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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Cuba, MO

Q: How do generator specifications and installation requirements impact the overall cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.</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 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 I really need a generator transfer switch?

• <div><p>Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-an-electrical-emergency.htm">electrical emergencies</a>. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency. </p></div>

There are 0 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Find Generator install pros in Cuba

Donohue's Lightning Rods

501 North Las Vegas Trail, Lot D

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Donohue's Lightning Rods

501 North Las Vegas Trail, Lot D

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 96% of Angi customers

129 local quotes requested

The modern suburban and small town home of today has become an ideal lightning target. The home owner would do well to recognize lightning for the destructive force that it is and protect against this major life and fire hazard. Donohue's Lightning Rods is based in Missouri, near the factory where most of the residential and commercial lightning rod supplies are manufactured. Jim travels regularly to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New York. Call today to find out when Jim will be in your area. For installations outside Missouri, Kansas, or Texas, Jim waits until there are a few customers lined up, thus being able to provide the same quality services at affordable prices. **WE DO NOT DO ELECTRICAL SERVICES.** (ONLY LIGHTNING RODS)

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

"The job was beautifully and professionally done. I have a zero scape yard and the gentleman was concerned about disturbing the gravel when putting the rod into the ground. WOW!!!!"

Debra D on June 2025

Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Central Missouri

3013 Route M

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Central Missouri

3013 Route M

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

12 years of experience

Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Central Missouri is Missouri's most respected outdoor lighting company. Our expertise gives us the ability to offer our neighbors a wide variety of plans. Our attention to detail and expert design skills allow for us to create that beautiful outdoor experience, while adding site safety and security. We have been in this industry for over 10 years and we strongly believe in giving our customers the most for their money. Why let night hide what you have worked so hard to cerate? We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience. This approach has set us apart from our competition and keeps our customers coming back! You can be sure your project will be handled promptly and professionally. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

56 local quotes requested

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"They performed everything they said would do."

Andrew H on August 2023

"They performed everything they said would do."

Andrew H on August 2023

Lammert Electrical & Wiring Solutions LLC

Lammert Electrical & Wiring Solutions LLC

Customers say: Quick response

14 local quotes requested

5 years of experience

With several years experience, we work hard to bring each customer the best possible service and quality available. We look forward to working with you on your next project. We welcome your questions and thank you for your interest.

"Pro completed job as requested."

Scarlotte P on June 2024

"Pro completed job as requested."

Scarlotte P on June 2024

Mr Electric of Central Missouri

303 N Stadium Blvd Ste 200

4.51(

)

•Approved Pro

Mr Electric of Central Missouri

303 N Stadium Blvd Ste 200

4.51(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

189 local quotes requested

16 years of experience

At Mr. Electric of Central Missouri, our electricians will make sure your property operates at its peak performance level. We can help you upgrade and improve your electrical systems, so they are more energy efficient and secure. Most importantly, we get it right, the first time! We deliver the most comprehensive electrical installations, upgrades or repairs! Call us today and let us make you part of the Mr. Electric of Central Missouri, family! When we visit with you about your home you will find out the price before we get started. Our Service Professionals arrive in a fully stocked van and are ready to get started on your projects. As a value for your visit, we will complete a Home Safety Inspection and familiarize you with your home's electrical experience. We are excited to work with you!

"Easy to work with, ran late arriving and finishing the work, but did a good job."

Elizabeth L on June 2025

"Easy to work with, ran late arriving and finishing the work, but did a good job."

Elizabeth L on June 2025

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

1656 HEADLAND DR

1.00(

)

Tri-State Water, Power & Air

1656 HEADLAND DR

1.00(

)

33 years of experience

We are the experts in the field of Whole Home Generator Sales and Installation, with over 20 years of experience in the game. We provide turn-key installation by licensed professionals - 24 hour emergency service - Remote Monitoring - Long term maintenance and service by factory trained technicians.

"They initially contacted me via email ready to make a visit for the install. Said that they could do the project no problem. Then when they realized I wouldn’t be buying a generator from them, which I had TOLD them upfront, they canceled on me. That is not an acceptable way to do business. They should simply state that they only install generators that they sell and not waste my time."

James K on May 2025

"They initially contacted me via email ready to make a visit for the install. Said that they could do the project no problem. Then when they realized I wouldn’t be buying a generator from them, which I had TOLD them upfront, they canceled on me. That is not an acceptable way to do business. They should simply state that they only install generators that they sell and not waste my time."

James K on May 2025

Lake area electrical contracting

Blomberg Insulation Company

1003 MO-PP

No reviews yet

Blomberg Insulation Company

1003 MO-PP

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

"Making home comfort more Affordable" is our motto. Working hand and hand with our customers, we strive to make every customer feel like family. With the most experienced technicians and highly trained staff, we offer many services pertaining to the insulation field. We work with both home-owners and General Contractors to Bring the best insulation has to offer to YOU.

Showing 1-10 of 13

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Costs depend on generator type, labor, and additional wiring or transfer switch requirements.

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.

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.

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.

Yes, in some locations, it is required by the National Electric Code (NEC) to have a transfer switch installed for electrical emergencies. In addition to following electrical code, generator transfer switches ensure your home is fully protected during a power outage. By switching the power from the main breaker to the generator breaker, you can seamlessly operate your HVAC, lights, appliances, devices, and more during an emergency.

By submitting this question, I acknowledge and agree that Angi may publicly display my name, city, state, and question on the website for professionals and others to see.

The Cuba, MO homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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