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 Chittenden, VT

Q: Do you have to turn off the main breaker when using a generator?

• <div><p>As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator&rsquo;s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.</p></div>

Q: How can I reduce carbon monoxide emissions from my natural gas generator?

• <div><p>Carbon monoxide emissions aren&rsquo;t only dangerous to human life, but they also harm our planet. While natural gas generators emit lower levels of CO than other fuel sources, there are still ways to reduce emission levels. For example, shop around for an eco-friendly generator that complies with current emission standards. Also, make sure your generator is serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup. </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>

Q: Can I plug a generator directly into my house?

• <div><p>No, you shouldn&rsquo;t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That&rsquo;s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-put-out-electrical-fire.htm">electrical fire</a> or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Chittenden, VT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Chittenden, VT 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 Chittenden, VT 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 07, 2025

Reviewed in February 2024
They did a great job installing our new roof and reclaiming of woods into a nice open meadow.
Stevens Roofing and Siding
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Reviewed in December 2022
This is the most thorough, professional, kind, generous, thoughtful, trustworthy, reliable, capable service I have ever hired in fifty years of business and home outsources services.
Northshire Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2019
Domenic was extremely quick and responsive. We are looking for a permanently installed generator, Dom only sells/services portable ones. He was however, very helpful and understands his business. I certainly plan to use him for other electrical work in the future. I think anyone will be...
Mack and son electric
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Reviewed in April 2017
They do a fine job. I have them for annual maintenance. They're good. I think they're a little pricey but I use them because they're the one's that installed it themselves.
Stanley Gelber & Sons Inc
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Reviewed in May 2013
We contracted Pro-Builders to remodel a bathroom, add a stairway to our basement and to be the general contractor to add air conditioning. The bathroom and stairway job was estimated to cost $33,575 (the AC was a separate contract with the installers). The final bill brought the total for the...
PRO-BUILDERS CONSTRUCTION CO
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Reviewed in April 2013
Very professional job. Two teams came out - one worked on the basement unit, while another worked on installing the attic unit. The basement unit was a straightforward install, and was done in a few hours with hardly any mess. The attic unit install was a little more complicated, involving...
Indoor Comfort Team
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Reviewed in July 2012
Installation was excellent. Dan Nardi, owner of Hectic Electric and his team executed the installation over a 2 day period after the propane line was installed by Holton Propane Service. Overall excellent experience and will use again in future if need arises.
Hectic Electric Inc
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Reviewed in November 2011
Tom is incredible. I rarely spend time writing evaluations but in this instance where Tom Elias and Elias Electrical Service is concerned, I cannot say enough positive things about them. Although they are TWO hours away from me, they responded, communicated, provided exemplary top quality...
Elias Electrical Service
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Reviewed in July 2008
I was very pleased with their work. They were very professional, their product was high quality and the installment went very well.
Pella Windows and Doors
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Reviewed in June 2008
Joel came on time and was well versed in radon mitigation. He was quick, efficient and clean. The system was installed correctly and functions well.
MOUNTAINVALLEY BUILDING INSPECTIONS INC
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Find Generator install pros in Chittenden

McCormick Electrical, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

McCormick Electrical, LLC

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

2 years of experience

Welcome to McCormick Electrical, LLC! In business since 2023, we are a full service electrical company who takes great pride in the quality of our work and guarantees customer satisfaction. We specialize in all maintenance and repair for both residential and commercial properties, and no job is too big or too small. Serving Rutland and its surrounding towns, be sure to give us a all today!

"Colin was prompt with his communication, responded within 24 hours to any inquiries, and made smart recommendations when we hired him to install our L2 Charger and replace a burnt-out switch in our kitchen. He worked smart & safe and finished them both in less time than I expected it to take. We would hire/recommend Colin to anyone seeking big or small project repairs."

Marc S on June 2024

"Colin was prompt with his communication, responded within 24 hours to any inquiries, and made smart recommendations when we hired him to install our L2 Charger and replace a burnt-out switch in our kitchen. He worked smart & safe and finished them both in less time than I expected it to take. We would hire/recommend Colin to anyone seeking big or small project repairs."

Marc S on June 2024

Northstar Electric LLC

4.94(

)

Northstar Electric LLC

4.94(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Northstar Electric is a responsive and reliable provider of electrical services for both residential and commercial clients. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing the highest quality of electrical services, ensuring that each job is completed to the highest standard. We are proud to be your trusted and dependable source for all your electrical needs. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is unmatched in the industry. We are confident that you will be pleased with the quality of services and results that we deliver. Have you worked with us before? We'd love your feedback. Consider leaving a review on the Testimonials page or on Google.

"Excellent work and on time in an extremely difficult location."

Doug T on April 2021

"Excellent work and on time in an extremely difficult location."

Doug T on April 2021

Sugar Hollow Electric

No reviews yet

Sugar Hollow Electric

No reviews yet

22 years of experience

Additional email - [email protected].

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

Robert Stubbins Electrical and General Contractor

4.89(

)

Robert Stubbins Electrical and General Contractor

4.89(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

At Rob Stubbins Electrical, searching for energy savings while providing honest customer service goes hand in hand. Whether you're renovating & remodeling, in need of specialty wiring or simply need an evaluation, we strive to provide solutions that are innovative, safe & economical. We treat our customers the way we would like to be treated: fairly, honestly, respectfully, neatly, & in a timely manner. Call 802.775.1484 or email us today. We'll discuss your electrical & contractor needs & build a plan for the future.

"Very pleasant Electricians Sam & Brad did a great job. I now understand how the exterior lights are set up on the property (I recently bought the house) I received a price list via email and chatted with Courtney in the office. Very professional. I would call them again if I have another issue."

Susan M on September 2018

"Very pleasant Electricians Sam & Brad did a great job. I now understand how the exterior lights are set up on the property (I recently bought the house) I received a price list via email and chatted with Courtney in the office. Very professional. I would call them again if I have another issue."

Susan M on September 2018

Powers Generator Service

4.25(

)

Powers Generator Service

4.25(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

31 years of experience

Additional address - PO Box 10005, Swanzey, NH 03446. Additional contact name - Sheena Royce. Number of Employees: 45. We offer Financing.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

As a safety measure, you should always turn off the main breaker while operating your generator’s backup breaker. In addition, you should also switch off all appliance breakers so you don't have a power surge when the main breaker turns back on. And finally, turning off the main breaker prevents back-feeding, which endangers utility workers with the risk of electrocution. Back-feeding could also destroy the electrical circuits of your neighbors if they use the same power network.

Carbon monoxide emissions aren’t only dangerous to human life, but they also harm our planet. While natural gas generators emit lower levels of CO than other fuel sources, there are still ways to reduce emission levels. For example, shop around for an eco-friendly generator that complies with current emission standards. Also, make sure your generator is serviced regularly to avoid CO buildup.

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.

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.

No, you shouldn’t use an extension cord to plug a generator directly into your home without using a transfer switch. That’s because systems like pumps and HVAC fans need a steady power source that might not be available directly from your generator alone. If you bypass the circuit breaker box, you risk damaging your electrical system, creating a risk of electrical fire or electrical shock to you or any workers repairing lines on your local electrical grid.

The Chittenden, VT 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
•
Apr 1, 2025Apr 1, 2025
Diesel Generator Maintenance Services: 10 Steps to Know
Diesel remains a popular fuel option for a variety of home generators, but you will need to plan your maintenance carefully. Here’s how it works.
Melissa Graham
•
Jul 23, 2024Jul 23, 2024
15 Generator Uses for Homeowners
A portable generator can serve several uses beyond its traditional purpose. If you’re looking for ways to put your generator to work, our guide can help.
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.