How do I know what size generator I need?

• <div><p>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:</p><ul><li><p>Refrigerator: 600 watts</p></li><li><p>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</p></li><li><p>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</p></li><li><p>Water heater: 3,000 watts</p></li></ul><p>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. </p></div>

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>

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Q: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</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: Is a home generator a tax write-off?

• <div><p>Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.</p></div>

Q: Do installations include unit assembly?

• <div><p>Many services include assembling the unit and securing it in the window. Confirm with your provider.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Maxwell, CA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Maxwell, 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 Maxwell, 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 October 25, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Vern came out and did an excelent job installing an EV receptical and fixing some other issues my house had. He was very professional and very knowledgeable. 10 out of 10 recommend. Will be in touch for future projects.
D.E.I. ELECTRIC INC.
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Reviewed in July 2025
We live in the Joshua Tree area and had a Kohler generator installed in 2021. Unfortunately, by 2025, it had failed. A local electrical contractor inspected it but couldn’t repair the issue, so we turned to the expert—Pete Poillon. I’m incredibly glad we did. Pete promptly diagnosed the...
Poillon Electric
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Reviewed in December 2014
didn't work, at first . . had to come out again . . finally got heater to work . . said it needed other parts . . bought and installed.
HVAC THERAPY
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Reviewed in March 2014
Efficient, professional and speedy installation. Todd has a facility for explaining what he intends to do regarding the job (and why) in layman's terms. No jargon. In my opinion a very good businessman and an indispensable vendor when you have electrical issues.
Hill Electric Inc
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Reviewed in March 2013
I've worked with Gene and Randee Nelson for the past 3 years. I built a new home in 2008, and since then my AC unit has taken multiple electricity hits (we have bad power in 29 Palms). In August 2012, we lost the condenser, and I filed a claim with my home warranty company, they sent out someone...
Nelson Heating & Air
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Reviewed in April 2012
I recently contacted Garage and Closet Kingdom regarding an installation question, I was very pleased with their immediate response time. I would most defiantly contact Garage and Closet Kingdom in the future for my garage and closet needs. I appreciated their professionalism.
GARAGE & CLOSET KINGDOM
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Reviewed in September 2010
Apparently the shingles he recommended and which I selected were high quality materials. The completed job looked OK, but it turned out that the shingles had been installed with nails that were too short. Within a couple of years shingles began blowing off. (The roofing contractor who replaced...
CARSON ROOFING
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Find Generator install pros in Maxwell

Powersourceelectripro

No reviews yet

Powersourceelectripro

No reviews yet

Emergency services offered

Specialty electrical residential costume homes Comercial, service.

Wholesale provider of new american made artificial grass and turf products. We also carry a line of off grid solar products.

Liberty Solar

3414 Putter Place

5.00(

)

Liberty Solar

3414 Putter Place

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Liberty Solar designs, engineers, and installs Advanced Renewable Energy Systems. We do NOT use sub-contractors. We take great pride in our work and we install only the best American-made equipment and the best prices. We have many financing options available.

Energytech Inc. DBA Advance Power Redding

843 N. Market St.

No reviews yet

Energytech Inc. DBA Advance Power Redding

843 N. Market St.

No reviews yet

24 years of experience

Wholesale & retail renewable energy store specializing in energy conservation & production. We install solar or sell you the materials. We stock Solar panels, 6v batteries, LIPO-4 batteries, DC to AC power inverters, wind turbines, Hydro turbines & parts, radiant barrier foil, Son Shield insulating paint & roof coat. And much more.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

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

Sterling Auto Repair

11400 State Hwy 49

4.50(

)

Sterling Auto Repair

11400 State Hwy 49

4.50(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Complete auto care solution, from oil changes to engine swaps we do it all. Quick turn around and friendly, knowledgeable service from start to finish.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

When choosing the right size generator 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:

Refrigerator: 600 watts
Large dehumidifier: 700 watts
Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts
Water heater: 3,000 watts

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.

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

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.

Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.

Many services include assembling the unit and securing it in the window. Confirm with your provider.

The Maxwell, CA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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