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 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>

Can you run a natural gas generator constantly all day?

• <div><p>Natural gas generators are designed to run for extended periods of time, such as power outages during a natural disaster. Since there’s no limit to the supply of natural gas, they don’t need to stop for refills. However, generators do need maintenance, including pauses to check and add oil. Constantly running them will also cause a lot more wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan.</p></div>

How does a generator transfer switch save me money?

• <div><p>It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between <b>$400 and $2,500</b> to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-hook-up-generator-to-house.htm">hook up of a generator to your home</a>. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Yemassee, SC

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: What happens if my whole-house generator is too small for my AC?

• <div><p>An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home&rsquo;s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Yemassee, SC

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Yemassee, SC 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 Yemassee, SC 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 05, 2025

Reviewed in April 2021
Great company to work with. Wonderful staff and clear explanations every step of the way. Did everything they said they would do when they said they would do it. Very tidy and no mess despite having to excavate to put in the oil tank for the generator. Installation was done quickly and...
Paul Foley Electric Co., Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2017
Generally very well
Howard Family Dental Bluffton
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Reviewed in May 2016
We are extremely happy with the new roof. We had several quotes. Tri-County's pricing was fair and the product and installation, excellent. They removed the old shingles and underlayment and replaced them with top-quality underlayment and shingles. They also replaced ridge vents, pipe collars,...
TRI-COUNTY ROOFING
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Reviewed in July 2015
Peter was great. His craftsmanship and general carpentry abilities are high quality. He works fast, clean, and prices are fair. I will be using him again.
P and P Home Improvement
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Reviewed in January 2015
I have used this company for a long time for routine service. They also installed a new HVAC system. The quality of the their work was was generally excellen. My chief complaint is that I had the feeling that they were always trying to up-sell me. At each service visit, they would find...
Lang's Heating & Air
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Reviewed in June 2012
Generally very good. Challenges of an older boat with early four-cycle outboards led to some frustraiton, but the engines always ran well in the end.
B J's Boat & RV Service
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Reviewed in November 2011
The bathroom was mostly completed to our expectations. I think Andy & his crew do a great job of general work at a great price, however I feel that some of their detail work is not to the standard I would expect. I would recommend that you stay on top of the work commissioned to them and don't...
Andrew Farmer Construction
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Find Generator install pros in Yemassee

Accent Tel USA

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Accent Tel USA

4.89(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

16 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Our Company provides a one-stop solution for all of your voice, internet, and telecom needs. Leveraging the Cloud we provide your Office state-of-the-art telephones for little or no upfront cost striving to keep your monthly costs the same. Sound too good to be true? Give us a call and we will show you how.

"Telephone System - Install or Upgrade - For Business "

Anthony O on September 2025

"Telephone System - Install or Upgrade - For Business "

Anthony O on September 2025

Continental Engines

No reviews yet

Continental Engines

No reviews yet

57 years of experience

For 55 years, Continental Engines has provided engine and power generation solutions at the distributor level across the East Coast. Continental Engines carries multiple Generator brands to choose from, such as Kohler, and services all of the Carolinas and Georgia. We install, service and provide maintenance for all generators.

Tide & Country, LLC

No reviews yet

Tide & Country, LLC

No reviews yet

Tide & Country is a lighting-electrical contracting and design company based in Savannah, GA. Owned by a Licensed Electrician with a Master's in Engineering; we can handle any job. We design custom lighting for you home or business, as well as install lights. We specialize in landscape lighting, generator installation, gate systems, and more electrical needs. Our technicians and designers are highly qualified and skilled to deliver premier service.

Custom Auto Repair

No reviews yet

Custom Auto Repair

No reviews yet

12 years of experience

Custom Auto repair services all vehichles. We are able to perform bumper to bumper service. Anything froman oil change to a transmission. We are equipt to paint, whether custom, touch up, or anything in between. We offer discounts for all military and first responders. We are open Monday-Friday 8-5 and Saturdays by appointment.

Selectric

1.00(

)

Selectric

1.00(

)

28 years of experience

Everyone deserves safe wiring. Give us a call.

"He does not pay his employees as agreed."

Douglas L on February 2020

Everyone deserves safe wiring. Give us a call.

"He does not pay his employees as agreed."

Douglas L on February 2020

Coastal Solar Power Company

5.00(

)

Coastal Solar Power Company

5.00(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We offer residential and commercial clients resource and engineering information to add solar power to their home and/or business.

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

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.

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.

An undersized whole-house generator has the potential to overheat and shut down when you try to run a central AC system. This scenario can not only damage the whole-house generator, but can also trip your home’s breakers or cause electrical damage. To avoid this situation, hire a local generator installer to correctly size your whole-house generator.

Natural gas generators are designed to run for extended periods of time, such as power outages during a natural disaster. Since there’s no limit to the supply of natural gas, they don’t need to stop for refills. However, generators do need maintenance, including pauses to check and add oil. Constantly running them will also cause a lot more wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan.

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home.

The Yemassee, SC 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

Taylor Freitas
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 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.
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.
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.
Tyler Lacoma
•
Mar 13, 2025Mar 13, 2025
Best Fuel For a Whole-House Generator: 5 Options
If you’re investing in a large power alternative for your home, it deserves the right fuel for your job. Here are the top options for a whole home generator.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Feb 14, 2025Feb 14, 2025
6 Questions to Ask About Installing a Fixed Backup Generator
Before installing a fixed generator, think about your use and space. Review these backup generator questions to prepare for a talk with your contractor.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
Can a Generator Get Wet? What You Need to Know
Can a generator get wet? Protective covers are necessary for using a portable generator in the rain, and they shouldn’t be used in extreme weather.