What size generator do I need for a 1500-square-foot house?

• <div><p>A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-many-watts-house.htm">total wattage</a> of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.</p></div>

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 Mesilla, NM

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 use biofuel in a whole-house generator?

• <div><p>In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.</p></div>

Q: Is using a generator safe?

• <div><p>As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it&rsquo;s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator&rsquo;s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Mesilla, NM

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Mesilla, 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 Mesilla, 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 November 17, 2025

Reviewed in March 2023
Did exactly what the proposal said they would do. They were punctual and cleaned up afterwards. James is very knowledgeable about construction in general and with a lot of experience..
James Papez Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2016
It went very well. Marshall was exactly on time, most professional and knowledgeable. Reviewed pest problems on the interior with centipedes and moths then, carefully sprayed the interior and generously sprayed the exterior. Especially appreciate the respect expressed for the products used....
DESERT OASIS PEST CONTROL
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Reviewed in July 2014
They didn't bill me until October of 2013; it was a receipt with just a dollar amount of $250 and no details. I asked them for a breakdown of what was labor cost verses material cost; I never heard from them again. They were very difficult to get in contact with in general, I would not recommend...
G BISHOP ROOFING LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
His service is always excellent. We call him for general repairs and plumbing issues. He is very knowledgeable.
AAA Service Express
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Reviewed in July 2013
Did poor quality work. Did not clean up after himself. Job took a month longer than should have. Was not candid on the cost of the materials. Worked outside of his license doing plumber's work which has been reported to the NM Construction Industies Division and I have been told that the...
STEVE SPRAITZ THE TILE SETTER
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Reviewed in May 2013
The salesman was very helpful in explaining the differences between the screen doors and the process to order and have them installed. The installer was professional and prompt.
HOME DEPOT
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Reviewed in April 2013
My husband has been very happy with them and they are the only ones in town that he is interested in using. They are our repair service of preference. They are not more expensive than other repair shops, they are generally in the moderate range, and we have never been over billed there. They...
Bogart's Towing Service
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Reviewed in April 2013
He changed the prices he quoted me several times. The end price he charged me was way higher than he originally said, and higher than any of his competitors charge. He installed the thing so far back into the closet, didn’t replace the insulation blanket I had for it, and generally caused me a...
Monje's Plumbing and Heating
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Reviewed in December 2011
The house owner requested a quote to install an owner-supplied high efficiency air conditioning system in a new 4000 sq. ft house. The installation included the outdoor unit, the air handler and all duct work to be installed in conditioned spaces. The house owner provided the general duct...
Starrett's Heating and Air Conditioning Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
the overall experience was very good, From the initial walk through with Vince and Sharon, my general contractor,to the odds and ends at the finish, the work proceeded carefully and on time. The crew worked with the plans and coordinated with my general contractor. If there was a don't, it was...
VG Electric LLC
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Find Generator install pros in Mesilla

Power Moves Inc

4.75(

)

•Approved Pro

Power Moves Inc

4.75(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

3 years of experience

leader in providing our customers with the highest quality service in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations. We look forward to working with you!

"Power Moves is great company . Theyâ re very professional and knowledgeable . Additionally, met our expectations ."

Ana C on August 2023

"Power Moves is great company . Theyâ re very professional and knowledgeable . Additionally, met our expectations ."

Ana C on August 2023

Rubio's Electrical

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Rubio's Electrical

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

4 years of experience

Rubio's Electrical is committed to excellence 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.

Duran Electrical Services

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Duran Electrical Services

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

7 years of experience

Our mission at Duran Electrical Services is to continue the growth of our business by doing right by all of our clients. We love seeing that one of a kind smile on a home owners face at the end of a project! Duran Electrical Services stacks up with the competition and surpasses it with competitive prices, second to none workmanship and a prompt/responsive team! We give you quality that you can measure, and a finished product that will enhance your home forever. Call us today!

"excellent work.....responsible and professional"

Martin V on April 2024

"excellent work.....responsible and professional"

Martin V on April 2024

Solar Integration company with a electrical contractor license in New Mexico and Texas. Solar Smart Living offers Sonnen Batterie systems for residential and commercial battery storage systems.

My Classic Car Trader LLC

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

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

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

In some situations, yes. Never try to put biofuel into any home generator without checking the specifics first. If a generator has the ability to run on diesel, it can also run pure biofuel (the clear kind made from seed oils, for example). But if you are using biofuel made from animal fats or vegetable oils, the generator will need significant modifications before it can handle a sludgier type of biofuel.

A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.

As long as your generator is used as recommended by the manufacturer, it’s safe to use for auxiliary power. Make sure that fuel powered generators are used outdoors and that the fumes dissipate away from your home. A professional generator installer will ensure your generator’s placement and set-up meets safety standards when installing or repairing your back-up power source.

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.

The Mesilla, 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
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost To Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2025 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Elisa Greenberg
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2025 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.
Breyden Kellam
•
Oct 30, 2025Oct 30, 2025
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Maintenance Cost? [2025 Data]
Keeping on top of generator maintenance and repairs gives you extra peace of mind as a homeowner. Find out how much regular generator maintenance costs.
Alison Kasch
•
Mar 7, 2025Mar 7, 2025
Choosing a Generator for Hurricane Season: A Complete Guide
Backup generators are a necessity to keep your home powered during a hurricane. Find out how to choose the best generator for hurricane season.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 25, 2025Mar 25, 2025
How Do Natural Gas Generators Work?
Natural gas generators can tap into existing gas lines so they never run out of fuel. Here’s how they work and how they’re used.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 14, 2025Mar 14, 2025
Whole-House Generator Sizing: Everything You Need to Know
Whole house generator sizing can be tricky to figure out if you don’t know a few key factors. Our guide can help you determine what size works best for your needs.