We get this question a lot! Each home has numerous factors to consider when beginning to think about buying a generator. Our Generac technicians will work with you and come out to your property to discuss the items below and ask a few more questions to make sure the right size generator is discussed and priced our appropriately. Our service warranty is what sets us apart from the rest. Call us to learn more!
To determine the right size Generac home generator for your house, you need to consider several factors related to your home’s power requirements. Here are the key steps to help you decide:
- Calculate Your Total Power Needs:
- Make a list of major appliances and systems you want to power during an outage (e.g., refrigerator, HVAC, water heater, lights, sump pump, medical equipment).
- Find the wattage rating of each appliance (usually on a label or in the manual).
- Add the wattages together to get your total wattage requirement.
- Consider the Type of Generator:
- Whole House Generators: These provide power to your entire home and are sized to cover all or most of your home’s electrical load.
- Essential Circuits Generators: These power only selected circuits or appliances you want to keep running during an outage.
- Account for Starting Watts:
- Some appliances, like air conditioners and refrigerators, require extra watts to start (starting watts) compared to running watts. Make sure to include starting watts in your total calculation.
- Check Your Home’s Electrical Service:
- Know your home’s service size (e.g., 100-amp, 200-amp panel) as this can affect generator sizing and installation.
- Use Generac’s Sizing Tools:
- Generac offers online sizing calculators where you input your appliance list and get recommendations.
- You can also consult with a certified Generac dealer to perform a load assessment.
- Allow for Future Growth:
- Consider if you might add more appliances or increase power needs later, and possibly select a generator with a higher capacity.
Typical Generator Sizes:
- Small homes or essential circuits: 7kW – 10kW
- Medium to large homes: 16kW – 22kW
- Larger homes with high power needs: 22kW+
