How Big of a Generator Do I Need?

Understanding Your Power Needs

Before purchasing a generator, it’s important to understand your power needs. Think about the appliances and equipment that you need to power during an outage, and make a list of their wattage requirements. Consider not only essential appliances like your refrigerator and sump pump, but also luxuries like your TV or gaming system.

In addition, think about the duration of the outage. Will you need power for just a few hours or several days? This will affect the amount of fuel you’ll need, as well as the type of generator you choose.

Once you have a clear understanding of your power needs, you’ll be able to determine the right generator size and type for your situation.

Calculating Wattage Requirements

To determine your wattage requirements, you’ll need to take a look at the labels on your appliances and equipment. Most labels will list the wattage or amperage, which can be used to calculate the wattage.

To calculate the wattage, use the following formula:

Watts = Volts x Amps

For example, if your appliance is rated at 120 volts and 5 amps, the wattage would be:

Watts = 120 x 5 = 600

Make sure to add up the wattage requirements for all of the appliances and equipment that you’ll need to power during an outage. This will give you a total wattage that you’ll need from your generator.

Keep in mind that some appliances may require more power to start up than they do to run continuously. This is known as the starting wattage or surge wattage. Make sure to factor in the starting wattage when calculating your total wattage requirements.

Determining the Right Generator Size

Once you have calculated your total wattage requirements, you’ll need to determine the right generator size for your needs. Generators are rated by their maximum output, measured in watts.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to choose a generator with a capacity that is at least 20% higher than your total wattage requirements. This will ensure that you have enough power to handle any surges or fluctuations in demand.

In addition to the maximum output, you’ll also want to consider the continuous output. This is the amount of power that the generator can provide on a continuous basis, without overloading or overheating.

Finally, think about the type of generator that will best suit your needs. Portable generators are easy to move around and are great for powering small appliances and tools. Standby generators are larger and more powerful, and are designed to provide backup power to an entire home or business.

Choosing the Fuel Type

Generators can run on a variety of fuel types, including gasoline, propane, diesel, and natural gas. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Gasoline is the most common fuel type for portable generators. It’s readily available and easy to store, but it can be expensive and has a relatively short shelf life.

Propane is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline and has a longer shelf life, making it a good choice for standby generators. However, it can be more difficult to find and may require a larger storage tank.

Diesel is a popular choice for industrial generators, as it is efficient and has a long lifespan. However, it can be expensive and requires regular maintenance.

Natural gas is another option for standby generators, as it is clean-burning and readily available through a utility connection. However, it may not be available in all areas and may be subject to service interruptions during an outage.

Consider your fuel availability, cost, and storage options when choosing the fuel type for your generator.

Considering Noise Levels and Portability

When choosing a generator, it’s important to consider both noise levels and portability.

Portable generators are designed to be moved around easily, but they can be quite noisy. Look for generators with noise ratings of 65 decibels or less, which is about as loud as a normal conversation.

If you’re considering a standby generator, keep in mind that they are typically much quieter than portable generators. However, they are also much larger and less portable.

In addition to noise levels, think about the size and weight of the generator. Make sure that it will be easy to move and store, and that it won’t take up too much space in your home or garage.

Finally, consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as an electric start, fuel gauge, or automatic shutdown. These features can make your generator easier to use and maintain.