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 size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Dysart, IA

Q: Where can you install a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.</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: How long can a whole house generator run?

• <div><p>As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn&rsquo;t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.</p><p>Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn&rsquo;t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Dysart, IA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Dysart, IA 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 Dysart, IA 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 November 02, 2025

Reviewed in November 2023
Update, our basement flooded due to substandard practice by these electricians their wiring failed causing our pump to not work and high water alarm to stop working causing a backup and expenses to fix the issue plus all the damage. This company is nothing but hacks as outlined below. These...
WEBER ELECTRIC INC
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Reviewed in September 2023
Very friendly, personable, honest. Excellent looking floor replacement Very good install pricing..
Dinatallis floor covering llc
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Reviewed in August 2023
I had to clean up some flakes that ended up in the yard but the installation itself was great.
Garage Force of Waterloo
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Reviewed in August 2023
I had a cast iron tub in my bathroom that needed to be cut out before the new tub could be installed. The only way to turn on the faucet was to use a plyers as the handle was gone. There wasn't a plug for the drain either. The installer did a great job. And cleaned up after himself. It...
Bath Planet
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Reviewed in August 2023
Very responsive and excellent work. Very knowledgeable and didnâ t try to â fixâ the problem by just installing a piece of flashing
Gutter/Siding Solutions
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Reviewed in September 2014
The installers Lowes sent out measured the rooms. After the installers left with all the measurements they needed, we were told by a relative we have solid oak flooring under the carpet in our house built in 1919. We took out the carpet and discovered beautiful solid oak flooring. So, we...
Lowe's Of Waterloo
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Reviewed in December 2013
Worked with me to select color. Best paint job I've ever seen, and she never even used masking tape! Sharp perfect edging. Brought her drop clothes, ladder, and bucket of tools. I would hire her in a heartbeat again. Also does housecleaning and general handyman work with husband. She will...
Diana Meyerhoff
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Reviewed in June 2013
They are probably the biggest residential use around here. They provide for the most part good service. I had a problem several years ago with them but they came out and corrected it right away. Their punctuality is generally good.
Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2012
I dismissed them. The technician, who came out, spent most of his time talking and the least amount of time doing anything and I had carpenter ants but he just did a general spraying. He sat and talked with my maid. They were expensive. I fired them because of the poor quality of service;...
Orkin Pest Control
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Reviewed in June 2012
They were recommended to us by our installer. We used them because of their knowledge. They are very helpful and patient.
TOWN & COUNTRY HOME IMPROVEMENT CTR
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Find Generator install pros in Dysart

WireOne

WireOne

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 95% of Angi customers

20 local quotes requested

WIREONE is working to become the leading electrical contractor in the region through a customer-centric approach that provides our clients with the absolute best electrical services available. Our journeyman electricians are some of the most positively reviewed electricians in the industry. They consistently receive five-star reviews on sites such as Facebook and Google. We begin each residential service call with a client conference during which we?ll sit down with you to discuss your project and any related electrical needs. After gaining a complete understanding of your goals, we?ll perform our complimentary 57-point ?Keep it Safe Inspection? to ensure that the electrical system in your home is performing safely and in conformance with local building codes. Then, before any work begins, we?ll provide you with Our Best Price. Our Best Price will be the most cost-effective way to complete your project quickly and safely. We also include a 5 year warranty on all work performed!

"The price was higher than other estimates but I got the feeling that they really knew what they were doing and the electricians made a couple of suggestions that really turned out to be good ones. They did a very high quality installation and couldn’t have been more professional and cordial."

Ralph K on May 2024

"The price was higher than other estimates but I got the feeling that they really knew what they were doing and the electricians made a couple of suggestions that really turned out to be good ones. They did a very high quality installation and couldn’t have been more professional and cordial."

Ralph K on May 2024

Motor Winding Inc.

1335 5th St

No reviews yet

Motor Winding Inc.

1335 5th St

No reviews yet

59 years of experience

Providing Sale and Service on electric Motors, Portable Generators, Power Tools, Submersible Pumps. Also Repair antique table/desk top fans. Repar and Sales on Starters, Alternators & Generators for Cars, Trucks And Tractors. Do Not Work On Vehicles.

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

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Whole-house generators need to be installed on level ground several feet away from walls and other objects. Because they tap into the electrical system directly, they usually need to be close to your home electrical panel for a transfer switch installation. It also helps with installation if they are near to a gas line or propane tank installation.

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.

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

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.

As long as they have enough fuel, whole-house generators can run for weeks at a time (400 to 500 hours) without suffering too much wear and tear. However, this type of extensive use isn’t ideal if you want to extend the life of your generator.

Two important points. First, some generators may need you to periodically check oil levels every day or so and refill as necessary for safe operation. Second, if your generator uses a fuel tank, keep it regularly full so it doesn’t suddenly shut off. Many backup generators can run through a full tank in a day when they are powering large portions of a home.

The Dysart, IA 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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How Much Propane Does a Whole-House Generator Use?
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