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>

Can a natural gas generator work without electricity or in a power outage?

• <div><p>Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/cost-install-generator-transfer-switch.htm?entry_point_id=33797025">transfer switch</a> (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.</p></div>

How do I know what size of whole house generator to choose?

• <div><p>Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/electrical-load-calculation.htm">Calculate your home’s electrical load</a> based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.</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>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Amery, WI

Q: Can a portable generator power an entire home?

• <div><p>A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm">whole-home generator</a> instead. </p></div>

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>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Amery, WI?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Amery, WI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Amery, WI 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 Amery, WI 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 May 18, 2022

Reviewed in May 2022
Our Installer, Adam, was very courteous. He answered all of our questions and allowed us to photograph his progress. He cleaned up the bathroom when done and protected our carpets. I was thoroughly happy with the results,
Mad City Windows & Baths
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2022
Chris did an outstanding job at installing subway tile within my kitchen. Professional and respectful, Chris completed the job in a timely manner.
Chris's Handyman and Landscaping LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2021
In spite of a huge pile-up on I-94 because of icy roads,, Shaun had to take a long detour and still kept the appointment. And, this was on Christmas Eve! Our generator is working, though we will be needing to update a couple parts. Happy New Year Ced S. 12-28-2021
Farr Services, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2020
Ray Foss Construction was fantastic to work with! Ray installed two large egress windows for us in an existing, poured-wall basement. He was here when he said he would be, it took the amount of time he estimated it would and he worked very neatly. The windows look great and bring so much...
Ray Foss Construction, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2018
Brian did a nice job on two exterior door installs at my parents' house. They look and work great. I appreciate that after the doors were in he could have called it a job done, but he made a extra trip for some caulk to finish the job the right way. He was easy to get a hold of and...
Valley Home and Property Maintenance
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2018
Rick took my money and barely ever showed up. 6 months into a whole house remodel he has painted two ceilings and installed a few cabinets. His attitude is unprofessional and he is nearly impossible to work with. It's easier to get my kids to clean their rooms than to get him to do the work he...
Riverside Homes & Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2016
Daren was very professional, courteous and informative on how to utilize the underground fence. I know my dogs will stay within their boundaries with no worries. Darin also installed my daughters and my sons dog guard and they are both happy with it.
Wisconsin Dog Guard
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2015
<p>It was one of the best investments we've made. Ken Richter assessed the energy usage in our entire home, created a plan for reducing our energy signature and put it all together into one package that qualified for the 30% Federal Tax Credit (that's real cash...not a deduction).</p> <p>Our...
Richter Heating and Cooling
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2015
This was a great experience. Tim was very informative. His product quality is outstanding. Everything was custom built by Tim at a cost lower than commercial built units. He really cares about quality and service. I would highly recommend Tim to anyone in central Minnesota or western Wisconsin...
Tim Eich
Request a quote

Find Generator install pros in Amery

Wisconsin Generators LLC

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Amery, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very prompt and professional, installation was in a timely manner. Very helpful with any questions and explanations. After job was complete. Highly recommended."

41 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Aquarius Home Services

4.6(

260

)

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Amery, WI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Service install technicians were great!"

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

A Bernal Electric, LLC

5.0(

)

Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Amery, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great people to work with. They have all of the knowledge to do the job right and they communicate very well. Extremely happy that they did all of the electrical on our new home. I recommend them highly."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install+4 more

Serving Amery, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"First, they were recommended to us for the whole house generator by home depot. We were so happy with the generator that we had him do a bathroom fan at my house and a bathroom fan at my son's house. I did some checking and that was a reasonable price. With the work he did, it was more than reasonable. The job was a little more involved than he thought it would be and he didn't have any problem with any of it. Without anything to judge the pricing from, other than online and a couple of guys I had come over who weren't on the same page as me, I'd say excellent. The quality was top of the line. As soon as he got the generator, he got over here to put it in. As a matter of fact, I am thinking about calling him again for something."

Recommended by50%of homeowners

Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Repair - For Business+1 more

Serving Amery, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Ryan was super responsive, professional, friendly and reasonably priced! He made excellent recommendations when I was uncertain of which type of product to use. I would recommend him in a heartbeat, and he will be my first call for any future electrical work I need done. Thank you, Ryan!"

Response time2 days

Response rate100%

Request Quote

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

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.

Yes, natural gas generators can work without electricity. Natural gas generators are a common type of backup or whole-house generator that operates when the electrical grid isn’t working. The trick is using a transfer switch (which usually needs to be installed with the generator) that safely switches the home electrical system from the power grid to generator power when needed.

Generators are usually sized by running watts and starting watts. Ideally, you’ll want a generator that can offer both the necessary running watts and starting watts for everything you need to power without going beyond 90% of its capacity. Calculate your home’s electrical load based on the breakers in your home or adding up the appliance and lighting needs of connected rooms.

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.

The Amery, WI 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
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Generator Transfer Switch? [2026 Data]
The cost to install a generator transfer switch depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? [2026 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
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Much Does a Natural Gas Generator Cost? [2026 Data]
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Dan Simms
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Generator Installer
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Heather Ayer
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
Whole-House Generator Installation: A Complete Guide
Whole home generator installations require a professional hand. Read this guide to help you decide which generator is best for your home.
Becca Lewis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
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.