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>

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Q: How do I reduce AC startup power for a generator?

• <div><p>To reduce AC startup power for a whole-house generator, install a soft start kit or hard start capacitor, which lowers the initial surge by gradually ramping up the compressor. Using a smart load manager can also help by staggering startup loads, preventing a system overload and future costly repairs.</p></div>

Q: Do natural gas generators produce carbon monoxide?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re wondering <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/do-natural-gas-generators-produce-carbon-monoxide.htm">whether gas generators produce carbon monoxide</a>, know that natural gas generators do not produce carbon monoxide if they are functioning properly, as natural gas burns cleanly. However, if the generator malfunctions and the gas does not burn completely, there is potential for carbon dioxide to be produced. To prevent malfunctions, it's crucial to perform regular maintenance, including running the generator weekly and scheduling professional inspections every<b> 6 to 12 months</b>. Also, be sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they function in the rare case of the generator producing carbon monoxide.</p></div>

Q: How much energy can I expect a home wind turbine to generate?

• <div><p>Energy output depends on turbine size, average wind speed at your site, and system efficiency. A 5 kW turbine in a good wind location can generate 8,000 to 12,000 kilowatt-hours per year, which may cover a large portion of an average home&rsquo;s needs. Accurate output estimates require a professional wind assessment and a review of your household&rsquo;s energy usage patterns.</p></div>

Q: Is a natural gas generator less expensive than using electricity?

• <div><p>Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It&rsquo;s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator&rsquo;s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.</p></div>

There are 4 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Waxhaw, NC

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Waxhaw, NC 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 Waxhaw, NC 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 05, 2025

Reviewed in April 2024
They did an amazing job. Were polite and came on time and communicated well. They will be doing all electrical jobs we have moving forward! Will always use them!
Elite Power Solutions
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Reviewed in October 2014
He came in and I wanted to put a second electrical box put in and run a wire to plug a generator in so if we lost power I could go to the one box that had the essential things I wanted to run. That was basically the service and we talked it over and at that time I was not ready to invest in...
Roby Services
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Reviewed in May 2023
The project went very smoothly. Greg and his team were on top of their game. They did what they said they were going to do it, when they were going to do it...at a fair price. By far my most favorite electrical contractor to deal with. Look forward to using them again in the future. I have...
GB Electrical Services LLC
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Reviewed in February 2014
Great service! We moved into a new house just before Christmas. We called Mike for advice and help setting up a generator. I placed the call on New Year's Day, expecting to have to leave a message. Mike answered and came by our house within the hour for our initial consultation! He was really...
Mike's Electrical Services
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Reviewed in May 2022
The team from the office to the tech all the way to the head of the company was great. They came out and knocked out the projects I had lined up. They were very professional and cleaned up once they were done. I would definitely hire again!
Gowdy Electric
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Reviewed in September 2014
They came when they said they were going to come and did the repair. When I did the check, it was working perfectly.
Premium Power Systems Inc
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Reviewed in November 2014
They did a fantastic job and I would use them again. The generator has held up fine since they came out to do the work. They were out here about 2 hours. There were no issues with scheduling and I'd recommend them!
ARC Electric Company of Indian Trail NC Inc
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Reviewed in October 2014
Scotty came out and explained the system and options very clearly. The whole process was pretty much as Scotty explained it. I was very happy with the professionalism and accommodating nature of everyone that worked on my install. If I need them to schedule around my work schedule, they were...
Mister Sparky By Wise Electric Control Inc
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