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 Trego, MT

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>

Q: How big of a generator do I need for a transfer switch?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator&rsquo;s largest outlet is 30 amps, you&rsquo;ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.</p></div>

Q: Can you plug a generator directly into your house?

• <div><p>No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.</p></div>

Q: What are the benefits of a portable generator?

• <div><p>Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.</p></div>

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Find Generator install pros in Trego

Yeti Electric

Yeti Electric

Customers say: Quick response

2 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. Call or text us today to see the Yeti difference!

"Needed to troubleshoot an issue with electric to the garbage disposal which for him was an easy fix although he spent 45 minutes researching and verifying all electrical potential issues. He improved what he saw and then refused payment as the job was an easy fix. He still drove out, spent his time and a few small parts. Appreciate his honesty and work ethic."

Janet P on August 2025

"Needed to troubleshoot an issue with electric to the garbage disposal which for him was an easy fix although he spent 45 minutes researching and verifying all electrical potential issues. He improved what he saw and then refused payment as the job was an easy fix. He still drove out, spent his time and a few small parts. Appreciate his honesty and work ethic."

Janet P on August 2025

Flathead IT

175 Hutton Ranch Rd Suite 103 PMB 228

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Flathead IT

175 Hutton Ranch Rd Suite 103 PMB 228

Customers say: Quick response

3 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Flathead IT is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

"What a pro, couldn’t ask for anyone more qualified "

Patty P on May 2025

"What a pro, couldn’t ask for anyone more qualified "

Patty P on May 2025

Platinum Tech Services, LLC

1003 Lowline Spur Road

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Platinum Tech Services, LLC

1003 Lowline Spur Road

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

66 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

Brookside Electric LLC

PO Box 519

5.00(

)

Brookside Electric LLC

PO Box 519

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

20 years of experience

Proudly family-owned and operated for over 40 years, we provide top-quality electrical contracting services for both residential and commercial projects. Our experienced team is dedicated to safety, reliability, and exceptional craftsmanship, ensuring every job is done right the first time. Whether you need expert troubleshooting, new installations, or upgrades, we bring decades of trusted service to your home or business.

"Great guys to work with, very professional. When other companies were weeks even months out , they were there the next day. Will call them back for future projects."

Bob S on May 2024

"Great guys to work with, very professional. When other companies were weeks even months out , they were there the next day. Will call them back for future projects."

Bob S on May 2024

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

CRON AUTOMOTIVE

75 WOODLAND PARK DR

4.80(

)

CRON AUTOMOTIVE

75 WOODLAND PARK DR

4.80(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We contact the customer with an estimate before any major work is done. Payment is due upon completion of the work, before the vehicle is released.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.

The Trego, MT homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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