When the lights go out and your house goes quiet, a generator can make all the difference between inconvenience and comfort. But how do you choose a generator that’s right for your home? Contrary to what you might initially assume, it’s not about picking the biggest model on the shelf — it’s about finding the right size based on your home’s needs, power usage, and lifestyle.
At Staley Electric, our commercial and residential electricians have helped countless property owners navigate power outages with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for unpredictable weather or simply want peace of mind, we’ll help you understand what generator size is best for your home without overcomplicating things.
Why Generator Size Matters
Generators aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the wrong size can lead to a range of issues. If the generator is too small, it may struggle to power your essentials, overheat, or trip your circuit breakers. On the other hand, a generator that’s too large may waste fuel and cost more than necessary.
So, what wattage generator do I need? It all comes down to the total electrical load you plan to support. Think about the appliances and systems you want running during a power outage: refrigerator, air conditioning, heat pump, sump pump, clothes dryer, lights, microwave oven, medical devices, and maybe even your home office setup with a laptop and Wi-Fi router. It all adds up.
Understanding Your Power Needs
To figure out what is a good size generator for a house, you need to calculate your home’s wattage requirements.
Here’s a simple rule of thumb: Start by listing the must-have appliances and devices. For example:
- Refrigerator: 600–800 watts
- Sump pump: 750–1,500 watts
- Furnace fan: 500–1,200 watts
- Microwave: 800–1,200 watts
- Electric stove/oven: 2,000–5,000 watts
- Air conditioner: 1,000–4,000 watts
- Lights and outlets: varies by home
- Medical devices: varies by type
- Washing machine: 500–1,000 watts
Add up the running watts and include a cushion for starting watts. Some appliances, like refrigerators and sump pumps, require more power to start than to run. That might be the reason your circuit breaker keeps tripping randomly!
You can also use a generator size calculator, mobile app, or speak directly with a licensed electrician from Staley Electric to get an accurate number based on your specific electrical load.
Types of Generators and Fuel Options
There are several types of electric generators, and choosing the right one also depends on your fuel preference, space, and budget:
- Portable Generators: Good for powering a few key appliances. They run on gasoline, diesel fuel, or propane, and are best used for short-term emergency needs or camping. However, they produce carbon monoxide, so they must be used outdoors with proper safety precautions.
- Standby Generators: These automatically turn on during a power outage and can run your entire home. They’re fueled by natural gas or propane and are connected directly to your home’s electrical grid using a transfer switch. These are ideal for homeowners with medical devices, home businesses, or a need for uninterrupted comfort.
- Inverter Generators: Quiet and fuel-efficient, these are great for powering sensitive electronics like computers and televisions. They adjust the engine speed to match the demand, making them environmentally friendly and good for light-duty use.
Important Features to Consider
Are you asking yourself, “What type of generator do I need?” Think beyond just wattage. Here are other factors that play a role:
- Transfer Switch: Automatically or manually shifts your home to the generator power supply during an outage.
- Noise Level: Larger engines tend to be louder. Inverter models are often the quietest.
- Fuel Efficiency: Consider gasoline, natural gas, diesel, or propane availability and storage.
- Space Requirements: Make sure there’s adequate ventilation around your generator to prevent carbon monoxide risks.
- Maintenance and Warranty: Look for models that are easy to maintain and come with a strong warranty.
- Budget and Installation Costs: Factor in the cost of the generator, fuel tank, installation, and any necessary plumbing or electrical work.
Let Staley Electric Help You Make the Right Investment
Choosing a generator might feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to make the decision alone. At Staley Electric, our generator installation experts take the time to understand your needs, walk through your power priorities, and recommend the right size and type for your home. From evaluating your electrical load to installing your transfer switch and ensuring your system is National Electrical Code-compliant, we handle it all.
Whether you’re installing a standby generator for the first time or upgrading your current backup system, you can trust our team to deliver reliable, safe, and lasting power solutions.
Don’t wait for the next power outage to leave you in the dark. Call Staley Electric today and let us help you choose the perfect generator for your home’s comfort and security.
