If you are thinking about investing in a whole house generator for your home, it is important that you take the time to consider all of the options that are available. Not only will it help you to determine how big of a generator you need, it will also help you to understand how much it will cost.
Calculate wattage requirements
When you need to purchase a whole house generator, you need to know how to calculate wattage requirements. It’s best to contact a local electrical expert to get a free estimate. A wattage chart will be a helpful starting point. You should also make sure you understand the differences between electrical systems.
To calculate the wattage requirements for a whole house generator, you need to consider how many appliances will be running at once. For example, if you have a refrigerator and air conditioner, you will need more wattage for the fridge to run, and more for the air conditioner to run.
Once you’ve determined how much wattage you need, you’ll need to add it to the wattage output of the generator you are purchasing. Typically, you’ll want to purchase a generator with at least 10,000 watts of power. If you need more than that, you’ll need to buy a bigger generator.
The wattage formula will help you figure out how much power you’ll need for the appliances you’ll be running during a power outage. For instance, you’ll need at least 1,000 watts to power a refrigerator or freezer. Usually, you’ll need less watts to power other appliances.
Consider load management
When looking to buy a whole house generator, you may want to consider load management. While this may not directly affect your power bill, it can save you money by ensuring that your home’s most important appliances stay on, even when the electricity goes out.
Load management is a process in which certain loads are automatically shut off in a sequence of order. Some examples include air conditioners, lights, and refrigerators. You can also purchase a sub-panel to help power specific applications.
To determine whether or not load management is right for you, it is best to look at your current usage and compare it to your plans. This will give you a good idea of the watts your appliances will need. If you do not have an accurate idea, you might find yourself buying the wrong size of generator.
One way to measure your current load is to use a Whole-House Generator Sizing Calculator. Using this calculator, you can select the power needs of your household and get a custom-sized generator system.
Consider sizing according to wattage
When it comes to sizing a whole house generator, there are many things to consider. Getting the size right will save you money in the long run. It’s also a good idea to look at the various appliances in your home and think about the power they need to function.
The most important thing to remember is that the biggest, baddest and most expensive is not always the best option. For example, you may not need a huge generator for your central air conditioner. In that case, you’d be better off going with the smaller units. This is especially true if you’re planning to buy a more affordable unit that will be less likely to break down.
A generator calculator can also tell you how much wattage your appliances need. In general, wattage is expressed in volts, and you can calculate the appropriate kilowatts with a little math. If you can’t do the math yourself, you can always ask a professional.
Cost of a whole-house generator
If you’re worried about power outages or brownouts, consider purchasing a whole-house generator. A generator can turn on within seconds and provide electricity to the entire home, providing an excellent amount of protection during blackouts. Compared to portable generators, whole-house units are more reliable and less noisy. However, they are quite expensive.
Installation costs can vary based on several factors, including the size of your home and the location of your electric meter. Often, installing a whole-house generator requires the services of an electrician.
In addition to the installation, you may have to pay for other materials. For example, you might have to make a concrete pad for the generator, or you might have to install propane tanks.
Depending on the type of fuel you use, the cost to run a whole-house generator can be as high as $90 to $220 per day. While this can be a considerable expense, it can help to make your life easier when the power goes out.