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: Can I install a portable generator myself?

• <div><p>DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.</p></div>

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: 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: 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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Columbus, NE

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Columbus, NE 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 Columbus, NE 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Walkout garage door was replaced and painted. Broken handle on glass storm door was replaced. New tv was installed on retractable mount and new soundbar was installed. Very satisfied with all repairs and installations. Workers were very professional and left the areas clean and tidy.
House Doctors Northwest Omaha
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Reviewed in February 2025
The installation was done in a day and the crew was very professional. Highly recommend their shower as they transformed our pre fabricated shower that didn’t fit the space and custom fit a new shower to our space.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2025
I had a positive experience. Their bid was 60% less than their closest competitor. The work was done in a timely manner and the door was professionally installed. They did a nice job of cleaning up.
Bob Mcdonald Garage Door, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
The installers were courteous and great to work with. We had over 30 windows installed, which obviously took some time. It was obvious towards the end that they were getting pressure from the top to get done. There were some issues with our new patio door that did not get completed correctly....
J-Tech Construction
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Reviewed in March 2023
Well, so far, I am very happy installation was fast. It was done well that it appears to me and the price I thought was reasonable and the information that I was given by the installer was very helpful. He was very knowledgeable and covered all of my concernsâ ¦ I would highly recommend them!
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in January 2023
Michael installed new windows, doors, kitchen and bathroom updates, replaced our deck and various other projects when we moved into our home. He did a great job!. Finish was beyond what we expected. Answered all of our questions with options, ideas and patience. He is who we will be using for...
MWI Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2012
The work was performed as scheduled and as agreed in the scope of work. I did not have them keep the outside hose bibs on unsoftened water, which was my mistake since I didn't know better at the time. They did ask me about it at the initial estimate and confirmed it before installation. Once...
Tritz Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in August 2011
They really work hard to resolve issues. They are coming back out to reinstall the new ceiling kit because the one they installed was cracked somehow, but the are doing that all on them.
TOTAL COMFORT HEATING & AIR
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Find Generator install pros in Columbus

James Mendyk Services

James Mendyk Services

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

1 years of experience

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"Hie is Very particular. Very neat. Does everything perfect."

Barb H on October 2024

"Hie is Very particular. Very neat. Does everything perfect."

Barb H on October 2024

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

LIGHTHOUSE ELECTRICAL CONTR

1001 19th Avenue

4.25(

)

LIGHTHOUSE ELECTRICAL CONTR

1001 19th Avenue

4.25(

)

Customers say: Terrific value

20 years of experience

Electrical Contracting company based out of Scottsbluff, Nebraska. We serve the Wyobraska area. We accept credit cards, check, and cash payments.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

DIY is possible for basic setups. Professional installation ensures safe and proper electrical connections.

When choosing the right size generator 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:

Refrigerator: 600 watts
Large dehumidifier: 700 watts
Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts
Water heater: 3,000 watts

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.

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.

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.

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’s needs. Accurate output estimates require a professional wind assessment and a review of your household’s energy usage patterns.

The Columbus, NE 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

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•
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Who Can I Hire to Fix a Generator?
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What Size Generator Do I Need? A Guide to Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home
Emergency generators come in many types and sizes to suit various needs. If you’re wondering what size generator to buy, here’s what to consider.