How Do I Determine the Size of the Generator for My Home?

Did you know that according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average home in the United States experiences over seven hours of electric power interruptions throughout the year?

Keeping the lights on and your essential appliances running in your Southlake home during a power outage is crucial for your comfort and safety.

At Generator Authority, we understand the importance of reliable backup power, which is why we offer top-quality residential and commercial generator installation, replacement, repairs, and maintenance services. A whole-home generator is the extra support you need to power your home when traditional methods fail.

Choosing the Right Generator Size

One of the most common questions homeowners have about generators is how to choose the right size for their needs. Choosing the wrong size can be costly and inefficient.

Why Is It Important to Calculate Generator Size Correctly?

A generator that is too small will be unable to power your essential appliances, leaving you frustrated during an outage. Conversely, a generator that is too large will be expensive to purchase and operate, unnecessarily consuming fuel.

Our Generator Authority professionals are happy to help with determine the right generator size, make, and model for your needs and home. We are here to keep you informed, but we encourage you to speak with us directly so we can better assist! Call us today for a free consultation at 817-984-3600.

Understanding Your Power Needs

Before diving into specific calculations, it is important to understand your home’s power needs. Consider the essential appliances and devices you want to keep running during a power outage. 

This could include:

• Refrigerator: This is vital for food preservation, especially in warmer climates.
• Freezer: Similar to the refrigerator, the freezer helps prevent food spoilage.
• Heating and cooling systems: Maintaining comfortable temperatures is crucial, particularly during extreme weather conditions.
• Lighting: Having basic lighting during an outage ensures safety and provides a sense of normalcy.
• Medical equipment: If you rely on any life-sustaining medical devices, ensure the generator can support their power needs.

Once you have identified your essential appliances, it is time to determine their wattage requirements. This information can usually be found on the appliance label or owner’s manual.

How to Correctly Size Your Generator

To understand the correct generator size your home needs, start by adding the wattages of all the essential appliances you want to run simultaneously. This will give you your total running wattage.

Some appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, require a temporary burst of power to start up. This is called surge wattage and can be 2-3 times higher than the running wattage. To account for this, multiply the starting wattage of your largest appliance by 1.25 and add it to your total running wattage.

Just to be safe, it is wise to factor in a 20 percent margin to accommodate future needs or unexpected power demands. This ensures your generator can handle unforeseen situations without overloading.

Consulting with our qualified professionals is crucial for accurate sizing and installation! Our Generator Authority experts can assess your specific electrical needs, recommend the most suitable generator for your home, and then install it for you. We have been providing top-quality generator installation services for many years—just give us a call, and we will handle it all!

Safety and Professional Help

Generator safety is paramount. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for installation, operation, and maintenance. We do not recommend installing a generator on your own—improper installation can pose serious safety risks. Our experts offer a full range of generator services to ensure your safety and provide reliable backup power for your home whenever you need it.

Get Started On Selecting and Installing Your Generator Today!

Contact Generator Authority for professional assistance so you can determine the right size generator for your Southlake, Texas, home. Call us at 817-984-3600 today or request service online.