What Size Generator Do You Need?

The cost of a generator is directly related to the convenience you're looking for during a power outage. The chart below will give you a good idea of the size generator you'd want in emergencies. This chart does not take all the different circumstances into account. You should verify the power used by the items you want in an emergency and adjust the chart below accordingly.

Starting wattage or Surge Wattage is a big part of generator sizing. The reason most homes cannot use their central AC system during a power outage is Surge Wattage on start up. It may take up to 19,000 watts to start an AC Condensing Unit that may only require 3,500 watts to run. This is why it may be best to go with a small portable AC unit during outages unless money is not an issue for you.

The Surge Wattage may be downsized depending on the voltage drop during startup that your generator will have. Many household appliances can start with up to a 25% voltage drop which means it will use approximately 25% less power to start the appliance. This allows your generator to get larger items started with less power.

Generator sizing	Running Watts	Starting Watts
Refrigerator
Window AC
Kitchen Circuit
LED Lights
Standard Lights
Well Equipment
Washing Machine
Microwave Oven
Garage Door Opener
Ceiling Fans
Miscellaneous Item
Generator size

Call Batista Electric at 239-850-5007