Choosing the right generator is one of the most important decisions you can make to protect your home during a power outage. But answering the question, “What size backup generator do I need?” can be a lot more difficult than it may initially seem.
The answer to this question is about so much more than just square footage. The right backup generator needs to cover your actual electrical demands and be able to match your comfort expectations during an outage.
At New London Electric, we specialize in installing Generac home backup generators and are always happy to guide you through the sizing process in person. But, if you can’t wait, here is everything you need to know so that you end up with the backup generator system that works best for you.
How Do You Determine What Size Backup Generator You Need?
Figuring out what size backup generator is right for your home is all about understanding your power consumption habits. You need to find out how much power your home consumes on a daily basis and decide how much of your home you want to be able to run normally during an outage.
Many homeowners choose to only power their home’s essential systems, which keeps generators smaller and cheaper. However, there are still plenty of others that prefer full coverage so their home continues operating normally without interruption. At the end of the day, this choice is just a matter of personal preference, but regardless of what you choose, the more power you want, the bigger the generator you’ll need.
What Are Your Essential Circuits?
Essential circuits are the systems that you and your home rely on the most. These usually include things like your refrigerator, heating system, well pump, sump pump, and a handful of lights and outlets. By choosing to focus on these areas, you can drastically reduce your total electrical demand without sacrificing the most basic functions of your home.
This approach works best for homeowners who want reliable protection without the increased costs that come along with installing a generator capable of full home coverage.
Do You Want Whole-Home Backup Power?
Investing in a whole-home backup means that your generator will be able to power nearly everything in your house, including your HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, laundry equipment, TVs, and anything else in your home that runs on electricity. This option delivers the highest level of convenience and comfort, ensuring that you can move through your daily routines as if there is no power outage at all.
Naturally, whole-home systems require larger, more expensive generators, but many homeowners find the extra cost is more than worth it. It also eliminates the need to make any difficult decisions about which circuits you want to stay on during an outage.
What Factors Affect Generator Size for Home Backup?
Every home is different and has unique electrical demands. There is simply no one-size-fits-all solution, so when you’re deciding what size generator you need for home backup, there are a few different key factors that you’ll need to consider.
How Large Is Your Home?
Larger homes tend to have a lot more circuits, lighting, and equipment running at the same time. This obviously increases the total electrical load and requires a generator with higher capacity. That being said, square footage alone does not determine everything. It just provides a helpful starting point when estimating your power needs.
What Appliances and Systems Do You Run?
High-demand appliances play a major role in generator sizing. Central air conditioning systems, electric water heaters, and kitchen appliances all draw large amounts of power, so if you plan to keep these systems running, you’ll need a generator that’s big enough to match these demands.
Do You Have High-Startup Equipment?
One factor that you’re much more likely to overlook is the fact that some appliances require extra power when they first turn on. This concept is known as startup wattage, and air conditioners, sump pumps, and refrigerators are some of the biggest culprits when it comes to needing a large surge of energy to start.
This means that when you’re choosing what size backup generator you want to install, you need to think about more than just running wattage because if you don’t, it could lead to unexpected performance issues down the road.
Why Does Generator Sizing Matter So Much?
Generator sizing directly affects how well your system performs when you need it most. Choosing the right size generator is not just about raw power. It’s about reliability, efficiency, and long-term value.
What Happens If Your Generator Is Too Small?
Undersized generators can and will struggle to keep up with your electrical demands. This often leads to overloaded circuits, system shutdowns, or the need to further limit what you can run during an outage.
The whole point of installing a generator is to not have to worry about being able to use electricity during an outage. So, if you invest in a system that doesn’t meet your electrical needs, you’re simply wasting money on something that won’t pay off when you need it most.
What Happens If Your Generator Is Too Large?
Though having a generator that is too large won’t lead to many performance issues during an outage, there are still drawbacks. Investing in a larger generator that exceeds your electrical demand just means that you’ll end up paying more upfront than you need to.
Proper sizing helps you avoid those extra unnecessary costs while still delivering dependable power that you can rely on to keep your home running during an outage.
Contact New London Electric Today
Are you thinking about installing a new backup generator in your home? Well, quit typing “What size backup generator do I need?” into Google and give us a call.
Our team of Generac backup generator experts is always here to answer your questions and will happily help you find the perfect backup generator for your home. We even offer free estimates and consultations so that you have all the information you need to make the right generator decision for you.
So, don’t let your home be at the mercy of power outages and utility maintenance. Contact New London Electric and start your next generator installation today.
