What size generator do I need for a 1500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-many-watts-house.htm">total wattage</a> of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.</p></div>

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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Westcliffe, CO

Q: Can I plug a generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That&rsquo;s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-put-out-electrical-fire.htm">electrical fire</a> or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to run a generator continuously?

• <div><p>It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer&rsquo;s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you&rsquo;re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. </p></div>

Q: Do you have to turn off the main breaker when using a generator?

• <div><p>As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator&rsquo;s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Westcliffe, CO

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Westcliffe, CO 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 Westcliffe, CO 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 07, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Follow up was great. Communication has been great. Quality installation.
Roundtree Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2024
Most important thing is Bob does what he says he will do. Second thing; he has the skill set to actually follow through with high quality work. Plus he has a great personality and just a nice person. We hired Bob 3 times so far; he install a vent in our generator shed to relieve the excess hot...
Handyman Bob
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Reviewed in November 2024
They didn't have an option for "What work did you needdone." I was forced to pick a generic option. I hired them in August to remove clay, add good soil and install sod. They ran out of soil. One of the workers left and got soil but it was different soil then what was used. No...
RDS Hardscape Service
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Reviewed in February 2024
Aaron did a great job for us installing flooring, cabinets and other miscellaneous tasks.
Aaron Lewis
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Reviewed in December 2023
David and team were responsive, reasonably priced, and did a high quality job on our interior and exterior paint job. He also turned us onto a general contractor who has beautifully handled our overall home renovation.
Dapp Painting & Drywall
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Reviewed in December 2023
We have used Nate / PureBuilt construction for many different projects from general contracting, remodel, trim work, and more and would highly recommend his services!
Pure Built Construction LLC
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Reviewed in November 2017
Very professional. Very fast. Some obvious flaws. In general cool.
Creative Masonry
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Reviewed in August 2017
Kristin was very helpful and took the time to give me a lot of helpful information so I will be prepared to get a generator. She basically gave me a generator 101 lesson. I appreciated her knowledge and the time she spent with me. I would use their service in the future.
SPECTRUM ELECTRIC LTD
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Reviewed in September 2014
Prompt estimate with cost of both standard and impact resistant architectural asphalt shingles and roof venting system (which had not been installed on roof previously).Troost removed existing wood shake shingles on entire house and attached wood-storage shed and hauled all away, installed water...
TROOST ROOFING
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Reviewed in February 2013
Our geothermal/radiant heat/boiler system (Climate Master geothermal) did not function consistently after installation in 5/10. We filed a warranty claim in 4/11 before the first year was up to our general contractor for the general contractor to go to this subcontractor to solve the issues. ...
Bestway Mechanical
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Find Generator install pros in Westcliffe

Becks Communications, Inc.

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Becks Communications, Inc.

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

17 local quotes requested

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

"-"

Rob B on July 2024

"-"

Rob B on July 2024

Tools & Toys Small Engine Repair Company

No reviews yet

Tools & Toys Small Engine Repair Company

No reviews yet

13 years of experience

Small engine shop that also has a Master Sharpening Service and Plastic Welding/Repair Services. We also specialize in scooters, mopeds, motorcycles from repairs to mods and tuning to full restorations. Please check out our website for more information. Our prices are the best and we will not only match but beat any other business's quote in the area.

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

June Creek Electric

5.00(

)

June Creek Electric

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Service Electrical Contractor Service Calls Repair Remodel New Construction Residential and Commercial One man shop offering a Master Electrician on Call Design/Build Company www.junecreek.net

ADAMS ELECTRIC

5.00(

)

ADAMS ELECTRIC

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

35 years of experience

ADDITIONAL SERVICE AREA: TO THE KANSAS BORDER.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

No, you shouldn’t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That’s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of electrical fire or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.

A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

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.

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

The Westcliffe, CO homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

Taylor Freitas
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
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•
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How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
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•
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How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
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How to Use a Generator to Power Your House
Having a back-up power source in case of emergency is important. Here’s how to use a generator to power your house.
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•
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How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
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Mar 28, 2025Mar 28, 2025
Generator vs. Inverter Generator: Which Should You Choose?
Traditional and inverter generators can provide off-grid or emergency power. Learn the pros and cons of a traditional generator vs. inverter generator.