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 close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you’ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Crosby, MN

Q: Can a 10,000-watt generator run a central AC unit?

• <div><p>A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.</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>

Q: Do I need a permit to install a portable generator?

• <div><p>You may need a permit for a portable generator if you&rsquo;ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.</p></div>

Q: How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you&rsquo;ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won&rsquo;t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Crosby, MN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Crosby, MN 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 Crosby, MN 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 March 14, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
This wasn?t for portable generator this was for plumbing it didn?t have it in there for work done.. Do not call them they charge you more then what the job is worth specially if they know your desperate, they charge you double for working on your plumbing won?t put down the prices of what each...
Northern Air Plumbing & Heating, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
One star because negative stars not an option. We hired them for 3 custom garage doors on our new shed. One door broke within weeks of installation. They came back out and told us the installer was no longer an employee due to bad performance. They “fixed” his mistake. Same door broke again two...
DOOR DOCTOR
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Reviewed in November 2022
The cost was very competitive and they were on time. They also were able to adjust work on site to fix an unexpected problem during the installation; and complete the installation as promised.
Home Seal Insulation
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Reviewed in January 2022
Excellent experience with this company. Completed: re-fabricated old tongue and groove ceiling tile to repair damaged tiles; re- plumbed late 50s house; added blow-in insulation to attic; painted ceiling tiles; painted interior of home; sanded, re-stained and applied polyurethane to...
Property Tech Solutions
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Reviewed in September 2021
They were on time and budget. The installers, Ossiel and Zack were very professional. And not afraid to ask questions to make sure job was the way I wanted.
NJR Seamless Gutters
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Reviewed in January 2021
Very professional installation. Friendly, considerate, patient with all my questions. Cleaned up the debris Very respectful of my home. A very enjoyable experience.
Your Home Improvement Company LLC
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Reviewed in June 2020
They were extremely competitively priced, the team that installed the unit were polite and knowledgeable. I would use them again and they were recommended by some of my neighbors.
Ferrara's Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2020
Green Rootz regraded our backyard at our new home after the original job by the builders left us with constant pooling water. They also installed sod for us. They did a fabulous job and the value for the money was top notch. It's been five years now and we continue to have healthy grass and...
Green Rootz Landscaping - Home Facebook
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Find Generator install pros in Crosby

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Crosby, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Professional, Prompt, and Courteous! Nathan helped me complete two other small projects in addition to the two fixture installations that I contacted him about!"

Response time2 days

48 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by95%of homeowners

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Aquarius Home Services

4.6(

260

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Crosby, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Service install technicians were great!"

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Crosby, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

"Quick response and knowledgeable. Fair price"

37 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Northern Air Plumbing & Heating, LLC

3.3(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairPortable Generator - Install+3 more

Serving Crosby, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It the midst of the subzero temperatures they contacted us right away after our water heater froze. They stayed In Contact with both me and my husband and they came next day to install a new one."

Response time1 day

31 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Up North Electric, Inc.

4.8(

)

Generator - Install - For Business

Serving Crosby, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Up North Electric Inc. is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have over 30 years of hands on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!\n\n

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jason Bachmann

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For BusinessGenerator - Repair - For Business

Serving Crosby, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Bachmann, LLC is your number one electrical expert in Verndale! Our passion and experience shine through on every job, big or small. We pride ourselves on attention to detail and building long-lasting business relationships with our clients. Call today for a free estimate!

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A 10,000-watt generator can run a small to mid-sized central AC unit (typically up to 3 tons or 36,000 BTU) along with a few other appliances. However, larger AC units or additional loads will require a bigger generator. Consult a local generator installer to ensure you add the correct size generator to your home.

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.

You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.

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.

Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:

The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.

The Crosby, MN 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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Who Installs Generators? A Complete Guide
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