What Size Home Generator Do I Need?

The only way to decide what size generator you need is to list what appliances and services you want to run whilst your power is off.

Remember that starting any appliance needs a lot more energy than running that appliance.  Appliances need an energy boost to get them started.  Much like humans really!  With this in mind, do not start all your appliances at the same time.  Start them one by one.  This can really cut down on the size of generator you will need.

Always round up when sizing.  So if you think you need a 1900w generator, get a 2000 watt.  This will allow for growth but more importantly, allow for things you have forgotten about, or when your daughter really needs to use her hair straighteners in an emergency!!

Sometimes you will see the power rating written as 2KW or2 kilowatt, this is the same as 2000 watt.

If in doubt, just call the manufacturer of the product or appliance and ask them what they would recommend. Generac home generators have some very informative videos on their website so do check them out.

Oh and remember to get some gas stabiliser for your gas, this will ensure that your gas does not deteriorate over time.

The guide below will help you. Do remember to add in your freezer and its contents.  Often people do not realise that they have so much food and meat in there, sometimes totalling hundreds of dollars.  If you forget about it during a loss of power then it will spoil, or best case is you will be faced with eating an awful lot of meat in a very short space of time.

Generator Size Guide

Always allow for extra capacity. Remember there may be things that you have forgotten about.  But more importantly allow for room to grow into your generator for home use.  Appliances in a home tend to grow and not shrink. As your family and home grows you do not want to be changing your backup power supply.

Invest in a system that you have room to grow into.  This will be much more cost effective than installing a new one.