Since the invention of power, we cannot remember how it was before. A few minutes without power frustrates and makes you feel non-functional. Unfortunately, natural disasters and other issues are bound to come between power in your house and the power grid.
If this happens regularly, you must consider power alternatives, including installing a generator. One question remains unanswered, though; what size of generator is needed to power a house?
Several factors come into play when choosing the right size generator. For example, your neighbor might consume more power than you if they have more appliances to run. Here are three steps or factors to help you determine the ideal generator for your household.
One of the things you should consider is the time your generator will run. If your area experiences power outages regularly, you need a generator with a long-life battery. That way, the generator can power your house until the next recharge.
When choosing the ideal generator, you must consider the number of appliances in your house. It would help if you listed these items, mainly because you need to write their wattages following a guide we will share below.
Most houses have refrigerators, light bulbs, security systems, microwaves, and stoves. These are some of the devices you might need every single day.
There are other items that you can either decide to use or halt their usefulness until power returns. These include AC, fluorescent lamps, transformers, battery chargers, clothes dryers, water heaters, and uninterruptible power supplies. Some houses have welding machines too.
Another decision you need to make is the convenience of the generator. There are two types of generators; portable and standby. The difference between these two is deceptive.
Portable generators can get pricey because they can use up to 20 gallons of gasoline or propane. Unless you have big storage nearby, it might be challenging to access the fuel during severe weather that (in the first place) put down electricity in your area.
You must connect a portable generator to a circuit breaker whenever you want to use it. The best thing is that it is portable, and you can move it to your most preferred position. Usually, these devices have trolleys to facilitate movement.
Some of these generators are not designed to withstand harsh weather elements. Therefore, it is on you to find measures to protect your generator.
Lastly, most portable generators are loud. This can disturb your peace of mind if you cannot tune it out. Also, these devices cannot power some appliances.
Standby generators use natural gas or propane. Usually, a professional install this device outside your house. In other words, standby generators have weatherproofing characteristics.
Standby generators switch on automatically when the power goes out. They can power all devices, allowing you to use all appliances instead of choosing what to run or not. Apart from that, standby generators last longer than portable generators.
It is crucial to consider your prize for the generator too. The piece of advice is to look at the value the generator provides over the long term. So, do not go for a cheap generator and spend thousands of dollars repairing it or spending more money upgrading it.
Several factors determine the price of a generator.
Other factors determining the cost include brand and installation. A whole house generator might also cost more than one for several devices.
In your search for a generator, you will come across two terms, starting and running watts. Starting watts is the wattage needed to start an appliance. For example, starting watts for clothes dryers is 6,570.
Starting watts are usually higher than running watts or the same. If the watts are high, a surge occurs briefly, typically for two to three seconds.
We mentioned earlier that you might need a circuit breaker to use a portable generator. Usually, a standby generator is already connected by a professional to ensure no errors.
On the other hand, running or rated watts are the wattages needed to run a device. It is the constant wattage that a device needs to continue running. For example, a clothes dryer needs 5,400.
Earlier, we mentioned that a generator’s size is measured in watts. You need the starting and running watts to determine the size of your ideal generator. Here is a table showing some appliances and their wattages.
| Appliances | Starting watts | Running watts |
| Refrigerator | 2900 | 700 |
| Electric water heater | 4500 | 4500 |
| 2 46“ TV | 380 | 380 |
| Microwave oven | 1300 | 1300 |
| Over eight light bulbs | 1100 | 1100 |
| AC | 8750 | 3800 |
| Security system | 550 | 550 |
| Garage door opener | 1420 | 720 |
Going by this table, you need at least a 20,900-watt generator. This is for running only the vital appliances.
You might need a bigger one to add more appliances to the system. You might need a stronger generator if you want these appliances to run concurrently.
You can quickly calculate the wattage needed in your house by looking at the labels on your appliances. The information can be listed in amps too. So use the formula below to calculate the watts.
Watts (electrical power) = Volts (voltage) * Amps (current)
Apart from “what size generator is needed to power a house,” another question will pop into your mind; do you need a generator to power some equipment or the whole house? Buying a generator to power only essential devices might not be feasible because you will soon realize it is insufficient.
This leaves you with one other option; to go for a Kohler whole-house generator. At Power Systems West, we pride ourselves on diagnosing and providing power solutions to homes. Contact us at (800) 354-6767 to get a personalized quote.
A Buyer’s Guide for Industrial Generators Industrial generators have become the backbone of many industries, including manufacturing, health, communication, and agriculture. Diesel-powered industrial generators such as the Kohler KD3000 are the most sought-after...
How to Pick the Right Size Generator for Your Commercial Building Category: Kohler Power Date: February 2nd, 2023 While installing backup generators is integral to every commercial establishment, purchasing quality industrial generators such as the Kohler KD3000 is...
Power Generator Fuel Options: Which is Right for You? Category: Kohler Power Date: January 3rd, 2023 Most people shopping for generators consider the most established brands. While that is perfectly ok, it is also vital to consider the type of fuel a generator runs...
The Importance of Regular Generator Inspection and Maintenance Category: Generator Service Date: January 2nd, 2023 A generator is a great investment for your home and business, especially if you’re located in an area that experiences bad weather. Having a generator...
Leon was starting his professional racing career driving his Legends Category: Events Date: December 19th, 2022 In the spring of 2022 Power Systems West sponsored a little-known racing rookie out of Boise, Idaho named Leon Tridle III. Leon was starting his...
How to Prepare Your Generator for Hurricanes and Severe Weather Category: Kohler Power Date: December 6th, 2022 Failing to plan is planning to fail. This quote by Benjamin Franklin has been used a lot to keep us on our toes in many aspects of our lives. But did you...
No thanks
