When faced with power outages due to storms, accidents, or natural disasters, having a reliable generator can provide peace of mind and essential power for your home. Choosing the right size generator for emergency use is critical to ensure you have enough energy to run essential appliances and systems. This article will walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting a generator for your home, including power needs, fuel options, and the different types of generators available on the market.
Understanding Generator Sizes
Generators come in different sizes, each offering varying amounts of power. The size of the generator you need depends on several factors such as the wattage of appliances you want to run, the type of generator, and the duration for which you need power.
Power Needs and Wattage
The first step in selecting the right generator size is to determine how much power you will need during an emergency. Each appliance in your home uses a specific amount of power measured in watts. To calculate the total wattage required, you will need to make a list of all essential devices you want to keep running during a power outage.
These may include:
- Lights and lamps: 50-200 watts depending on the type of bulb.
- Refrigerators and freezers: 600-800 watts for a standard fridge or freezer.
- HVAC systems: Central air conditioning units can require 2,000-4,000 watts, while smaller room air conditioners may need 500-1,500 watts.
- Sump pumps: 500-1,500 watts depending on the model.
- Well pumps: 1,000-2,000 watts for typical models.
- Home appliances (e.g., microwave, washing machine, etc.): 1,000-2,000 watts for each appliance.
- Electronics and phone chargers: 50-200 watts depending on the number and type of devices.
Once you’ve listed your essential appliances and devices, add their individual wattage together to determine the total wattage needed. It’s also wise to account for surge power, which occurs when certain appliances, like refrigerators or air conditioners, start up. Surge power can be 1.5 to 3 times the running power of these appliances, so you’ll need a generator that can handle these spikes.
Types of Generators
There are three main types of generators to consider for emergency home use: portable, standby, and inverter generators.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are the most common choice for emergency home use due to their relatively low cost and ease of transport. They typically range in size from 1,000 to 10,000 watts, offering versatility to power essential appliances during outages. Portable generators require manual setup and fueling, and they are usually powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane.
Advantages:
- Lower initial cost
- Can be moved easily to various locations
- Flexible for small to medium power needs
Disadvantages:
- Can be noisy
- Require manual setup and fueling
- Limited fuel capacity, requiring frequent refueling
Standby Generators
Standby generators are permanently installed at your home and can automatically turn on when the power goes out. These generators are typically fueled by natural gas or propane and can provide larger power capacities, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 watts or more. Standby generators are ideal for homeowners who want continuous, hassle-free power during outages.
Advantages:
- Automatic start during outages
- Larger power capacity for entire home backup
- Usually more fuel-efficient than portable generators
Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires professional installation
- Larger space required for setup
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are more efficient and quieter than traditional portable generators. They produce cleaner power, making them ideal for sensitive electronics like laptops or televisions. While they typically provide less power (ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 watts), they can be an excellent choice for smaller homes or if only specific appliances need backup power.
Advantages:
- Quieter operation
- Clean and stable power for sensitive electronics
- More fuel-efficient than conventional generators
Disadvantages:
- Lower power output
- Higher cost per watt than traditional portable generators
Choosing the Right Size Generator
Once you know how much power you need and which type of generator is most suitable, you can narrow down your options. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right size generator for your home:
Small Home (Up to 1,000 sq. ft.)
For smaller homes or apartments, you likely only need a generator to power a few key appliances, such as lights, a refrigerator, and a space heater. A generator with a power output of 3,000 to 4,000 watts should be sufficient. This size is compact and easy to store, but can still provide enough power to keep essential systems running.
Medium Home (1,000 – 2,500 sq. ft.)
A medium-sized home may require more appliances to run during a power outage, such as a larger air conditioning unit or several heavy-duty appliances. For these homes, a generator in the 5,000 to 7,000-watt range should be sufficient to power your home’s essential systems, including heating, cooling, and major appliances.
Large Home (2,500 sq. ft. or more)
For larger homes with more appliances, you’ll need a more powerful generator. A generator with 8,000 to 12,000 watts of power is recommended to keep the entire house functioning during an emergency. If you have a large central air conditioning unit or multiple appliances that require significant power, a larger generator of 15,000 watts or more may be necessary.
Whole House Generator
For those who want to power everything in the home without worrying about running out of fuel, a whole-house generator with a power output of 20,000 watts or more may be ideal. This type of generator is designed to handle all appliances and systems in a large home, including air conditioning, heating, and electrical devices.
Generator Fuel Types
Choosing the right fuel type for your generator is an important factor in ensuring reliability and ease of use. Each fuel type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Gasoline
Gasoline is the most commonly used fuel for portable generators. It is easily available and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for emergency use. However, gasoline has a short shelf life, typically around 3 to 6 months, so it requires regular rotation to ensure that it does not go stale.
Diesel
Diesel generators are known for their durability and efficiency. They provide longer run times and tend to be more fuel-efficient than gasoline generators. Diesel is also less flammable and has a longer shelf life than gasoline, making it a better choice for longer-term storage. However, diesel generators can be louder and more expensive upfront.
Propane
Propane is a clean-burning fuel that can be stored for long periods without degrading. It’s often used for standby generators and is available in large tanks, which can be stored for emergency use. Propane is less efficient than gasoline and diesel, but it burns cleaner, making it a good option for environmentally conscious users.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is commonly used for standby generators, as it provides a continuous fuel supply without the need for manual refueling. It’s more efficient and less expensive than gasoline and diesel, making it a good option for larger homes. However, natural gas is not available everywhere and requires a gas line to be installed at your home.
Generator Features to Consider
In addition to the generator size and fuel type, there are several other features to consider when selecting a generator for emergency use:
Run Time
The run time of a generator refers to how long it can operate on a single tank of fuel. If you live in an area where power outages can last for several days, it’s important to choose a generator with a long run time to avoid frequent refueling.
Noise Level
Noise is an important consideration, especially if you live in a suburban or urban area. Some generators, especially larger models, can be very loud, which may be disruptive to neighbors. Inverter generators tend to be much quieter than traditional models.
Portability
If you choose a portable generator, consider its weight and ease of transport. Look for models with wheels and handles for easier mobility.
Automatic Start
Standby generators often feature automatic start systems, which allow them to kick in as soon as the power goes out. This feature is convenient and ensures that your home is powered quickly without any manual effort on your part.
Transfer Switch
A transfer switch allows you to safely connect your generator to your home’s electrical system, bypassing your utility’s power grid. This ensures that you don’t accidentally backfeed the grid and cause electrical hazards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size generator for emergency home use is crucial for maintaining comfort and safety during a power outage. By calculating your power needs, understanding the different types of generators, and considering factors like fuel type and portability, you can select a generator that meets your needs and fits your budget. Whether you’re looking to power a few appliances or the entire house, there is a generator that’s perfect for your emergency backup needs.
