Power outages can be a major inconvenience, but having the right generator can make them much more bearable. Not just any generator will do — you’ll need one that’s powerful enough to handle your home’s power usage. Here are a few tips to help you determine what size generator you need to power up your house.
Calculate Running and Starting Watts
Generators are rated using two measurements: running watts and starting watts. Running watts are the amount of power required to keep your appliances running, while starting watts are the extra power needed to start up larger appliances and devices. To determine what size generator you need for your home, you’ll want to add together the running and starting wattage of all the appliances you plan to use.
Check the Generator’s Output Rating
The output rating on a generator is measured in watts and shows how much power it can provide. To make sure your generator can handle all of your home’s appliances, look for one that has a higher output rating than the total watts of all the devices you plan to use. This adds a bit of wiggle room so that you don’t have to worry about overloading your generator.
Consider Your Fuel Source
The type of fuel source you choose for your generator can affect its power output. For instance, generators that run on gasoline typically have higher wattage ratings than those with diesel or propane power sources, so be sure to select a fuel source that will provide the amount of power you need. If you need assistance finding the right generator for your home, Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing can help.
Our professionals in Mt. Airy, NC can provide expert advice for choosing a generator that meets your needs. We also provide HVAC, plumbing, duct cleaning, duct sealing, crawlspace renovations, and indoor air quality services, so you can count on us for all of your home comfort needs.
Contact us today to learn more!
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