How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a House?

When your lights go out, how do you know your generator is big enough to keep them going?

We're not on the brink of Y2K, but being prepared still may not be a bad idea. Buying a generator can ensure that you are able to run electrical appliances even in case of a power outage. Before buying a cheap one at a yard sale, however, make sure you know what size generator you will need for the appliances in your house.

"Size" Definition

Generator size doesn't refer to the physical dimensions of the equipment. Rather, it refers to watts. The bigger the generator, the more watts of electricity it produces. The more watts a generator produces, the more electrical appliances it can run.

Load to Generator

When choosing the size of your generator, you'll want to determine first your load, or how many watts the generator will need to run in case of an emergency. Most appliance wattages will appear on a tag with the appliance. When determining your load, write down only the essential appliances you need to run. For example, you probably won't need to run your computer. After you've determined your load, shop for a generator that can carry that load. Be aware that generators may have two wattage settings, one for startup and one for carrying the load.

Testing It

Don't trust your generator to work just because you figured out your load and bought a generator accordingly. Always test your generator before an emergency happens. You might discover that an extra appliance or your generator itself doesn't work.

References

• PERR Notebook: Generator Size