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>

What types of fuel do generators take?

• <div><p>Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:</p><ul><li><p>Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year </p></li><li><p>Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year</p></li><li><p>Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit</p></li><li><p>Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top generator install pros in Viroqua, WI

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: 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: Can I use a generator to charge a back-up battery?

• <div><p>Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Generator Install pros in Viroqua, WI

*The Angi rating for Generator Install companies in Viroqua, 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 Viroqua, 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 November 06, 2025

Reviewed in July 2024
Let me start with the sales pitch and followed by the installation: Sales: The person came to our house, looked at the windows and we sat down and went over several options. It took about 1 hour total which might sound a lot... but if anyone knows much about windows is that they are pricey in...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2023
The general contractor, moving company recommended, flooring installers, painter, and plumber were all absolutely amazing. They were professional, communicated every step of the way, on time, efficient, and their work is beautiful. I recommend each of them at the highest of level. Iâ ve...
Holtzman Remodeling, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
I also had an outlet plug-in for a generator installed.
Oak Ridge Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Shawn Farr is excellent and knows everything about generator repair and upkeep. He keeps to the agreed schedule and is very reasonable in pricing. Jim Theler, Viroqua WI
Farr Services, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Austin was great to work with and we are waiting the installation!
River Valley Remodelers, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2017
beyond the average call, Jeff was fantastic, and when the power company was long overdue went and got a generator and Dave to power up the house, check circuits and get our water well going -14 hours at our house He's, they are like family now.
Wettstein Brothers Electric Inc
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Reviewed in November 2016
Deb did a great job. It was a big project as the house had many layers of dirt, smoke, and general dust from previous owners as well as from the renovation work that had just finished. By the time Deb was finished (it took about 6 sessions) my house felt homey. No more dust and grunge! I also...
Deb's Affordable Cleaning Service
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Reviewed in November 2016
Professional. We always use Mr. Thompson's wife Gene. She is nice with the animals, and the animals seem to really like her.
Thompson Animal Medical Center
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Reviewed in October 2015
Remodeled home to handicap/wheelchair accessible. Overall, the remodel went extremely well. It was hard for my wife and me as we were staying in a hotel while the work was being done. I am in a wheelchair recovering from a spinal cord injury and that's the reason for the remodel. Removing...
VOSS & SONS CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in July 2012
The general knowledge that they have, and they are pretty good about remembering that I have had some pups. They are honest and upfront about what’s going on. My overall experience has been excellent.
Bangor Veterinarian Services
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Find Generator install pros in Viroqua

Wettstein Brothers Electric Inc

214 Vine St

4.88(

)

Wettstein Brothers Electric Inc

214 Vine St

4.88(

)

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

3rd Generation locally owned electrical contractor with 60+ years of experience. On call 24/7 for emergencies - dial number and press 1.

"Job went very well. Workers were prompt and did a great job. Job cost was in line with the estimate & the office people were also easy to work with. Would hire them again and will definitely recommend them."

Nancy Y on October 2018

3rd Generation locally owned electrical contractor with 60+ years of experience. On call 24/7 for emergencies - dial number and press 1.

"Job went very well. Workers were prompt and did a great job. Job cost was in line with the estimate & the office people were also easy to work with. Would hire them again and will definitely recommend them."

Nancy Y on October 2018

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

2.00(

)

My Classic Car Trader LLC

312 Prospect Ave

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

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year
Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year
Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit
Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

Yes. You can connect your home back-up battery to a generator with its designated charger. Be sure that the output of the generator matches the input requirements for the battery for best results.

The Viroqua, WI homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

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