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 Cerro, NM

Q: Should I buy a solar battery or a generator?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re deciding between a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/solar-batteries-vs-generators.htm">solar battery versus a generator</a> for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don&rsquo;t have many ongoing costs. </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>

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: Do I need a permit to install a portable generator?

• <div><p>You may need a permit for a portable generator if you&rsquo;ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Cerro, NM

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Cerro, NM 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 Cerro, NM 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 December 23, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
I am a general contractor here in Colorado and have used this company multiple times for my roofs along with Gutters. They are very professional on time trustworthy and always do a great job. Harrison is amazing to work with.
US Property Services Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2023
Excellent professional! His experience for detail in removal, measuring and installation was amazing. On time for appointments and kept to schedule. Clean working space and kept areas neat while working. Very nice and intelligent. Had elegant solutions. Highly recommend his expertise and talent.
Hang It Up Wallpaper
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Reviewed in January 2023
He is wonderful. He was so nice. He did the work perfect. I am very pleased. Our porch and our roof are great. And many projects inside my home.
Taos Tradesman LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Mariano was very professional and did an excellent job. He was hired for the concrete slab for the foundation for our home and we asked him to return to do the drywall on a separate building we built. Both projects turned out excellent and we plan on using this company for any future projects.
Taos Tradesman
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Reviewed in November 2021
Alejandro and crew did a great lob. Arrived when promised and completed work quickly and efficiently.
A&E Mechanical, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2021
Jerome was the consummate professional. From the start he was courteous, prompt, truthful and most of competent in his offerings. He knew we had a short time frame in which we needed our fence stained and he fit us in and completed the work with a little time to spare. He took time to get to...
Roof Wrks Mastery & Construction
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Reviewed in May 2021
I was so lucky to find this guy!
Stout Properties, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2019
Prompt, reliable, fixed and converted 9 pendant lights, installed dimmer switch, fixed laundry light fixture. Affordable.
Big Country Electric
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Reviewed in September 2014
I think these guys saved me from a possible fire. I bought this house in March 2014 and was unaware that the stove pipe wasn't even connected properly. No wonder the house filled with smoke the first time I tried to use it. Therewere missing parts and parts that did not fit one another at...
Bailey's Chimney Cleaning & Repair
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Reviewed in September 2007
Smooth. Hard to get anyone on the phone on the first call, so I moved down my Angie's List call list for a quote from a competitor. Sunshine called me back about an hour later an gave me an estimate about 30% cheaper. Came out to formalize the estimate with an inspection. Arrived on time,...
Sunshine Insulation Co
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Find Generator install pros in Cerro

Archuleta Electric

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

"Robert is the consummate professional! Aside from doing a fabulous job, he always arrived at the time he said he would, stayed in touch. This is important to me because I can't sit around and wait for someone to arrive at their convenience. Great job, fun to talk to."

Response time5 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jireh Electric

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Free estimates

We take pride in the quality of work and customer satisfaction that we give each and every customer! We are known to pay exquisite attention to detail while making customer satisfaction our top priority. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you!

Response time3 days

Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

"He has done good work and good customer service. Always on-time and finishes the work right away. Very professional as well."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Mr. G. Electric

New to Angi

Generator - Install - For Business

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Mr. G. Electric offers a full service department for all of your commercial and residential electrical needs. We strive to provide the highest quality and lowest pricing using our highly skilled team of licensed electricians. Contact us for all of your service needs.

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FP Electric

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

FP Electric is your premium quality and affordably priced electrical services! We are here for repairs to new wiring installations and everything in between. Give us a call today for an over the phone consultation or we can come out and take a look at the project!

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TAOS VALLEY ELECTRICAL HOME & BUSINESS LLC

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Locally owned and operated business serving Taos County and surrounding area. With 10+ years experience. From electrical panel upgrades, outlet replacements or repairs, EV chargers to all home and business electrical needs to small remodel projects. We are here to serve you and make your home a cozy and convenient paradise.

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

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Max Marquez

New to Angi

Portable Generator - Repair

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

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! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

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La Plaza Electric II Corp.

New to Angi

Fixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Repair - For BusinessPortable Generator - Repair

Serving Cerro, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.

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.

If you’re wondering whether gas generators produce carbon monoxide, 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 6 to 12 months. Also, be sure to test your carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they function in the rare case of the generator producing carbon monoxide.

You may need a permit for a portable generator if you’ll be installing a transfer switch for your primary residence or similar work. Otherwise, a permit for other uses may not be necessary. Check your local building codes or ask a local generator installer for more information about your local regulations.

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.

The Cerro, NM 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
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2026 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2026 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.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Generator Installer
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Heather Ayer
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
Angi
•
Aug 22, 2026Aug 22, 2026
Generator Installation: Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.