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 Kenmare, ND

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: What’s the normal lifespan of a diesel generator?

• <div><p>You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to <b>30,000 hours of use</b>, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. </p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of a whole house generator?

• <div><p>Whole-house generators can last<b> 20 to 40 years</b> with normal operation and proper maintenance. If you look up the specifications for your generator, you may be able to find a lifespan rated in hours of operation. Life expectancy will vary depending on how often and for how long you use the generator each year. Choosing a fuel with low impact like natural gas or diesel can help generators last as long as possible.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to set up utilities?

• <div><p>Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.</p></div>

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Find Generator install pros in Kenmare

Prestige Electric

7621 County Road 15 W

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Prestige Electric

7621 County Road 15 W

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

2 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Locally owned and operated electrical contractor serving the Minot, Burlington and surrounding North Dakota areas. With over 13 years of electrical experience ranging from residential/commercial to industrial/oilfield work. Call us for all your electrical needs, including: New build wiring, remodel/additions wiring, service work/troubleshooting, farm wiring, etc.

"He came out right away, was very friendly, and professional. He explained what was wrong and what needed to be fixed after looking at it in a way that was easy to understand. I greatly appreciate his help and the work he did to fix some damaged wires and replacing a fuse so we had a working thermostat and air conditioner. If I need an electrician in the future, I will be calling Prestige Electric!"

Cierra M on June 2025

"He came out right away, was very friendly, and professional. He explained what was wrong and what needed to be fixed after looking at it in a way that was easy to understand. I greatly appreciate his help and the work he did to fix some damaged wires and replacing a fuse so we had a working thermostat and air conditioner. If I need an electrician in the future, I will be calling Prestige Electric!"

Cierra M on June 2025

Lawson Electric LLC

2433 8th Street Southwest

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Lawson Electric LLC

2433 8th Street Southwest

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

5 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Lawson Electric LLC 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.

ACT1V8 Electric, LLC

ACT1V8 Electric, LLC

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 90% of Angi customers

17 local quotes requested

ACT1V8 ELECTRIC LLC is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality Electrical projects. 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!

"Aaron the owner came out on a weekend too do a wiring inspection on a house my wife and I just moved into. I made several calls trying too find an electrician and in a timely manner. Several tried to upcharge (and didnâ t know I am a licensed contractor in the state I just moved from. ) He provided not only honest answers but a fair affordable price that I can safely feel confident calling again for any further electrical needs"

Aaron R on September 2024

"Aaron the owner came out on a weekend too do a wiring inspection on a house my wife and I just moved into. I made several calls trying too find an electrician and in a timely manner. Several tried to upcharge (and didnâ t know I am a licensed contractor in the state I just moved from. ) He provided not only honest answers but a fair affordable price that I can safely feel confident calling again for any further electrical needs"

Aaron R on September 2024

We specialize in Commercial and Residential Heating & Cooling products and services. We offer Free Estimates and Consultation. We require 50% down at signing of proposal. The Remaining balance is due upon completion. Financing is available upon credit approval.

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

AUTO THERAPY

2121 LEE AVE

4.67(

)

AUTO THERAPY

2121 LEE AVE

4.67(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Locally owned independent automotive repair shop since 1995, we offer a number of services in the Bismarck area to keep your vehicle running properly at all times. All services are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul. We use high-tech diagnostic equipment to guarantee your vehicle is repaired and/or serviced correctly the first time around. We only use the highest quality replacement parts, filters, oils, and components when it comes to your car, SUV, pickups, light duty vans, and/or lighter duty vehicles.

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.

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.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two.

Whole-house generators can last 20 to 40 years with normal operation and proper maintenance. If you look up the specifications for your generator, you may be able to find a lifespan rated in hours of operation. Life expectancy will vary depending on how often and for how long you use the generator each year. Choosing a fuel with low impact like natural gas or diesel can help generators last as long as possible.

Setting up utilities on a vacant property usually takes at least a few months, or between 6 weeks to 16 weeks. This process requires working with the local planning and zoning department, hiring a building contractor or engineer to design the utility layout, securing permits, laying the lines, and connecting the utilities.

The Kenmare, ND homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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