How to Choose the Right Size Generator for Your Home
When it comes to choosing a standby generator, one of the biggest misconceptions is that bigger is always better. While it might seem like the safest option, an oversized generator can cost more than necessary, while an undersized one may not be able to power the things you need most during an outage.
The right generator isn’t determined by guesswork or your home’s square footage alone. It’s based on your home’s unique electrical demands and what you want to keep running when the power goes out. Here’s what to consider before choosing a generator for your home.
Start by Deciding What You Want to Power
The first question isn’t, “What size generator do I need?” It’s, “What do I want my generator to do?”
For some homeowners, the goal is simply to keep the essentials running until power is restored. That might include:
- Refrigerator and freezer
- Furnace or heat pump
- Well pump
- Internet router
- Medical equipment
- A few lights and outlets
This type of setup typically requires a smaller generator because it’s only supporting the circuits you rely on most.
Others prefer the convenience of whole-home backup power. A properly sized whole-home generator can keep life moving almost as normal by powering systems like:
- Heating and cooling
- Kitchen appliances
- Laundry equipment
- Electric water heater
- Home office equipment
- TVs and entertainment systems
The more equipment you want operating at the same time, the more power your generator will need to provide.
Understand Running Watts vs. Starting Watts
Another important factor is understanding that appliances don’t all use electricity the same way.
Every appliance requires running watts, which is the amount of power needed to keep it operating. However, many appliances with electric motors also require starting watts, which is a brief surge of additional power needed when they first turn on.
Items like air conditioners, refrigerators, well pumps, and sump pumps often have significantly higher startup demands than their normal operating requirements.
Because of this, simply adding together the wattage listed on your appliances doesn’t always provide an accurate picture of how much power your generator needs to produce. A generator must be able to handle those temporary startup surges while continuing to power everything else that’s already running.
Every Home Has Different Electrical Needs
Even two homes with similar square footage can have very different power requirements.
Several factors influence the size of generator that’s appropriate for your home, including:
- The size of your home
- The number of people living there
- Whether your major appliances use electricity or natural gas
- Your HVAC system
- Well pumps or septic systems
- Electric water heaters
- Electric vehicle chargers
For example, a home with a gas furnace and gas water heater may require considerably less backup power than a similar-sized home where those systems are fully electric. Likewise, adding an EV charger or larger HVAC system can significantly increase your home’s electrical demand.
That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to generator sizing.
Why a Professional Load Calculation Matters
Choosing the right generator involves more than estimating how many appliances you own. A professional load calculation evaluates your home’s actual electrical demand to determine the generator size that best fits your needs.
During this process, an electrician looks at factors like your electrical panel, existing circuits, peak electrical usage, and any future plans you may have for your home. The goal isn’t to recommend the biggest generator available, but to recommend the one that provides reliable backup power without paying for more capacity than you’ll realistically use.
Find the Right Generator for Your Home
Every home is different, which means every generator recommendation should be, too. By understanding what you want to power, how your appliances use electricity, and what your home’s overall electrical load looks like, you can choose a generator that keeps your household running when it matters most.
If you’re considering installing a standby generator, our team at Electrical Outfitters NW can evaluate your home’s electrical needs, perform a professional load calculation, and recommend a generator that’s properly sized for your home. With expert installation, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your backup power system is ready whenever the next outage occurs.