Understand Your Power Needs
When choosing a generator for your home, it's crucial to understand the amount of power you need. Generally, this is determined by what you need to keep running during a power outage. Essential items include refrigerators, lights, electric stoves, and entertainment systems. However, other items might have high priority based on your individual needs. The combined power requirements of all these appliances will determine the capacity of the generator you need.
Consider Your Home's Size
Your home's square footage is a good way to determine the power you need in a generator. Larger homes require more power due to additional rooms and appliances. Remember to consider outdoor areas as well if you have exterior lighting, security systems, or outdoor entertainment areas. Moreover, if you live in a larger home with multiple floors, the power needs will be even greater.
The following table should be used as a guide in determining what you need.
Take into Account Your Average Electric Bill
Your monthly electric bill is another good indicator of your overall power usage. You can use this data by itself or in conjunction with the square footage of your house as a check to make sure you have the right size. The total kilowatt-hours used can provide a good estimated baseline for the generator capacity your home requires. The higher the average consumption, the bigger the generator should be.
Special Requirements
If you or a family member relies on power-dependent medical equipment like oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines, their power needs must be considered. Powering such devices is critical, so you need a generator that can handle their load while supplying power to your other appliances. If this is you, add it to your already determined needs from the tables you used above.
These tables are simplified guides to help estimate your generator needs. Other factors, like whether appliances will be run simultaneously, can affect the generator size. It's best to consult with a professional for an exact determination.
Balancing Cost vs. Needs
While the above factors largely dictate the capacity and type of generator needed, it’s essential to balance these needs with the generator's cost. Generators can be a significant investment, and there's a trade-off between cost and capacity. Striking the right balance is crucial.
Make an Informed Decision
Generators are not a one-size-fits-all purchase. Therefore, take your time to analyze your power needs, home size, and special requirements. Once you've thoroughly assessed these aspects, you can confidently choose the right generator for your home.
