To determine the size of the generator you need for your house, you need to calculate the total wattage you require. You will need to know both your required running watts and starting watts. Running watts refer to the continuous energy needed to keep your devices running, while starting watts refer to the extra watts needed for the first few seconds that it takes to power up motor-driven devices.
To get an idea of the size of generator you need, here are some examples from:
- A 15,000-watt generator is enough to provide a more comfortable experience — lights, refrigerator, freezer, central AC, water heater, oven/stove, microwave, and TV.
- A 25,000-watt generator is enough to power most household needs — lights, kitchen appliances, central AC, water heater, washer/dryer, garage door, and household electronics.
However, the size of the generator you need will depend on your specific power needs. To calculate your power needs, take inventory of the devices that you want to power during an outage. You can also factor in additional energy needs such as lights (mostly LED) .
Its important to note that if you're not sure about the size of the generator you need, it's best to consult with a professional.
