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>

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>

How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you’ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Clarendon, VT

Q: What are the benefits of a portable generator?

• <div><p>Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.</p></div>

Q: What happens with the generator when the local power goes back on?

• <div><p>If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you&rsquo;ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.</p></div>

Q: How close can a transfer switch be to a generator?

• <div><p>Generally, you&rsquo;ll want to keep between <b>60 and 70 feet</b> between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:</p><ul><li><p>The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.</p></li><li><p>It increases efficiency because you won&rsquo;t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.</p></li><li><p>Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window. </p></li></ul><p></p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Clarendon, VT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Clarendon, 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 Clarendon, 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 November 18, 2025

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 August 2016
Jim came promptly and first installed the sensor on the motion detector. It was hard to remove the old one after being outside in the weather for years, but Jim persisted and got the replacement installed and working. The weather vane had blown off in very strong winds and was reinstalled on a...
H - H Construction LLC
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Reviewed in April 2015
Anthony was thorough in his explanation of the product, process, and timeline. The work crew was outstanding, very professional and kept the site clean. Would highly recommend. Grade A+ installation
Energy Aide, Div. of Coastal Windows/Doors/Exteriors
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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 October 2011
Contacted another pump co. and they would not install a pump I had bought ( their price for the same pump I bought was 250 more.) Ridgefield Plumbing came as scheduled, was curteous, prompt and did an excellent job installing a new pump ( including removing the old one) and replacing all the 1...
RIDGEFIELD PLUMBING & HEATING LLC
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Reviewed in June 2010
Generally we have heard much praise about this repair shop so we made the appointment to bring our car to them. We were very satified. About 15 yeARAS AGO THEY HELPED MY WIFE and MOTHER-IN-LAW WITH THE two children in the car who had a minor fire when the wheel bearings overheated while they...
Fletcher's Auto Repair
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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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Find Generator install pros in Clarendon

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

Portable generators provide backup power for essential appliances during outages and are easy to relocate.

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.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

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.

Generally, you’ll want to keep between 60 and 70 feet between the generator and the transfer switch. There are a few reasons for this, including:

The distance reduces the noise coming from the generator into your home.
It increases efficiency because you won’t have a voltage drop from this short of a distance.
Prevents carbon monoxide poisoning: keep at least 15 feet between your generator and an open window.

The Clarendon, 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

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.
Becca Lewis
•
Feb 26, 2025Feb 26, 2025
Who Installs Generators? A Complete Guide
Wondering who to hire to install a generator? Consult this guide to learn who to hire to install a generator or a transfer switch.
Michelle Nati
•
Mar 28, 2025Mar 28, 2025
Generator vs. Inverter Generator: Which Should You Choose?
Traditional and inverter generators can provide off-grid or emergency power. Learn the pros and cons of a traditional generator vs. inverter generator.
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.