What can I run on different generator sizes?

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

Can a natural gas generator work without electricity or in a power outage?

• <div><p>Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-install-generator-transfer-switch.htm?entry_point_id=33797025">transfer switch</a> (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.</p></div>

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Q: How do generator specifications and installation requirements impact the overall cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.</p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

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

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. </p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need for a 2,500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Calexico, CA

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

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

Last update on December 12, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Islas fencing was outstanding and professional. Their team explained and completed the install in 3 hours.
Ergeon
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Reviewed in June 2024
They took their time with the installation of the AC. Thats a good thing. Service & the AC was affordable. They were friendly & very knowledgeable.
JV Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in August 2022
Great. I received 3 quotes and selected Harmon based on value (they were the mid priced quote). The system which consists of 39 panels in 3 arrays, 2 on our roof and one ground mount with a single inverter has worked flawlessly since installation. We pay $22/month to the power company. I...
Harmon Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
Very pleased and impressed of the quality of their service. The staff are polite and professional, one in particular name Chefe is in my opinion a outstanding worker. He installed every 24"x48" porcelain tile precisely in place.
NATIONAL FLOORING & CARPET
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Reviewed in February 2021
We're a GC who subcontracted Foundations on the Level and they did an excellent job for us. They installed 3 Push Pier Brackets to support our structure above and are scheduled to install more. Peter was very communicative and helpful in our planning for the project. His team was on time and...
Foundations on the Level
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Reviewed in March 2015
The representative was wonderful. Polite, respectful, professional. He tried to be as quiet as he could while he was in the house and apologized when he had to make noise drilling. He followed instructions and installed the dish and router just where we wanted them. While prepping the areas...
DISH TV
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Reviewed in August 2014
All went fine .. They showed up on time.. Installed a receiver for the internet ... did a speed test on it and said ty and enjoy surfing the net . The people at Beamspeed came in to our rural area and provide us with reliable internet .. that is 10x faster than what the phone company...
Beamspeed LLC
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Reviewed in June 2014
mbing jobs in the furture.I had home owners protection insurance at the house. I placed a claim for the water heater and received a call from Accurate Plumbing the next day and set a time for the appointment the day after. They came out, I paid the deductible amount and after 5 minutes was told...
Accurate Plumbing
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Reviewed in February 2014
It went great he scheduled inspection and did the installation.
GS Electric & Solar Contractor
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Reviewed in November 2013
Thsi company took almost two weeks to install the heat pumps during a very hot time. For more than two weeks we had to sleep downstairs to stay cool. Additonally, after the work was completed they badly damabed my attic access panel. He promissed to repair and never would accept my calls after...
PANAIR AIR CONDITIONING HTG
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Find Generator install pros in Calexico

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

53 years of experience

Sales, Service & Rebuilding of Antique and Classic Car Components such as, Carburetors, Starters, Generators, Fuel Pumps, Double & Single Action Fuel Pump Rebuilding, Water Pumps, Hydraulic Top Pumps, Distributors, and DELCO Knee Action Shocks, We also carry a complete line of NOS and NORS parts. We offer FREE Technical advice for any YEAR Classic Car 609-462-7412

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

"Beware. They charged me double shipping even after I told them I would wait so I wouldn’t have to pay two shipping fees. The last item was a fuel pump that I had a problem with. I have made 4 calls to ask for help with no return call. Poor"

Frank H on July 2020

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers.
4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.
8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two.

Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a transfer switch (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.

A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.

The Calexico, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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