What Size Generator Do I Need? Types, Watts & More

Given Florida’s storms, having a backup generator is worth it for many people. Correct generator sizing helps ensure that you get the power you need without paying for excess capacity. Not many people know the answer to “How big of a generator do I need?” without a bit of help.

At Generator Supercenter, we have the expertise to find the perfect power solution, whether you have a small house or a larger business. Let us help you understand what size generator you need.

Types of Generators

Most generators are gas-powered generators that use propane, natural gas, or diesel. It is possible to get a solar generator or a battery generator, but the latter may not last through extended power outages.

There are three types of generators you can get:

1. Portable generators. Portable generators produce a small amount of electricity but can be used to provide emergency power by running your most essential appliances. Portable generators are most often used for camping or tailgating.
2. Inverter generators. These are efficient generators that can also produce DC power and are often used in RVs and to charge battery-operated devices. They are portable and produce less power, but are great for, for example, charging your phone at a baseball game.
3. Whole house generators. If you regularly experience blackouts and/or storms, it’s worth investing in a whole-house generator. This is hardwired to your home, and you can get one that switches on automatically when power is interrupted.

Never use a generator inside a structure as they can produce toxic carbon monoxide, with potentially lethal results.

What Size Generator Do I Need?

You need a generator that powers the devices you need to keep power during a storm. That depends on your lifestyle. Some people might be asking, “how many watts does a TV use?” while others might only be worried about keeping the food cold in the fridge and having basic lighting.

Alternatively, you may want to choose a whole-house generator that can power your entire house. They can be very expensive, but many people find it worth it. Many whole-house generators can run for days or even weeks without needing to fuel. It’s a good idea to choose a whole-house generator if you have medical equipment to power it. If you only experience occasional outages and want to power specific things, a portable generator is a lot cheaper and is versatile. Inverter generators are not typically useful for storm backup, as they can typically handle only a small number of devices.

Calculating Generator Size

You have two options for generator sizing. One is to look at the general wattage requirements of a home and choose accordingly. The other is to do a worksheet that helps you determine how big of a generator you need by adding up the devices you want to power.

Most of your devices will have a sticker to say how many watts they use. If they don’t or if it has worn off, you can research to find the average wattage for that device. For example, a refrigerator typically uses about 2,200 watts.

General Wattage Requirements

It helps to know some general wattage requirements. A whole house generator that will let you continue life as normal will put out 25,000 watts or so…although these are very expensive. 15,000 watts is often more reasonable and will still allow you to be comfortable. Bear in mind that losing A/C in Florida this summer can render your home uninhabitable! You want at least 6,000 watts to help you cover heating and cooling.

Say Goodbye to Power Outages with Generator Supercenter of Fort Myers

Keep the lights on and the power flowing with the Generator Supercenter of Fort Myers. Say goodbye to frustrating power outages and hello to peace of mind, knowing that your home or business is always prepared. Trust in our top-of-the-line generators to keep you up and running, no matter what the weather brings. With Generator Supercenter of Fort Myers, your power needs are always covered.

Frequently Asked Questions: Generator Sizing & Types

1. What are the different types of backup generators available?

There are three main types of generators to choose from: portable generators (used to provide emergency power for essential appliances), inverter generators (efficient, portable options great for charging battery-operated devices), and whole-house generators. Whole-house generators are hardwired directly to your home and switch on automatically when the power is interrupted.

2. How do I calculate what size generator I need for my home?

For accurate generator sizing, you have two options. You can look at the general wattage requirements of your home, or you can create a worksheet to add up the exact wattage of all the specific devices you want to power. Most appliances have a sticker indicating how many watts they use. For example, a standard refrigerator typically uses about 2,200 watts.

3. How many watts does a whole-house generator need to run my appliances and A/C?

To continue life as normal during a blackout, a whole-house generator that puts out about 25,000 watts is ideal. However, a 15,000-watt generator is often a more reasonable and cost-effective choice to keep you comfortable. At an absolute minimum, you will need at least 6,000 watts of power just to cover basic heating and cooling needs, like running your A/C.

4. Should I choose a portable generator or a whole-house generator for storm backup?

This depends entirely on your power needs. If you regularly experience storms and blackouts, or if you need to run medical equipment, investing in a whole-house generator is worth it because it can run for days or even weeks. If you only experience occasional outages and just need to power specific things (like keeping food cold in the fridge), a portable generator is a much cheaper and highly versatile option.