What Size Generator Do I Need for My Home?

Power outages are frustrating because they leave us in the dark and come with a long list of inconveniences and expenses. If you’re sick and tired of unplanned power outages in your home, you are probably looking at your options for a home generator. A whole-home generator is a first line of defense against power outages, but determining what size you need to power your home can be daunting.

At Mr. Electric, we are experts when it comes to home generator installation. In this guide, we will offer information and guidance on choosing the right size generator for your home.

Figure Out Starting Wattage and Running Wattage

Starting wattage refers to the extra wattage needed to get a device running. In other words, it is the momentary boost of power a generator can supply to start up an electric appliance. This wattage is usually two or three times more than the wattage needed to keep the appliance running. When you’re choosing a generator for your home, it’s advisable to consider the number and types of appliances you need to power and add up their starting wattage as well as running wattage. You can find starting wattage numbers on the appliances’ labels. You should install a generator powerful enough to exceed the combined wattage of all the devices and appliances you want to operate. However, calculating the wattage needed to power your appliances can be complicated for someone without electrical knowledge and experience. It’s best to let an affordable electrician help you calculate the wattage you’ll need.

Calculate Power Requirements for Each Device

To calculate the power consumption of any appliance, multiply its wattage by the number of operational hours. For example, you can expect a central air conditioner to use between 2000 and 4000 watts per hour, and a refrigerator to use between 300 and 800 watts per hour. This means the generator needs to handle at least 4800 watts for these two appliances. In order to determine the right size generator for your home, add up the power requirements for all the appliances and devices you need to power in your home. It is advisable to choose a generator that supplies more power than the total power consumption of your appliances. This ensures there are no shutdowns due to capacity overloads and guarantees optional performance. With a generator rated at 7,500 to 12,000 watts, you can run all the critical household equipment at once.

Need Home Generator Installation Service? Call Mr. Electric Today

When you’re in need of generator installation in your home or office, you can count on Mr. Electric to help you choose the right size generator for your needs. Home generator installation is a job that should be handled by knowledgeable and experienced electricians to ensure sufficient power supply and prevent issues like capacity overload, appliance damage, and unit failure. Our electricians at Mr. Electric are skilled and equipped with the right equipment and tools to get the job done safely.