When choosing a standby generator, one of the most common questions is, “What is the preferred generator wattage for a house?”
Simply put, there’s no “preferred” generator wattage for a house. Selecting the right generator size requires careful consideration of individual household needs. For example, would you like your generator to support just a few appliances, like your fridge and your HVAC unit? Or, are you looking for a generator that can power your whole home? A licensed electrician can consult with you on what your needs are to determine what generator wattage will work best for your home.
Selecting the right wattage is important because it ensures your home is comfortably functional during an outage without straining the generator.
How do generators work? In simple terms, they operate like small power plants. A generator engine creates mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy to keep your home running. This electrical energy powers essential circuits, allowing you to continue daily activities until regular power is restored.
Why Choosing the Right Generator Size Matters
Picking the right generator size is essential for several reasons. A generator that is too small can overload, while an oversized generator may lead to higher costs and wasted fuel.
Here are the reasons why getting the correct size matters:
- An undersized generator won’t meet your home’s energy needs, leading to potential shutdowns or appliance damage. On the other hand, an oversized unit will consume extra fuel and can be unnecessarily costly.
- A well-sized generator operates efficiently, reducing the wear and tear from overuse or insufficient capacity. This helps extend the generator’s lifespan.
- A generator that’s too small for your home’s demands may overheat when overloaded, potentially creating a fire risk. Ensuring your generator matches your household’s power needs helps reduce this risk.
Matching Generator Size to Home Needs
Finding the ideal generator size depends on your home’s size, the appliances you have and your comfort preferences during an outage. Here’s a breakdown for different home sizes.
Small to Medium Homes (Under 2,500 Square Feet)
For smaller to medium-sized homes, a smaller generator is often enough. To choose the right size, identify what you’ll need during an outage, such as your refrigerator, lights, heating or AC unit and maybe a microwave or computer. Some appliances, especially those with motors, require extra wattage when starting.
Larger Homes (Over 2,500 Square Feet)
Larger homes typically have higher power demands. If you plan to run central air conditioning, heating or multiple appliances, here are the things you should consider:
- Think about large appliances you may need, such as ovens, washers, dryers and multiple AC units.
- Identify which appliances are necessary during an outage and focus on meeting those wattage requirements.
When choosing a standby generator, consulting first with a licensed electrician is always a wise approach. They can also install it and make sure it’s running properly.
Can a Generator Be Too Big for a House?
While it might seem that a bigger generator offers more power and flexibility, an oversized generator can bring about various issues. Choosing a generator that’s too large for your home can lead to extra expenses and operational inefficiencies that could make the investment less practical.
Issues With Oversized Generators
Here are some of the common problems that arise with an oversized generator:
- Larger generators consume more fuel, even if they aren’t running at full capacity. This means you’ll spend more on fuel over time and may need to refuel more often, increasing operating costs.
- Generators work most efficiently when they operate at about 80 to 90% of their capacity. An oversized generator will usually run well below this level, leading to inefficiency and fuel waste.
- Operating a large generator at low loads can lead to unnecessary wear and tear. This could shorten the generator’s lifespan, resulting in more frequent repairs or maintenance needs.
- In diesel-powered units, low-load operation can cause “wet stacking.” This occurs when unburned fuel and soot accumulates in the exhaust, potentially damaging the engine and reducing performance over time.
- Larger generators come with a higher purchase price. If the unit is much larger than needed, you’re paying for extra capacity that may never be used.
Finding the Right Size Generator
Selecting the correct generator size begins with understanding your home’s power requirements. A standby generator should cover your essential needs during an outage with extra capacity for safety.
So you could be asking, “ What size generator do I need for my home?” ”Here’s how to get a better idea:
- List essential appliances and systems. Consider which items are most important during a power outage. This might include your refrigerator, AC system, essential lights and any medical devices.
- Calculate wattage needs. For each appliance, find the running wattage (the power needed to keep it running) and the starting wattage (usually two to three times the running wattage). You can check appliance manuals or find general wattage information online.
- Add a safety margin. After calculating the total wattage needed, add a safety margin of about 20%.
Benefits of Consulting a Professional
Choosing and installing a generator is a big decision. That’s why it’s best to work with a licensed electrician.
Electricians can look at details you might not think of, like the extra power needed to start certain appliances. They will also take care of the installation, ensuring the generator is safely connected to your home and follows all safety rules. Contact a licensed electrician to ensure your generator setup is efficient and appropriate for your house size.
ABC Can Install Your Home Generator
If you’re interested in having a standby generator in case of power loss, ABC can deploy licensed electricians to help. Our experts can help with standby generator installation and help you decide which one is right for your home and needs. They can also help with any other electrical issues you may be having.
