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>

Are there tax credits for home generators?

• <div><p>In most cases, there are no tax credits available for home generators. However, that’s a general statement that applies to federal tax credits, so you might have access to state or local tax incentives. You can check the <a href="https://www.dsireusa.org">Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)</a> for more information about your area. If you hire a reliable home generator installer, they should also know if there are any state or local perks you can use to reduce your installation costs, including tax breaks and rebates.</p></div>

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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: How much horsepower do I need?

• <div><p>If your home already has a grinder pump and you&rsquo;re still noticing issues (like frequently clogged toilets and sinks), it could be time to upgrade your grinder pump. Start by checking your existing horsepower. If there are four or fewer people living in your home, using a 1/2-horsepower grinder pump should be sufficient. Larger households should consider investing in a 1-horsepower grinder pump to maximize wastewater removal efforts.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to install a generator?

• <div><p>The typical <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm">cost of a home generator</a> is around <b>$5,000</b>, but prices range from <b>$400 up to $13,000</b>, depending on a few factors. The most significant cost factor is the generator size, as larger generators that can support more square footage usually cost more. You can install an emergency backup generator for between <b>$500 and $2,000</b> or a partial-home generator for between <b>$2,000 and $6,500</b>. Whole-home generators usually total between <b>$5,000 and $13,000</b>, with some models climbing as high as <b>$18,000</b>.</p></div>

Q: What size generator does my house need?

• <div><p>You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together. </p><p>A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you&rsquo;ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.</p></div>

There are 7 highly-rated local generator install pros.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Hanover, PA

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Hanover, PA 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 Hanover, PA 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 04, 2025

Reviewed in October 2022
Ramer Mechanical is the best service provider we have ever known. Harvey Ramer has handled the large and small jobs at our home for more than a decade. Seriously. Five stars!
Ramer Mechanical LLC
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Reviewed in March 2015
This is the third time I used Rittner's Electric and, as always, completely satisfied with everything they did to assure my emergency generator was reliable. Great communication including follow up calls. Very helpful with installation ideas. Location drove up materials cost but that was my...
Rittner's Electric
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Reviewed in October 2018
Vary well, job was finished in a timely fashion, very professional, couldn't ask for better electricians. If you need an electrician these guys are the ones to have. I wouldn't call any other electrician for my electrical needs.
Mid Penn Electrical Services, Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2011
When the company came out for the estimate everything went as planned. I just decided to go a different route. During the estimate they were very thorough in explaining the process and what would happen.
CDS Home Services
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Reviewed in May 2015
They were really super good. They charged me 3 times more but forget it. It’s really reasonable. He’s excellent when he comes to me.
Wilco Electric Inc
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Reviewed in February 2013
We had a really good experience after a bit of a rocky start. Our salesperson was there for us from the first to the last. He stayed in touch, answered all my question (and there were a lot of them) and responded to my calls and email in a very timely fashion. The first day the crew was to...
JK Mechanical
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Reviewed in March 2014
Keith made this an effortless service on my part. He was here when he said he would be, was respectful, personable and professional. I called Leggett and they scheduled the service and called the morning of service to tell me Keith was on his way; He was here on time and explained everything...
Leggett Inc
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Reviewed in November 2014
This was the first time I'd used them and it went really well. There were no issues with scheduling. I'll have them back out soon to do more work on the unit.
Eshenaur & Son, Inc.
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