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H & R Electric, LLC
4.2(
10
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Litchfield, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

"They know whole house generation very well. MN was having historical rain storms and I needed sump pump to run or flooding in the lower level of our house would occur. They responded and discussed what was needed and installed in less than a week. Two days after the install the power went out for 3 hours. the geni turned on and my lake home was fully operational from both AC units, wifi, garage door opener washer and dryer and of course the sump pump. Not cheep at 8,500 clams but I'm done having to think about it. This vendor was perfect in my book."
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for WM Electric, LLC
WM Electric, LLC
4.2(
5
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Litchfield, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"William is likeable, easy going, professional and courteous. Went above and beyond the normal. He brought electrical from street to tiny house. Included house, two travel trailers, etc. Worked with city for permits etc. I put all my faith in him and am happy to say I picked the right guy and company WM Electric LLC"
Response time10 mins
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Tamm Electric, LLC
0.5(
1
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Litchfield, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

We can take on a wide range of residential and commercial electrical projects to include; full installation for additions and remodels, wiring, panel upgrades, and a variety of other projects. We take pride in the quality of our work and our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building strong, long-term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. 

Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

With proper maintenance, a whole-house generator can last between 20 and 40 years. The specific lifespan depends on how often and for how long the generator is used, and some models may have their life expectancy rated in hours of operation. To maximize its lifespan, expect to spend around $150 to $300 per year for annual maintenance checks from a qualified technician. During these checks, a technician will inspect the engine filter, starting mechanism, fuel, lubrication, and coolant levels. Consulting your installer and choosing a low-impact fuel like natural gas or diesel can also help ensure your generator lasts as long as possible.

The Litchfield, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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