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Town & Country Electric
4.9(
12
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Gardiner, MT and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With more than 45 years of experience, Town & Country Electric is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality at a great price. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. We look forward to working with you!\n

20 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Avatar for BK Electric
BK Electric
4.6(
10
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Gardiner, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Working with Brandon was amazing, he was incredibly prompt and professional with the small electrical issue I was having. I would highly recommend this company to any homeowner that feels just a little bit out of their depth."
Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen Remodel
Kitchen Remodel
Response time20 mins
Recommended by66%of homeowners
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

It is safe to run a generator continuously, but you must follow safety protocols to ensure personal and home safety. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for specific recommendations, but the general recommendation is to turn generators off overnight or when you’re away from the house. Overworked generators can pose a fire hazard and if your generator is not in a well-ventilated area, running it continuously could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

  • 2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. 

  • 4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.

  • 8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

  • 20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.

The Gardiner, MT homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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