What Size Home Generator Do I Need?

Find the right generator for all your electronic needs. Contact Professional Services at 262-218-2636 for quality recommendations.

Keeping your essential appliances running during power outages is essential. However, knowing how to find the right residential-grade generator requires a few calculations. 

When asking, “What size home generator do I need?” consider the following information from Port Washington's emergency generator installation experts. Once you finish reading, hire a technician to install a power source that suits your budget and timeline.

Factors to Consider Before Your Purchase

Emergency generators can be expensive investments. Don’t waste time and money installing a generator that won’t accommodate all your power needs. Consider a few factors to help you navigate the shopping process.

For example, calculate the size of your home and how many appliances you own. Properties equipped with full-house water heaters and multiple entertainment systems will certainly consume more power than smaller properties with fewer electronics.

Remember that your house generator will not function without a fuel source. Large generators can use up to 20 gallons of fuel per day. Account for these expenses before you commit to a new model. 

Understanding Wattage

Wattage measures the amount of power your appliances consume. Try to determine the total wattage your home requires per day for basic functions. A ballpark estimate should be enough to help you find the right size generator for your property.

Starting wattage, as the name suggests, refers to the amount of power each appliance needs to start up. For instance, HVAC systems have high starting wattages because they require enough power to switch on multiple components, like the main consoles, outdoor units, and blower fans.

The running wattage is the amount of power needed to keep the appliance active. This number can vary depending on the size of the electronic and how often you expect to use it. Refrigerators typically have high running wattages because they operate day and night.

Don’t forget to calculate surge wattage before choosing a generator. Surge wattage calculates the highest amount of electricity your generator can supply to all your appliances. 

2,000-Watt Generators

Before you can find an answer to the question, “What size home generator do I need?” explore a few examples.

On the low end, 2,000-watt generators may be able to power some of the following appliances:

• Modern refrigerators: Typically 500-800 running watts
• Microwaves: Range from 600-1000 running watts, depending on the model
• Electric oven and stove: Typically around 2,000 running watts
• Television and game systems: 300-600 running watts
• Basement drainage systems: 700-900 running watts
• Dishwasher: Around 1000 running watts

Investing in these house generators may provide you with the power you need to perform essential day-to-day tasks like cooking.

7,500-Watt Generators

Medium-sized generators will restore power to larger utilities, including:

• Interior and exterior light fixtures
• Whole-house HVAC systems
• Baseboards and space heaters
• Dryers and washing machines

You may need to get creative with your space when storing these generators. Some homeowners keep them in garages, while others store them in basements. Try exploring alternative options, like inverter generators, for more portable solutions.

Always keep your generators outside when in use. If it is unsafe to run your generators outside due to severe weather, place them in a space with adequate ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.

10,000-Watt Generators

Investing in a 10,000-watt (or higher) generator will provide you with enough electricity to run nearly all of your home appliances. 

Still, you should try to avoid using all of your appliances at once to prevent stress on your generator. Overuse can lead to damage and sudden blackouts. Higher power consumption will also cause your generator to expend more gasoline.

Unplug the appliances you aren’t using to avoid tapping excess power from your generator.

Simplify Your House Generator Installation With Professional Services

Shopping for a home generator doesn’t need to be a hassle. At Professional Services, we can recommend the right solutions during your at-home assessment. Our licensed and insured technicians specialize in installing and repairing generators for hundreds of homeowners like you.

Every generator installed comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel confident about the results. Additionally, we can help you understand the benefits of a generator and how to maintain it during a comprehensive consultation.

Do you worry that a home generator is too expensive for your budget? We offer practical financing options, so you don’t have to wait around in the dark.

What size home generator do I need? Find the right answers with Professional Services in Port Washington, WI. Call 262-218-2636.