What size generator do I need to run a fridge?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

How do I know what size generator I need?

• <div><p>When <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-generator-do-i-need.htm">choosing the right size generator</a> for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:</p><ul><li><p>Refrigerator: 600 watts</p></li><li><p>Large dehumidifier: 700 watts</p></li><li><p>Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts</p></li><li><p>Water heater: 3,000 watts</p></li></ul><p>Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running. </p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Lyndon, VT

Q: Is it worth it to install a whole house generator?

• <div><p>A whole house generator can be worth the extra money for peace of mind if your home is prone to power outages for extended periods of time or if you have life-saving medical equipment that needs to maintain power at all times. These devices can also increase your home&rsquo;s value, especially in areas prone to extreme weather and power outages. </p></div>

Q: Can you plug a generator directly into your house?

• <div><p>No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Lyndon, VT

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Lyndon, 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 Lyndon, 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 08, 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 Lyndon

M.L. & Sons Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

M.L. & Sons Electric

5.00(

)

•Approved Pro

44 local quotes requested

7 years of experience

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

"Milton was amazing. He quickly discovered the causes and solutions to our electrical problems. He is extremely knowledgable, professional, personable and kind. He is enthusiastic about his work and has great energy. He is also affordable- which is a rare thing these days. We are looking forward to seeing him soon to do further work for us."

Wendy C on June 2025

"Milton was amazing. He quickly discovered the causes and solutions to our electrical problems. He is extremely knowledgable, professional, personable and kind. He is enthusiastic about his work and has great energy. He is also affordable- which is a rare thing these days. We are looking forward to seeing him soon to do further work for us."

Wendy C on June 2025

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

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

A whole house generator can be worth the extra money for peace of mind if your home is prone to power outages for extended periods of time or if you have life-saving medical equipment that needs to maintain power at all times. These devices can also increase your home’s value, especially in areas prone to extreme weather and power outages.

No, this is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and you should never attempt it. If you connect your generator to your home without a transfer switch, the generated power can backfeed, essentially flowing back into the utility lines. Backfeeding exposes a significant threat of fatalities or harm to you and utility personnel, in addition to jeopardizing the structural integrity of your home.

If your home already has a grinder pump and you’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.

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.

When choosing the right size generator for your needs, consider a few items to help calculate the wattage you’ll need. Start by determining which household items and appliances you want to power, and then add the wattages together. Check out the wattage of these essential appliances:

Refrigerator: 600 watts
Large dehumidifier: 700 watts
Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts
Water heater: 3,000 watts

Running home appliances like these requires a partial or whole-house generator. A portable generator may be enough to power your home if you only plan to keep a refrigerator and freezer running.

The Lyndon, 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
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