What size generator do I need for my house?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">Generator size requirements</a> vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:</p><ul><li><p>1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW</p></li><li><p>1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW</p></li><li><p>2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW</p></li><li><p>2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW</p></li><li><p>3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+</p></li></ul><p>Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.</p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Glendive, MT

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: What size of diesel generator do you need to run a house?

• <div><p>Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">electrical load</a> 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.</p><p>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. </p></div>

Q: What incentives or rebates are available for home wind turbine installation?

• <div><p>Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.</p></div>

Q: What size generator do I need for a 2,500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Glendive, MT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Glendive, MT 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 Glendive, MT 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 November 23, 2025

Reviewed in October 2024
Excellent experience from the initial consultation all the way to installation. Tyrel, our Salesman was really nice and explained everything clearly. The installers were also top notch. Micah and his team did a great job!
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in August 2024
Terrible customer service and product. Windows were of poor quality when they delivered them late. Installed them incorrectly and then a year later still haven't fixed the issues or even installed all the original windows. We're still waiting and no service, no apologies and no refunds. ...
Your Home Improvement Company, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Best customer service! I called Paul to repair our Monogram refrigerator because it stopped working. Paul was very knowledgeable, and he was able to identify the problem quickly. He ordered a new part and in few days he came back to installed it. The refrigerator works perfectly and we are very...
Big Horn Appliance Repair and Maintenance
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Reviewed in June 2016
It went like it was surprised to, which is make these days. They came, they installed . They left. Good job.
Lynnrich Seamless Siding Windows & Doors
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Reviewed in October 2015
First rate service, sales & installation. Not cheap but worth the extra money.
Matrix Mechanical Inc
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Reviewed in February 2014
Installed heating system. Air conditioning unit will be installed this spring. So far they have been wonderful to work with. Crew was professional and prompt. We love the heating system. Will update when we have air-conditioning unit installed.
Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning LLC
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Reviewed in February 2014
RED LODGE GLASS WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACED AN INSULATED 68x56 PICTURE WINDOW, CRACKED BECAUSE OF PREVIOUS INCORRECT INSULATION BY ANOTHER CONTRACTOR. RED LODGE GLASS REMOVED THE OLD TOO TIGHT INSTALLED GLASS, DISPOSED OF IT OFF SITE, CORRECTED THE INSULATION, INSTALLED THE NEW GLASS AND WERE VERY...
RED LODGE GLASS
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Reviewed in May 2013
Not happy with the results. Most of the treads are now bowing upward and peeling off the supporting structure. Treads were nailed instead of screwed and nails are starting to pop up. The treads are starting to split. He should have used screws and there was something grossly wrong with...
SOUTH TEXAS SIDING
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Reviewed in April 2013
They installed a new furnace for us. The price was fair, they were prompt and courteous. They did good work in a timely fashion and they cleaned up the area nicely as well as dispose of the old one. I would definitely use them again. We also called them to check out and service our central...
MIDWEST HEATING & COOLING
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Reviewed in January 2013
The initial contact and home visit went well. The Kenco rep didn't pressure us into anything we didn't need, but devised a system that works perfectly for our specific situation. It took a while to get an appointment for an installation, and while the original rep had planned to come out for the...
KENCO SECURITY & TECHNOLOGY
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Find Generator install pros in Glendive

Platinum Tech Services, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Platinum Tech Services, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

51 local quotes requested

2 years of experience

Platinum Tech Services is a premier provider of smart technology solutions for residential and commercial properties. We specialize in security systems, whole-home audio, network infrastructure, lighting automation, and energy monitoring, delivering seamless integration and reliable performance tailored to each client’s needs. Our team is committed to innovation, precision, and customer satisfaction. Whether you're building new, upgrading existing systems, or troubleshooting complex installations, Platinum Tech Services ensures every project is executed with excellence.

"Great professional service! The security system works very well. I would highly recommend this company. "

Debbie M on August 2025

"Great professional service! The security system works very well. I would highly recommend this company. "

Debbie M on August 2025

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

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

Generator size requirements vary wildly among properties, but typical generator sizes are listed below based on home square footage:

1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW
1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW
2,000 sq ft: 10–14kW
2,500 sq ft: 12–16kW
3,000 sq ft: 16–20kW+

Unfortunately, home square footage isn’t always a good indicator of generator size requirements. Instead, you should call in a professional to discuss which items in your home you’d like to run via your generator. They can calculate peak and average consumption for those items and then size your generator appropriately for optimal performance.

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.

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.

Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.

A home that is 2,500 square feet will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator. Consult your local generator installer to confirm the generator size needed to power your home before purchasing a new one. Be sure to consider how much power your necessary devices need to run.

The Glendive, MT homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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