What Size of a Whole Home Generator Do I Need?

Investing in an alternative energy source is wise for most homeowners. One reliable option is installing a generator. This ensures your home remains functional even during power loss. However, determining the size is one crucial decision to make when purchasing a generator. Choosing a perfectly sized generator is crucial for various reasons.

A small unit won’t power all the appliances, resulting in overload and equipment failure. Conversely, an oversized generator isn’t cost-effective. Consider the following factors to determine the perfect whole-home generator.

Know Your Power Needs

Identifying your power needs is the first and most crucial step. Knowing this helps find the right generator size to support essential systems during an outage. List the essential appliances and systems you want to be powered during an outage. This mostly includes:

• Refrigerators
• Heating and cooling systems
• Lighting
• Home office equipment
• Medical equipment

Different appliances use varying amounts of power. You should account for every device’s starting and running wattage. Summing up the running wattages will give you a rough estimate of your home’s essential power needs. However, remember to consider future additions and changes to your home devices. If you plan to upgrade appliances or install new systems, ensure the generator can handle the increase in demand without necessitating an upgrade.

Consider the Size of Your Home

The size of your home is the second vital consideration. Large homes need more power for their appliances to remain functional during an outage. While the number of appliances in the property is a crucial factor, the physical size of your home affects the total wattage required to provide comprehensive backup power.

Small homes (1,000 to 2,000 sq ft) typically don’t need a large generator. Energy consumption in such spaces is lower because of fewer rooms, fewer electrical devices, and smaller HVAC units. Generators producing 5 to 12kW can sufficiently power essential appliances in such homes.

Medium-sized homes that cover up to 3,000 square feet require a more robust generator. These properties have multiple rooms, large kitchens, and slightly bigger HVAC units. Homeowners of such homes should consider generators that produce up to 20kW for convenience. Similarly, larger homes require a more powerful generator. A generator that can produce up to 48kW is ideal for large homes. These generators can handle multiple high-demand devices simultaneously.

Additional Considerations

Besides your power needs and the size of your home, you should also consider the following:

• Weather conditions: The weather conditions of your region also influence your generator needs. Homeowners in areas prone to severe events like ice storms should opt for robust and durable generators. Frequent weather events mean frequent and prolonged power outages.
• Fuel type: A whole home generator runs on natural gas, propane, or diesel. You should consider the availability and cost of these fuels. Natural gas options are great for homes with direct connections to gas lines.
• Noise level: Noise produced by a running generator is a significant concern. Some are loud, disturbing you and your neighbors.

These additional requirements will help you choose a unit that meets your power needs and aligns with your living environment.

Endnote

Choosing the right generators can prove challenging, especially for homeowners with specific requirements. While the factors above are essential tips, you should consult a professional. A generator specialist can help accurately calculate your home’s electrical system needs.