What Size Generator Do I Need to Power My Entire Home?
Imagine your electricity going out on a sweltering, oppressive Central Florida day. There’d be no air conditioning!
If that ever happened to you, you’d probably seek a home standby generator installation right away.
During an outage, a generator’s engine starts running. The machine’s alternator then converts the engine’s mechanical energy into electricity.
Additionally, the generator’s transfer switch will temporarily separate your home from the power grid. That way, this device can send its own electricity throughout your home.
Why Generator Size Matters
The right generator size will provide your residence with all the power it needs. At the same time, it won’t waste any resources.
Undersized Generators
If your power generator’s too small, it might turn off while it’s in use. Thus, you’d have no electricity whatsoever.
Worse yet, an undersized power outage generator could overheat and become permanently damaged. An overheating generator could also damage various electrical appliances.
Oversized Generators
When your power generator’s too big, you’re squandering both energy and money.
Larger generators cost more upfront. And, with an oversized model, your utilities bills and maintenance costs will be higher than necessary.
To conserve power, you might run your generator at less than 50 percent capacity. However, doing so can cause wear and tear, shortening your generator’s lifespan. (Generators perform best at 50 to 80 percent capacity.)
Counting Watts
When we talk about the size of a generator, we’re not referring to its physical size. Rather, we’re discussing its maximum wattage.
For instance, a small portable generator might have a capacity of 800 watts (W). Meanwhile, one that’s used for large-scale industrial applications might measure at least 500,000 W (500 kW).
But how would you calculate the ideal size for your home power outage generator? Well, you’d take these steps:
Step 1: Identify What You Want to Power
Walk through your entire home. As you go, compile a list of every appliance you’d want to run during an electrical outage.
Step 2: Calculate Your Total Power Needs
Next to each appliance on your list, write down its wattage.
You’ll see the wattage number printed on the back or bottom of most appliances. (If you can only find the voltage and amperage, just multiply those two numbers together to get the wattage.)
Alternatively, you could buy a watt meter online or at a hardware store. And you could use that gadget to measure each appliance’s precise wattage.
If you’d like some estimates to get started, here are the approximate wattages of some common household appliances:
- Refrigerator: 600–800 W
- Freezer: 500–1,000 W
- Central air conditioning: 3,500–6,000 W
- Electric water heater: 4,000–5,000 W
- Electric oven: 2,500–3,000 W
- Microwave: 800–1,200 W
- Lights (whole house): 500–1,000 W
- Washer and dryer: 3,000–5,000 W
- Sump pump: 1,000–2,000 W
- Home office equipment: 500–1,000 W
Step 3: Consider Your Home’s Size
Your home’s square footage should likewise influence your generator’s size.
Here’s a list of residential sizes along with the generator wattages they typically require:
- Under 500 sq. ft.: 7–11 kW
- 1,500–2,500 sq. ft.: 12–17 kW
- 2,500–3,500 sq. ft.: 18–22 kW
- 3,500+ sq. ft.: 22–25+ kW
Step 4: Choose Between Essential-Circuit and Whole-Home Coverage
Essential-circuit generators can only power certain circuits within a home. You’d use such a generator to keep your most important appliances going: your air conditioning and your refrigerator, for example.
These generators are less expensive to purchase, install, and maintain. They’re often gasoline-powered. And you must manually start and refuel an essential-circuit generator.
By contrast, whole-home generators start automatically, and they can power every appliance within a home. They usually run on propane or natural gas, and they cost more to buy, install, and fuel.
Step 5: Fuel Source
When your generator runs on natural gas, the fuel comes from your municipal pipelines. Thus, you needn’t ever refuel your generator or store its fuel. Moreover, natural gas is affordable, and it’s gentle on generator engines.
Propane generators cost more, and their fuel must be stored in tanks. On the other hand, these models are quiet, dependable, easy to maintain, fuel-efficient, clean-burning, and eco-friendly. Propane generators can be portable, too.
Step 6: Let the Pros Handle the Load Calculation
The electrical load is the number of watts or kilowatts it takes to power an entire home. This calculation is best left to professionals since it’s so complicated.
Not only must you add up the wattage of each electrical device and system, but you must also include all of the starting watts. (A starting watt is the extra wattage it takes to start up certain items.)
A safety factor should also be included. That’s an extra margin to account for power surges, new appliances, and the aging and degradation of electrical components. The safety factor — which could amount to an additional 25% or so — protects a house from electrical overloads.
Why the Right Generator Size Matters in Melbourne, FL
Generators are crucial for the residents of Melbourne and nearby areas. After all, due to the frequency of severe storms, this region is prone to electrical outages.
Indeed, when trees tumble onto power lines or lightning strikes transformers, the local power grid could be out of service for hours, days, or even weeks.
Why Choose Melbourne Mister Sparky?
To work correctly, a power outage generator must be installed correctly — no matter its size.
A superior whole house generator installation will:
- Prevent carbon monoxide leaks and electrical hazards
- Comply with your warranty and all applicable building codes
- Ensure smooth, efficient, and reliable performances
- Extend the machine’s lifespan
Finally, if you’re looking for an outstanding whole home generator installation, look no further than Melbourne Mister Sparky.
Our team of licensed experts are dedicated to safety and customer satisfaction. We only use high-quality materials, products, and equipment. Plus, no matter what, we show up on time.
We’re always respectful and hardworking. We can handle any generator-related task with aplomb. And we often help homeowners obtain generator permits and select the right models.
So don’t put up with any malarky; call Mister Sparky. If we install your generator, you’ll get exactly watt you need.