What Size Generator Is Needed To Run A Whole House?
It’s always smart to have generators of some kind for your home in case of disaster. It could be a fuel-fed generator, one that uses a natural gas connection, or even solar-powered models. The “size” of generator doesn’t really mean the physical dimensions of it, however. It refers to the number of watts that the generator can supply as power. Remember, too, that it’s also possible to have multiple generators on hand.
Adding up the Wattage
“What size generator?” Well, the first thing you have to decide is,”How many of my appliances and/or other electrically powered items am I going to power during a disaster and/or power outage?” Although you might have a dozen gizmos and tools that you use sporadically throughout the year, during a time of no electrical power to your home, you might choose not to use them. If you want a small generator to power just your refrigerator and keep your devices charged, then you can probably make do with 600 watts. You’ll have to increase the power level of your generator the more items you want or need to have.
For example, there might be medical devices that you absolutely need, such as CPAPs, peritoneal dialysis machines, or other such devices . If you have a separate large freezer, then you will need power for it so that the items inside don’t spoil. Also if you have or equipment for your home business, we recommend a generator that will power all of your necessities and then some. Getting a generator that can make more power than you need makes sense when unforeseen things happen at the worst times.
So, all this boils down to, “How many watts?” You can find the wattage requirements of your various electric devices printed on the devices themselves, in your copy of the owner’s manuals, or even online by searching the model number and brand of each item. Add them all together. That’ll be the minimum that you need when it comes to your generator. The most powerful home generators can produce upwards of 20,000 watts of power, which is usually enough for the largest homes. Solar generators top out at roughly 2,000 watts.
Transfer Switches and Safety First
Before you hook up your shiny new generator, there’s one crucial component you don’t want to overlook, the transfer switch. A transfer switch is a small but mighty device that ensures power from your generator flows safely into your home’s electrical system. Without one, you risk “backfeeding” electricity into the utility lines—something that’s not just dangerous, it’s illegal in many areas. Utility workers trying to restore power could be seriously hurt by electricity unexpectedly flowing from your home into the grid.
There are two kinds, manual and automatic. A manual transfer switch is just what it sounds like you flip it on when the power goes out, and your generator takes over. An automatic transfer switch, on the other hand, kicks in all by itself when it senses a power outage. It’s a little pricier, but it’s the gold standard for convenience and safety.
Also, don’t forget about proper ventilation or a pad for it to sit on. Generators, especially fuel-fed ones, must be operated outdoors, far from windows, vents, or doors. Carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly, and it can creep into your home if the generator is too close. So, even if you’ve got the right size generator, it won’t do you any good if it’s not set up safely.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Solar generators are nearly silent but are the weakest option. Their strongest plus, however, is that it costs nothing to charge them other than time on sunny days. You never have to refuel gas-connected generators. All you have to do is turn on the gas and then engage the generator. Their downsides include not being able to run if the gas connection is interrupted at all and the overall cost of running them. Fuel-fed generators give you the best blend of power and reliability. However, if you can’t go out to get fuel, or fuel is not available, then they won’t work either.
Having more than one generator makes sense. If one fails, or the fuel isn’t available, then you can use the solar one. If it gets cloudy, or it storms violently, then you can use the generators that need gas or fuel. Think of them as “The Generator Team.”
Conclusion
However you plan to keep your home powered during power outages or disasters, we can help. Remember, “Don’t put up with any malarkey. Call Mr. Sparky.” Pick up that phone and contact us today.
