If you’ve ever had to endure a lengthy power outage, you know how aggravating and inconvenient it can be. It can also be quite expensive (when all of your food spoils). So, you’ve decided it’s time to learn more about a whole house generator, but you’re unsure whether or not you’ll need a 50kW or 100kW generator.

When it comes to choosing the appropriate size generator for your home, it doesn’t matter how big or small your yard is—it’s all about the total wattage needed to power your entire house. determining the wattage requirement of your home is a little more complicated than that. But don’t worry! We’ve already done most of the legwork for you.

What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a House?

The average wattage usage determines the generator’s size. So, to determine the appropriate generator size for a home, there are a few options, depending on your demands. To figure out how much wattage you’ll need, use the total amount of square footage in your house, your monthly electric consumption or breaker capacity, or add up all of your household appliances’ wattage requirements.

Keep in mind that a generator with the wrong size or type can cause problems. It’s important to pick a size that is appropriate; if you do, your appliances will be ruined, which was the whole goal of installing a generator in the first place. A generator with an incorrect size is less efficient and will cost more to operate. Choose a size that fits your present requirements but has the potential to meet greater power demands in the future.

When it comes to the usage of wattage on a daily basis, every house is different. You must figure out which essentials in your home need to be powered if the power goes out. Some of those necessities may include your heating system, air conditioner, water pump, refrigerator, cooktop, lighting, business necessity, and so on. The total wattage consumption of this equipment can help you determine how big a generator you’ll require. The chart below shows you what size generator you’ll need to run various appliances based on their wattage use.

Use the table below to calculate your home’s kilowatt needs. Add up the wattage of each device in your house; for the most accurate results, look for labels or manuals for major appliances and electronics to learn the precise wattage. After you’ve added up all of the values, divide them by 1,000 to determine how many kilowatts your new generator will provide.

Central Air Conditioner	1700-8750
Electric Furnace	18,000
Gas Furnace	600
Electric Baseboard Heaters	225 watts per foot (by heater length)
Electric Heat Pump	Up to 15,000
Water Pump	500-1050
Electric Water Heater	4500
Gas Water Heater	500 running/1500 starting
Lighting	500
Garage Door Opener	550-725
Computer	200
Television	300
Dishwasher	700
Refrigerator	600
Gas Dryer	700
Electric Dryer	5750
Washing Machine	750
Microwave	1000
Standalone Freezer	2500
Electric Oven	2500-5000

Professional Installation Is Required for Standby Generators

Most people can’t live without electricity, and for many people, reliable power is not only a convenience but also a necessity. Having a standby generator to keep your household appliances, business equipment, and electronics functioning constantly will provide comfort the next time the grid goes down. If you have questions or want more information on how to maintain your home during an outage, contact Professional Electrical’s specialists. We have the knowledge and experience to assist you in selecting the appropriate generator size for your property and ensuring it is installed correctly. To book an appointment, call 587-604-6433 right now.