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 I plug my generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Westcliffe, CO

Q: How can I reduce carbon monoxide emissions from my natural gas generator?

• <div><p>Carbon monoxide emissions aren&rsquo;t only dangerous to human life, but they also harm our planet. While natural gas generators emit lower levels of CO than other fuel sources, there are still ways to reduce emission levels. For example, shop around for an eco-friendly generator that complies with current emission standards. Also, make sure your generator is serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup. </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 are the disadvantages of a standby generator?

• <div><p>While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.</p></div>

Q: Can you use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</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 06, 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

16 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

Carbon monoxide emissions aren’t only dangerous to human life, but they also harm our planet. While natural gas generators emit lower levels of CO than other fuel sources, there are still ways to reduce emission levels. For example, shop around for an eco-friendly generator that complies with current emission standards. Also, make sure your generator is serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup.

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.

While standby generators provide essential backup power, they can fail when you need them most due to lack of maintenance, fuel supply issues, dead batteries, electrical problems, or improper installation. To avoid costly failures, professional installation and regular maintenance are crucial. Licensed technicians ensure safety, uphold warranty requirements, comply with regulations, and provide expert servicing.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

No, you cannot plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your home. Plugging in a generator without an interlocking kit, extension cord, or wall outlet receptacle is incredibly dangerous and can cause back-feeding—power from the generator back-feeds into utility lines. Also, if the main power comes back on while your generator is on, it could damage the generator and cause a house fire.

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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•
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•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Can a Whole-House Generator Run an Air Conditioner?
A whole house generator can keep your home running during a power outage, but can it handle the energy demands of an air conditioner? Here’s what to consider.
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•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
7 Questions to Ask About Installing a Portable Backup Generator
Installing a portable generator can power key appliances during outages. Learn about the best backup generator questions to discuss with a pro.
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•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.