Setback requirements vary by lot size and zoning
- Historic district installations require additional review
City of Alexandria:
- Old Town historic district has additional restrictions
- Screening requirements may mandate landscaping or fencing
- Permit review can take 2-3 weeks
Loudoun County:
- More relaxed regulations in rural areas
- HOA requirements often more significant factor than county regulations
- Propane installations more common due to limited natural gas availability
At AJ Long Electric, we handle all permit applications, coordinate inspections, and ensure full code compliance throughout our service area.
Maintenance Requirements for Long-Term Reliability
Standby generators are designed to sit idle for months or years, then start instantly when needed. Proper maintenance ensures reliability when you need it most.
Weekly (Automatic)
- Self-test cycle (typically 12-20 minutes)
- System exercises itself at no-load to circulate oil and keep battery charged
- You'll hear it run briefly at the same time each week
Annual Professional Maintenance
Scheduled service should include:
- Oil and filter change
- Air filter inspection/replacement
- Spark plug inspection/replacement
- Battery test and cleaning
- Fuel system inspection
- Load bank testing (under actual load conditions)
- Transfer switch operation test
- Control system diagnostics
- Coolant level check (liquid-cooled models)
- Physical inspection for leaks, damage, or deterioration
Annual Service Cost: $250-$450 depending on generator size and service provider
Multi-Year Maintenance
- Every 2 Years: Replace battery (typical cost: $50-$150)
- Every 3-5 Years: Replace coolant (liquid-cooled models)
- Every 5-10 Years: Replace fuel lines, hoses, and seals as needed
Homeowner Maintenance
Between professional service visits:
- Keep generator area clear of debris, leaves, and snow
- Visually inspect monthly for leaks or damage
- Listen to weekly exercise cycle for unusual sounds
- Check for error codes or warning lights
- Ensure vents and louvers aren't blocked
Complete Cost Breakdown for Northern Virginia Installations
Understanding all costs helps you budget accurately for this significant investment.
Equipment Costs
- Generator (12-14kW): $3,500-$5,500
- Generator (16-22kW): $4,500-$8,000
- Generator (24-30kW): $7,000-$12,000
- Generator (36-48kW): $11,000-$20,000+
- Automatic Transfer Switch: $800-$2,000
- Load Management System (optional): $500-$1,500
Installation Costs
- Electrical Installation: $2,000-$4,500
- Transfer switch installation
- Electrical connections
- Control wiring
- Grounding
- Concrete Pad: $400-$1,200
- Gas Line Installation/Upgrade: $500-$2,500
- Simple connection: $500-$800
- Line upgrade: $1,200-$1,800
- Long distance or complex routing: $2,000-$2,500+
- Propane Tank (if applicable): $1,500-$3,500
- 120-250 gallon tank: $1,500-$2,200
- 500-1,000 gallon tank: $2,500-$3,500
- Often can be leased from propane supplier
- Permits and Inspections: $150-$500
- Startup and Training: Included in most professional installations
Total Installed Cost Examples
Basic System (12-14kW, natural gas, essential loads):
- Equipment: $3,500-$5,500
- Installation: $3,000-$5,500
- Total: $6,500-$11,000
Mid-Range System (20-22kW, natural gas, whole house):
- Equipment: $5,500-$8,500
- Installation: $4,000-$7,000
- Total: $9,500-$15,500
Premium System (26-30kW, propane, large home):
- Equipment: $8,000-$12,000
- Installation: $7,000-$10,000
- Total: $15,000-$22,000
Ongoing Operating Costs
- Weekly Exercise Cycle: Minimal (uses about $0.20-$0.50 per week in fuel)
- Annual Maintenance: $250-$450
- Actual Outage Fuel Costs:
- Natural gas: $2-$5 per hour depending on load and local gas rates
- Propane: $3-$7 per hour depending on load and propane prices
- Typical 24-hour outage: $50-$150 in fuel costs
Return on Investment and Value Analysis
While backup power provides peace of mind that's hard to quantify, there are concrete financial benefits:
Preventing Losses
- Food Spoilage: $300-$1,000+ per extended outage for fully stocked refrigerator/freezer
- Basement Flooding: $10,000-$50,000+ in damage if sump pump fails during storms
- Frozen Pipes: $5,000-$20,000+ in damage if heat fails during winter outages
- Lost Productivity: Difficult to quantify but significant for work-from-home professionals
- Spoiled Medications: Can be extremely costly and potentially life-threatening
Home Value Impact
- Installed generators typically add $5,000-$12,000 to home value in Northern Virginia markets
- Recovery of 50-80% of installation cost is common
- Homes with generators sell faster in markets concerned about power reliability
- Premium increases in rural areas with unreliable grid power
Payback Analysis
While traditional ROI is difficult to calculate (you can't predict outages), consider:
- Average Northern Virginia home experiences 2-4 significant outages (4+ hours) annually
- One major event (week-long outage, basement flood, frozen pipes) can exceed entire generator cost
- Peace of mind and family safety are invaluable
- System lifespan of 15-30 years with proper maintenance
Working with Dominion Energy in Northern Virginia
Most of Northern Virginia receives power from Dominion Energy Virginia. Understanding their requirements is important:
Interconnection Requirements
- Transfer switch prevents backfeeding into grid (required by law and enforced by inspectors)
- Proper grounding prevents voltage issues
- No permission needed from Dominion for standard standby generator installations (generators don't export power)
- Different rules apply for battery systems with grid tie capabilities
Gas Service Coordination
If connecting to natural gas:
- Washington Gas serves most of Northern Virginia
- Gas line work may require coordination with utility
- Meter upgrade may be necessary for larger generators
- Utility typically doesn't charge for meter upgrade but may charge for main line work
Storm Preparation and Generator Operation Best Practices
Maximize reliability and safety with these best practices:
Before Storm Season
- Schedule annual maintenance in spring (before summer storms) or fall (before winter weather)
- Test generator under load annually
- Verify automatic transfer switch operation
- Stock up on emergency supplies (flashlights, batteries, water)
- Review operation manual with family members
When Storms Are Forecast
- Ensure generator area is clear of debris
- Check fuel levels (propane systems)
- Verify no error codes or warning lights
- Reduce unnecessary electrical loads before outage (lower thermostat, etc.)
- Charge all devices and electronics
During Power Outages
- Modern automatic systems handle everything—no action needed
- Reduce loads during first 2-3 minutes while generator stabilizes
- Check generator periodically for any issues
- Monitor fuel levels (propane systems)
- Keep generator area clear—never block vents or air intakes
- Never attempt repairs while generator is running
After Power Restoration
- Automatic systems will switch back to utility power automatically
- Generator will run brief cool-down cycle before shutting off
- Check for any error codes or issues
- Note runtime hours for maintenance scheduling
- Report any problems to your service provider
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole House Generators
How long will my generator run during an extended outage?
Natural gas generators can run indefinitely as long as gas service remains available. Propane generators are limited by tank size—a 250-gallon tank typically provides 2-4 days of runtime depending on load, while a 500-gallon tank provides 4-8 days. During extended regional emergencies, propane delivery may be challenging.
Will a generator power my entire house?
It depends on the generator size. A 22kW generator will power most 2,500-3,000 sq ft homes completely, including central AC. Larger homes may require 26-30kW+ for full coverage. An essential loads system (12-18kW) powers critical circuits but not everything simultaneously. We'll calculate your specific needs during consultation.
How loud are whole house generators?
Most residential generators operate at 62-69 decibels at 23 feet (comparable to normal conversation or dishwasher noise). Liquid-cooled models are quieter (57-62 dB). Proper placement minimizes noise impact on your home and neighbors. This is quieter than most portable generators (80-85 dB).
Can I install a generator myself?
While technically legal for homeowners to work on their own primary residence in Virginia, we strongly discourage DIY generator installation. The work requires electrical, gas, and concrete work, all requiring permits and inspections. Improper installation can be extremely dangerous (fire, electrocution, carbon monoxide risks) and will void warranties. See our electrical safety guidelines.
How often do generators need maintenance?
Annual professional maintenance is required to maintain warranty coverage and ensure reliability. This costs $250-$450 annually. Generators also perform automatic weekly self-tests that require no intervention. Between service visits, basic homeowner maintenance includes keeping the area clear and monitoring for issues.
What happens if natural gas service is disrupted?
While rare, natural gas service can be disrupted in major disasters. If grid power and gas service are both out, your generator won't run. This is why some homeowners in critical applications (medical needs, etc.) choose propane despite higher operating costs—it provides complete independence from utility infrastructure.
Do I need HOA approval?
Most Northern Virginia HOAs require approval for generator installation. Submit plans early in your project—approval can take 2-4 weeks. Some HOAs require landscaping screens or specific placement. We can provide documentation packages that address common HOA concerns. Denials are rare for properly planned installations.
How long does installation take?
From order to completion: 4-8 weeks typical. This includes 1-2 weeks for equipment delivery, 1-2 weeks for permit processing, and 2-5 days for actual installation work. Complex projects or utility coordination can extend timelines. We recommend ordering in late spring or early fall before storm season rush.
Why Choose AJ Long Electric for Your Generator Installation?
Generator installation requires expertise in electrical, gas, and construction work. Choose a contractor with comprehensive experience:
- Licensed & Insured: Fully licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and DC with comprehensive insurance and generator-specific training
- Generator Expertise: Hundreds of successful generator installations across Northern Virginia
- Factory Trained: Certified by Generac, Kohler, and other major manufacturers
- Full-Service Installation: We handle electrical, gas, concrete, permits, and inspections—one contractor, seamless process
- Code Expertise: Deep understanding of Virginia electrical code, local amendments, and jurisdiction-specific requirements
- Permit Handling: We manage all permits and inspections in Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, and surrounding jurisdictions
- Ongoing Support: Maintenance services, emergency repairs, and long-term support
- Quality Workmanship: Professional installations with attention to detail and customer satisfaction
- Customer Satisfaction: Over 1,200 five-star reviews from satisfied Northern Virginia customers
- Transparent Pricing: Detailed estimates with all costs explained upfront—no surprises
See examples of our generator installations in our , and read what customers say in our testimonials.
Ready to Invest in Backup Power for Your Northern Virginia Home?
Power outages are unpredictable, but your home's backup power capability doesn't have to be. Whether you're protecting critical medical equipment, maintaining a home office in Vienna, safeguarding your family's comfort in Burke, or simply want the peace of mind that comes with backup power, a professionally installed whole house generator is one of the best investments you can make in your Northern Virginia home.
Don't wait until the next storm leaves you in the dark. Partner with Northern Virginia's trusted generator installation experts who understand local codes, have extensive installation experience, and prioritize both safety and customer satisfaction.
Get Your Free Generator Consultation Today!
Or call us at 703-997-0026
Serving All of Northern Virginia
AJ Long Electric provides expert whole house generator installation services throughout the region, including:
Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Vienna, McLean, Ashburn, Reston, Burke, Springfield, Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, Herndon, Great Falls, and surrounding communities. We also serve Washington DC and parts of Maryland.