Are you considering purchasing a whole house generator but unsure about which size will suit your needs? Look no further. This article is here to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to correctly size a whole house generator for your home. From determining your power requirements to selecting the appropriate generator capacity, we will walk you through all the necessary steps, ensuring that you make an informed decision and never have to worry about unexpected power outages again. So, let’s get started on finding the perfect size generator to keep your home running smoothly!

Determining Power Needs

Compile a List of Appliances and Equipment

When sizing a whole house generator, it is essential to start by compiling a comprehensive list of all the appliances and equipment that you want to run during a power outage. This should include major appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units, as well as other essential equipment like water pumps, heating systems, and security systems.

Calculate the Wattage

Once you have a list of all the appliances and equipment, you will need to determine their wattage. The wattage is the amount of power that each appliance or piece of equipment requires to operate. You can usually find this information either on the appliance itself or in the manufacturer’s specifications.

Consider Starting Power Requirement

In addition to the wattage, it is essential to consider the starting power requirement for certain appliances. Some appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, require a higher amount of power to start up than they do to run continuously. This starting power requirement, also known as surge power or startup wattage, needs to be taken into account when sizing your whole house generator to ensure it can handle the initial power demand.

Determine the Total Power Needs

After calculating the wattage and taking into account the starting power requirements, you can determine the total power needs for your whole house generator. Add up the wattage of all the appliances and equipment to get an estimate of the minimum power capacity your generator should have.

Types of Whole House Generators

Standby Generators

standby generators are permanent power solutions that are installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical system. These generators are designed to automatically turn on within seconds of a power outage and can power your entire home. They run on either natural gas or propane and provide a reliable, uninterrupted source of power. Standby generators are typically more expensive than portable generators but offer greater convenience and higher power capacities.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are a more flexible option and can be easily transported and used wherever needed. They are usually powered by gasoline, propane, or diesel fuel and are a popular choice for homeowners who only need to power a few essential appliances during an outage. Portable generators come in a range of sizes, from small units that can power a few appliances to larger models that can handle more significant power loads.

Standby Generators

Automatic Transfer Switch

One of the key features of standby generators is the automatic transfer switch (ATS). The ATS monitors the utility power supply and switches the generator on automatically when an outage is detected. It also transfers the power supply from the utility to the generator seamlessly, ensuring a continuous flow of electricity to your home. The ATS eliminates the need for manual intervention during a power outage, providing convenience and peace of mind.

Sizing for Standby Generators

Sizing a standby generator involves determining the power capacity required to meet the electrical needs of your home during an outage. This includes considering the size of your electrical panel, the number of circuits you want to power, and the total wattage of all appliances and equipment. It is recommended to consult with a professional electrical contractor to ensure the correct sizing and installation of a standby generator.

Sizing for Standby Generators

Consideration for Load Management

While sizing a standby generator, it is crucial to consider load management. Certain appliances, such as air conditioners or heating systems, may have a higher power requirement than others. Prioritizing loads and managing power usage can help optimize the performance of your standby generator while maintaining essential services during a power outage.

Determining Load Prioritization

To determine load prioritization, consider which appliances and equipment are essential for your safety, comfort, and well-being during an outage. These may include refrigeration for storing food, medical equipment, or critical heating or cooling systems. By ensuring that these essential loads receive priority power, you can maximize the capabilities of your standby generator.

Estimating Load Balance and Growing Power Needs

When sizing a standby generator, it is also essential to estimate the load balance among different circuits and appliances. Ensuring a balanced power distribution can prevent overload situations and optimize the generator’s performance. Additionally, it is important to consider future power needs as your household may grow or your power requirements may change over time.