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Avatar for Livengood Electrical LLC
Livengood Electrical LLC
4.4(
18
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The job went great! Livengood Electric went over and above my expectations for this project. This wasn’t the easiest project out there on sure but with Jake’s expertise he was able to make short work of the project. We have a new service panel do you provide us years ofTrouble free electrical service, and a new generator but when the power goes out! We couldn’t be happier! Thanks again Jake!"
Electrical Project
Vanity lighting, fan, can lights, gfci receptacle and switches.
50 amp breaker panel with surge protector
Electrical Project
Electrical Project

+24

Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Leake Co Services LLC
Leake Co Services LLC
5.0(
4
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessGenerator - Repair - For Business

Serving Amherst, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Dillyn was extremely knowledgeable and made us feel at ease with the service here provided. His communication is top notch and kept us in the loop through the entire process. I consider Dillyn a friend at this point and will continue to support his business and refer him to others for any electrical job that needs to be done right. Thank you again!"
Generator, Service & mini split install
Generac and mini
Generac 22kw
Generac 22kw
Rough in 4280sqft

+9

Response time1 day
Recommended by50%of homeowners
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

You can expect a diesel generator to last for up to 30,000 hours of use, which works out to 20 to 25 years with the proper maintenance, of course. That depends on how much you use it, so a diesel generator used for emergencies a couple of times a year will last a lot longer than a generator that takes over for a faulty electrical grid every month for a day or two. 

In many cases, yes. There are models called dual-fuel generators and fuel switches, but only between certain types of fuel. For example, with the right setup you can convert a generator from natural gas to propane. Some allow switching between diesel and gasoline. There are even tri-fuel generators available in some cases, which adds a large layer of security if you are worried about fuel availability in times of crisis. Always check your generator capabilities and manual instructions before trying to switch fuels. Some generators can use another fuel but may need a fuel conversion kit to prep them first.

While the rating will tell you how many watts the refrigerator needs at the peak of its cycle, it requires additional wattage to start. At the bare minimum, you’ll need a 1,500-watt generator to get the fridge up and running after a blackout. A 2,000-watt generator should be sufficient for most home refrigerators.

Whole-house generators can run continuously for extended periods, even for weeks at a time (around 400 to 500 hours), as long as they have a sufficient fuel supply. However, this type of extensive use will increase wear and tear and can shorten the generator's overall lifespan. During long periods of operation, it's important to check and refill the engine oil as needed, potentially as frequently as daily depending on the model. If your generator uses a fuel tank, ensure it is kept full to prevent unexpected shutdowns.

The Amherst, VA homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.