What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Townsend, MT

Q: Can a portable generator power an entire home?

• <div><p>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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm">whole-home generator</a> instead. </p></div>

Q: Do diesel generators have any important downsides?

• <div><p>While diesel is relatively stable, it won&rsquo;t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it&rsquo;s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn&rsquo;t always ideal for home use. </p></div>

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: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

Q: What can I run on different generator sizes?

• <div><p>Here&rsquo;s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:</p><p>Portable generator:</p><ul><li><p>2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. </p></li><li><p>4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.</p></li><li><p>8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.</p></li></ul><p>Partial to whole-house generator:</p><ul><li><p>20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home&rsquo;s power is still on.</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Townsend, MT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Townsend, 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 Townsend, 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 October 28, 2025

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 September 2023
The crew worked hard and the install was done faster than expected. Very courteous and with wonderful care. Clean up was excellent. Very satisfiedwith the install and the windows are everything that was promised. They are beautiful.
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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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 February 2022
Nathan was able to fit us into his schedule and did a great job installing the carpet. Would definitely use him again! Thank you!!
Freedom Flooring
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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 May 2015
Although we had to wait 6 months for installation we are extremely pleased with Lynnrich's quality and the professionalism of their employees. We would recommend them to anyone!
Lynnrich Seamless Siding Windows & Doors
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Reviewed in March 2014
Installation of furnace took 4 separate trips due to not bringing correct materials and needing to order and receive some materials. A computer wi-fi connection for the furnace is still waiting to be finished. The furnace installtion process started in late October 2013 and now it is late...
MC CARTHEY CONSTRUCTION
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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 December 2013
Went great. The electrician was awesome, didn't try to sell me (the lady of the house) on anything extra, just did what I asked. He was very professional, understood that I would install all the outlets, etc., once we had the building insulated, and was in and out in about 3 hours.Because it was...
EAGLE ELECTRIC
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Find Generator install pros in Townsend

Platinum Tech Services, LLC

1003 Lowline Spur Road

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Platinum Tech Services, LLC

1003 Lowline Spur Road

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

67 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

Meadowlark Electric LLC

P.o. Box 851

No reviews yet

Meadowlark Electric LLC

P.o. Box 851

No reviews yet

9 years of experience

Electrical contractor, I am a one man shop, I do sub contract.

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

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.

While diesel is relatively stable, it won’t last nearly as long as propane and you may have to replace it if it sits unused for too long. Diesel can sometimes struggle to work efficiently or start engines during especially cold weather, so it’s not the best choice for every climate. Compared to fuels like propane and natural gas, diesel generators tend to be noisier and create more exhaust, which isn’t always ideal for home use.

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 have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

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.

The Townsend, MT homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Feb 10, 2025Feb 10, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Breyden Kellam
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 Data]
The average cost of a whole-house generator falls between $5,000 and $25,000. Keep reading to learn how much you can expect to spend.
Melissa Graham
•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
How Much Propane Does a Whole-House Generator Use?
When the power goes out, your whole house generator can keep your home running if it has enough propane to fuel it. Read our guide to propane use for whole house generators to determine how much you need.
Breyden Kellam
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Gas Generator vs. Natural Gas Generator: What’s the Difference?
Before deciding between a gas generator and a natural gas generator, explore the differences. Compare gas vs. natural gas generator with our informative guide.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.