What Size Generator Will Power My Entire Home?

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Home generators can be a smart investment for families. These systems allow you access to power even during widespread outages. This can be vital for some families, that might require life-supporting equipment for family members. One important factor in choosing a unit is sizing. If you want a standby generator that will power your entire home, then you’ll need to carefully consider which size would work for your needs since the demands of each home will be different. Let’s look at how to determine the size of the generator you would need.

Power Usage

A home standby generator size is chosen based on power usage, not necessarily the size of the home, although the home size can definitely affect the usage. According to the home experts at HomeGuide, they recommend a large 20kW standby unit to power the average home that is consuming an average amount of energy. However, there can be a lot of variables that might affect your family’s usage. This is why it’s best to calculate the usage to get the right system for your home.

The power put out by a generator is rated in watts or kilowatts. The appliances in your home are usually rated in amps, amperes, and volt-amperes. To determine the amount of power you use, you would need to decide which electrical circuits and appliances you would absolutely need during an outage. You should understand that most people only want to power things that are a necessity. The unit will be running on a fuel source, and that fuel source will be limited.

Prioritize Energy Usage

When you’re interested in making this investment, you should start by making a list of the most important circuits in your home. These are usually powering refrigerators, freezers, central air, sump pump, well pump, or any medical equipment being used by a family member. You can also add some convenience items that don’t draw too much power, such as TVs or a few lights. You can also include a few outlets to hook up a crock pot or electric skillet for cooking. Just remember that each item you add draws more power, and thus uses more fuel for the system. You will then add up how many watts it would take to run these items. You can then choose a generator size that will accommodate these needs.

If you would like to learn more, then please contact us today. We’d be happy to help you figure out which unit is right for you. You’ll feel peace of mind when you get in touch with our team.