Generators can provide reliable backup power in case of an outage. This can be critical for households with family members who depend on powered medical equipment. When choosing a generator, it's important to find the right type and size unit to fit your needs.
How do you choose the right size generator for your home? The answer depends on what you want to use it for. For powering some lights and several appliances, a small portable unit would work. For long-term protection, including powering an air-conditioning unit, a standby generator would be the better choice.
Add up the total wattage of the equipment or appliances you wish to run. Check the owner's manual or serial plate for wattage rating. Some appliances, such as refrigerators or dishwashers, have a start-up wattage that is higher than the running wattage. This must be calculated in the total. If no start-up wattage is listed, assume it's three times the running wattage.
Safety counts
Always operate generators safely according to the manufacturer's instructions. Never attempt to connect your generator to the electrical system. The electricity you generate can back-feed to utility lines, where it can endanger lineworkers. A transfer switch, properly installed by a qualified electrician, can prevent the generator from sending electricity back through the transmission line.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact us. Our energy advisors are always happy to help!