How To Choose The Right Size Home Generator

In today’s world, generators are said to be essential and “Must-Have Appliance” for every home. A home generator helps protect homes and families by supplying enough power to keep them online during power cut situations.

If you live in a specific area where power outages are frequent or even occasionally happening, then a home generator might be a good invetment.

If you are scratching your head about which one is the right generator for your home, then don’t worry because I will help you select the correct size generator even if you don’t know anything. Before deciding, let us look at how generators are sized.

How Home Generators Are Sized?

Generators are sized depending upon their electrical output, measured in both watts (w) and kilowatts (kW), which measure electricity. Well, if you have a generator that is

1. Too small, you’ll force the supply or overload it, which it can’t handle. By doing this generator will automatically begin to overheat, or it will turn off, which will not only cost your appliances but also it will fry your generator.

2. Too large will cost you a lot of money for operating, and you will end up overpaying it.

So to help you select the correct size home generator, let us look at how much wattage you need to power the essentials and your whole home.

Power-up The Essentials

ApplianceStarting WattageRunning Wattage
Clothes dryer6,7504,500
2-ton central AC8,7503,800
Electrical water heater4,5004,500
Refrigerator/Freezer2,900700
Washing machine1,2001,200
Total wattage24,10015,600

Note – To power-up all the essentials you will need at least a 25kw generator since the starting wattage is 24,100.

Power up Your Entire House

ApplianceStarting WattageRunning Wattage
Clothes dryer6,7504,500
2-ton central AC8,7503,800
Electrical water heater4,5004,500
Refrigerator/Freezer2,900700
Washing machine1,2001,200
Electrical water range2,1002,100
Microwave Oven1,3001,300
Security system550550
Laptop250250
Dishwasher540216
8+ light fixtures1,1001,100
Garage door opener1420720
Total wattage31,56022,216

Note – In this you will need a whole-home generator of 35kW

How To Choose The Right Size Home Generator

When purchasing a home generator, they will be classified based on their electrical output measured in wattage. So you will need to calculate your wattage need and look for a perfect generator for your home.

However, it can be done in three steps:

1. Make A List of All Power Needs

Make a list of all the appliances you’ll need during a power cut. Many people select refrigerators and cell phones as their primary appliances.

Once you have completed your list, find out the need for wattage for each appliance.

2. List the Starting and Running Wattage Of Each Appliance

The starting wattage generally means the energy that is required to start an appliance. It can take three times the amount of wattage of running amount.

So you will select a generator that can handle starting wattage of each appliance. You can check the above-given table to find out the starting and running wattage of all your appliances.

3. All Up All The Wattage Needed

The last thing you have to do is add up all the starting wattage and running wattage of your appliances. The size of your generator will need to be more than the maximum wattage.

You must make sure that it’s not too much otherwise you’ll have to get a big generator for your home.

Once you’ve done with your calculations, shop around which home generator fits your budget or take your list to the electrician before making a final decision.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right size of a generator is challenging, so choose it by calculating it or seeking advice from an electrician.