As a homeowner, you would never want your home to be in the dark. You want to keep the lights on to ensure safety, especially at night. However, what would you do in case of a sudden power outage? The first thing that would probably come to your mind is to purchase a generator.
There are different types of generators available. Getting one for your household will truly help you have peace of mind. You will have lights on; you can watch TV, and power your security systems during power interruptions.
Many homeowners visit various websites, such as Generator Whiz, to know the types of generators and what they should buy according to their budget.
However, before deciding on the make and model of the generator you’ll buy, it is best to identify the size you need.
Why Proper Generator Size Matters
Generators’ sizes are measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (KW): 1000W = 1KW.
One of the main reasons homeowners need a generator is to ensure safety and have a more comfortable life, even if there’s a power outage. However, if they install the incorrect size instead of comfort, it could do more damage.
Generators that are too large for your needs could damage your electrical systems, which could result in fire due to overload. A fire can damage your home. Depending on the damage done, you may not be able to live in it for a few weeks or even months.
This means you’ll be spending more money on repairs and other unnecessary expenses, such as hiring fire restoration companies.
On the other hand, if you go for a generator that is too small for your needs, the damage could also occur. One of the main issues is overheating. Since the equipment is trying to supply the amount of electricity you need for air conditioners, the machine will keep on working at its full power.
If the generator overheats, the machine could break any time soon, or worse; a fire will start.
Another thing that you need to worry about is the unreliability of the power produced by the generator. If it doesn’t supply the amount you need, it could break your electrical appliances.
3 Steps In Calculating The Size You Need
Although there are various types of generators, calculating the right size for your home isn’t difficult. Similar to choosing the right air conditioner, there are things you need to do to get the right size. Here are the three steps to help you out:
Get the power information of the appliances you want to power
Since you’ll be using the generator to power up your appliances, it’s natural that you need to check their information.
You must determine their running (continuous) and starting (peak) watts. Keep in mind that not all appliances have the same running and starting watts; TVs, laptops, and lights have the same.
For appliances that have electric motors or heating equipment, such as air conditioners or refrigerators, you can expect that the starting wattage is at least three times their running watts. It could also be more depending on the units’ make and model.
You can find the power information in some make and model manuals. Some products have an app where you can register the device and know all about its technical information. If you can’t find it elsewhere, it’s best to contact the manufacturer or the shop you bought it from Michaels framings.
Make sure the power information is in watts (W)
Not all appliances’ power information is represented in watts. You’ll find some that have amps (A) or horsepower (HP), such as an air conditioner. One amp is equal to 240 watts, while one HP is the same as 746 watts.
Determine how many appliances you will run at the same time
Choosing a generator if you’re only using one piece of equipment is easy. You just need to convert it, and you already have the right size.
It’s different if you’re using multiple devices at the same time.
You just need to add the watts for appliances with the same running and starting wattage. For instance, a TV with 200 watts and a computer with 100 watts. In total, they have 300 watts.
However, it is best to get the highest wattage for appliances with different running and starting watts. If your TV has 200 watts, the computer has 100 watts, and your fridge has 1000 running and 2300 starting watts, you just need to add 2300, 200, and 100.
In that example, you’ll have a total of 2600 watts, meaning a generator with an output near this number is the perfect one for your needs.
Choose The Right Generator Size
If your generator has the right output for your needs, you wouldn’t need to worry about overloading your electrical systems. You’ll also have peace of mind as you can use the electricity, giving you a comfortable place during power outages.
Remember to get your appliances’ power information and ensure they are in watts. After that, you can add them all up to determine the right size of your generator.
