What Size Generator Do I Need to Power a House?

What Size Generator Do I Need to Power a House?

A variety of factors determine what size generator is right for any home. At the heart of this is choosing the right manufacturer and to know the overall specs for that product (these can change from one location to the next). There are other factors to think about, too.

Home Size

Home size can play a role in your decision to purchase a generator. Obviously, a bigger home will require more power because it has more sources from which power must be pulled. A medium sized home generally requires 5,000 to 7,000 watts. It is best to choose a generator based on the watts used, not the square footage, though.
The number of appliances in the home, such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, and furnace, all play a big role in the amount of power demand the home has. More so, if you have numerous computers, big screen TVs, and other high powered items, that is going to increase wattage needs.

What Type of Generator Is Best for You?

You have a number of options to think about when choosing a generator. You may want a portable generator, which simply goes where you need it to go. It can be used for more locations or for specific needs, but tends to have a lower amount of wattage than other built in models. Most homes, though, benefit from a built in home backup generator. Most will benefit from 7500 watt to 9000 watts. If you have a smaller home or RV, a 4000 watt generator can be a good choice for you. Built in models are beneficial because they are more powerful and easier to use. They can kick on to keep your home powered whenever there is a loss of power.

Brands Matter

When you are buying a generator for your home, consider the top brands like Generac. This brand, for example, is well recognized and offers a wide range of sizes and types of generators to fit most needs. It is also one of the best choices for those who want a long term warranty and an easy to use setup.

Do Not Make Decisions on Your Own

With so many options to choose from in generators for your home, it pays to have some help in choosing one. At W. Danley Electrical Contracting, we can provide the one on one support you need.