If you’re thinking of buying a generator, you’re probably asking yourself, what size generator do I need?
But here’s the thing: different types of generators are available on the market, and they all have different sizes. This is because each one is designed for another purpose.
You’ll find everything from small portable generators used at home or on camping trips to large industrial generators that provide power for entire neighborhoods during an outage.
If you’re looking for a generator that will power your entire home during an outage, you’ll look for a more powerful generator to handle the load.
But a smaller generator will work fine if you want extra juice to keep your fridge running or charge your phone for emergencies.
The main goal of buying a generator is to save money on initial and ongoing operating costs. Thus sizing your home generator is essential.
In this article, we’ll talk about why it’s essential to get it right and how you can do it yourself.
5 Reasons Why Getting The Right Size Is Important
A home generator can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000. So before you make your purchase, here are five reasons why sizing a home generator is essential:
Power output
A too-small generator will not be able to power all of the electrical equipment in your home during an outage.
On the other hand, a too-large generator will be more expensive and may not be necessary for your needs. Sizing a generator ensures you have the right power for your specific needs.
Efficiency and cost savings
A sized generator will run more efficiently and be less expensive to operate. A large generator will consume more fuel and work harder to produce the same power as a correctly sized generator, resulting in higher operating costs.
Safety
A too-small generator may not be able to handle the electrical load during an outage, which can lead to equipment damage, power surges, and even fire hazards.
One that is too large may also have safety issues, such as producing too much power and overloading the electrical system.
Noise
Generators can be loud, and the noise level is affected by the size of the generator. A too-large generator will be louder than a correctly-sized generator, which can disturb you and your neighbors.
Environmental impact
A generator with the correct size will produce negligible emissions compared to an oversized or undersized generator.
How to Correctly Size A Generator
The ideal size generator for your house depends on the specific electrical load of your home.
A load calculation, which involves determining the total wattage of all the appliances, lighting, and other electrical equipment you want to power during an outage, will help you choose the ideal size generator for your home.
A universal rule of thumb is to choose a generator with a larger capacity than your calculated load. This will ensure that your generator can handle any unexpected increases in electrical loads, such as during a power surge.
It’s important to consider plans or additions to your home that may increase your electrical load and choose a generator that can accommodate those needs.
Also, keep in mind that you should take the generator’s location and the accessibility for maintenance and fuel supply into account.
For a standard home, a generator with a capacity of around 7,000 to 10,000 watts would be sufficient for essential power appliances such as refrigerators, lights, heating, and fans.
However, if you have a larger home or want to power more appliances or equipment, you will need a more significant generator with a capacity of 15,000 watts.
Consult a professional electrician or generator expert to conduct a load calculation and determine the ideal size generator for your home.
They can also help with the generator’s installation, maintenance, and operation.
6 Tips For Accurate Generator Sizing
Many factors go into deciding how big of a generator you need to run your house in the event of a power outage.
Here are six tips to help you figure out what size generator you need:
Conduct a load calculation
This involves determining the total electrical load of your home by adding up the wattage of all the appliances, lighting, and other electrical equipment you want to power during an outage.
A professional electrician or a generator expert should conduct a load calculation.
Consider future needs
Consider any future plans or additions to your home that may increase your electrical load. This will ensure your generator is sized correctly for your current and future needs.
Choose a generator with a capacity slightly larger than your calculated load.
This will ensure that your generator can handle any unexpected increases in electrical loads, such as during a power surge.
Consider fuel availability and cost.
If you plan to use a generator for extended periods, choose a generator that runs on a fuel source that is readily available and cost-effective for you.
Consult with a professional
A generator expert can help you determine the correct size generator for your home and help with the generator’s installation, maintenance, and operation.
Take into account the location of the generator:
Make sure to consider the generator’s location and consider the ventilation and weatherproofing.
Following these tips ensures that your home generator is sized correctly and will provide reliable power during an outage. It’s important to remember that a generator is a significant investment, and choosing the right one to meet your needs and budget is essential.
Additional Factors To Consider
It would be best to consider several other factors when sizing a generator for your house. This is in addition to knowing about the electrical load of your home:
Type of appliances and equipment
Some appliances and equipment, such as air conditioners, electric water heaters, and electric cooktops, require more power to operate than others.
It’s essential to consider the specific requirements of these appliances and equipment when determining the ideal size generator for your home.
Duration of power outages
When sizing a generator, you should consider the duration of power outages in your area. If power outages are short-lived, a smaller generator may be sufficient.
However, if power outages are extended, a more significant generator may be necessary to ensure that you have enough power to last through the outage.
Fuel availability and cost
The availability and cost of the fuel you plan to use for your generator should be considered when determining the ideal size.
If you plan to use a generator for extended periods, choose a generator that runs on a fuel source that is readily available and cost-effective for you.
Noise level
Generators can be loud, and the noise level is affected by the size of the generator. If you are concerned about noise levels, choose a generator that operates at lower decibels.
Environmental impact
The emissions produced by the generator should be considered, and choose one that meets the local regulations.
Space availability
Take the size of the generator and the location where you will place it into account. Ensure you have enough space for it and that it’s easily accessible for maintenance and fuel supply.
Considering these additional factors, you can ensure that you choose a generator that is the right size for your home and meets all your specific power needs.
In addition, making sure that it runs efficiently, is safe to use, is quiet, and has a minimal environmental impact.
Final Thoughts
Overall, sizing a home generator is essential to ensure that you have the power you need, that it runs efficiently, that it is safe to use, that it is quiet and that it has a minimal impact on the environment.
It is essential to consult a professional to determine the correct size generator for your home and ensure it’s installed and operated correctly.
