Living in southern Alabama means facing the uncertainties of hurricane season. A whole-home generator can provide peace of mind and keep your household running during severe weather. But how do you determine the right size generator for your home? At Baldwin Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical, we’re here to help you make the right decision with this simple guide to generator sizing.
How to Calculate Generator Size
While a professional technician can provide precise recommendations, you can also calculate the generator size you need on your own with a little research and planning.
Step 1: Understand Starting and Running Wattage
- Starting Wattage: The amount of power an appliance needs to start. This is typically higher than running wattage.
- Running Wattage: The continuous power required to keep the appliance operating.
When sizing a generator, you’ll need to account for both starting and running wattages of all devices you plan to power simultaneously.
Step 2: Determine the Wattage of Your Essential Devices
Make a list of the appliances you want to power during an outage. Common household devices and their approximate running wattages include:
- Refrigerator: 600-800 watts
- Microwave: 800-1200 watts
- Central Air Conditioner: 2000-4000 watts
- Furnace: 5000-25000 watts
- Washing Machine: 400-1200 watts
For exact wattage, check your appliance owner’s manuals or contact the manufacturers. Once you’ve identified the wattage of each device, add these numbers together and account for the starting wattages. Choose a generator that can handle slightly more than your total to ensure reliability.
Choosing the Right Generator for Your Home
It’s essential to select a generator that matches your household needs without being too small or unnecessarily large:
- Too Small: Overloading a generator can cause it to overheat, damaging the unit and your appliances.
- Too Large: An oversized generator leads to higher operational costs and wasted energy.
Aim to purchase a generator that uses no more than 90% of its capacity during peak demand. This ensures optimal performance and longevity.
Let Baldwin Help You Choose
Selecting the right generator is crucial to maintaining comfort and safety during a power outage. Baldwin Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical specializes in professional generator installation in Daphne, AL, and can guide you through the process of choosing the best system for your home.
Contact Baldwin for Reliable Generator Installation
At Baldwin, we prioritize your safety and comfort, no matter the weather. Whether you’re facing a summer storm or preparing for hurricane season, our team is ready to help with professional installation services.
Contact us today to get started and keep your home powered when it matters most!
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