Generator Buyer's Guide : Useful Information on Everything Home Generators
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How Much Power Do I Need?
How Much Power Do I Need from a Home Generator?
So how do you know what size generator you will need?
Wattage is the amount of power that is required to operate an electrical appliance or device, expressed in watts or kilowatts.
Startup Requirements vs. Running Power. Many appliances with a motor or compressor, such as your refrigerator or air conditioner, require as much as three times more electricity to start up than they do to continue running. Your generator will need to be able to accommodate this startup surge of power.
Determining Wattage Requirements. To gauge what size generator you will need, you’ll need to decide which devices in your home you’ll want to power during an outage, and what their startup requirements are. It is possible to do the measuring yourself, but for a precise, accurate measurement, hire an electrician. This way you can be sure it’s done right, and more importantly, done safely.
What Size Generator to Buy. Once you (or your electrician) have figured out the startup requirements for your desired appliances and equipment, you’ll have an idea of what size generator to look at. It’s a good idea to add about 20% to your number as to avoid overloading your generator and give you room to add a few small appliances, because you might decide that you just have to blow dry your hair during the next power outage.
Don’t Get Left in the Dark. The right size generator should provide just enough wattage to operate your essential equipment. Too few watts and you can overwork the generator, damaging anything plugged into it. Too many and you will waste money.
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