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>

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Q: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</p></div>

Q: Can you use your electric car as a backup battery?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/using-electric-car-as-home-generator.htm">if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery</a>, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.</p></div>

Q: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. </p></div>

Q: Can I install a portable generator myself?

• <div><p>DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Springfield, MN

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Springfield, 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 Springfield, 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 October 25, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Dustin did a great job. He's done alot of installs for us as well as service. Highly recommend!
Ellendale Heating & Cooling, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
Steve and Dean were our installers and they were fantastic! Finished in less than a day and exactly what we wanted.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2023
Isaiah Swanson, Austin F and Tyler D were out today to install a sump pump and dehumidifier in my crawl space. The guys were courteous, punctual and did a great job with the install and keeping the mess to a minimum. Very pleased with the work they performed.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in August 2022
I would recommend Preston and Mallard Mechanical to anybody in the area looking to buy a new furnace/AC, or even just general HVAC maintenance. We closed on our house on a Friday with the AC not working and the furnace on its way out. We called Mallard Mechanical that morning and the...
Mallard Mechanical
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Reviewed in March 2021
Installation went well.
Window Concepts of Minnesota Inc
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Reviewed in April 2020
Beware, they do not refund even when COVID19 stay home orders issued by the governor are in effect on your service date. Do not use Renee’s Limo! If they’ve done this to you too, file a complaint with the MN Attorney General.
Renee's Limousines
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Reviewed in June 2015
Installers were great, professional, courteous. They went above and beyond. Did a great job. Hard-workers.
Egress Window Guy Inc
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Reviewed in August 2014
The contractor arrived on time and performed all the work promptly. He came back twice in order to allow us time to paint woodwork before installation. Went above and beyond in many areas.
Dennis Silvers Carpentry
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Reviewed in July 2013
When contracting for the installation of a new central air system we asked for Four Seasons Electric as we had used them in the past with favorable results. Coordination was pre-arranged by the installer and Ryan came out shortly after being called and wired the system and thermostat in short...
FOUR SEASONS ELECTRIC
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Reviewed in July 2013
Dean initially came out and did a thorough work up of what would be required to install drain tile, poly sheeting, seal a crawl space and install a radon mitigation system to lower radon levels that we had tested at 6.5 pCi/L to below 4.0. Included in the bid was to install a new sump pump...
Kirchner Siding and Window Inc
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Find Generator install pros in Springfield

Automotive, Marine, Trailer, Welding, anything mechanical and will travel to repair site. All boat repair from minor to major overhauls.

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

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

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.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two.

DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.

The Springfield, 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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