Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Benoit, MS

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

• Refrigerator: 600 watts

• Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

• Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

• Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

• Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

• 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

• 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

• 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

• 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

• 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

Energy-efficient windows are judged on their performance according to a few different factors, including heat transfer, air leakage, light transference, and condensation resistance. If you're unsure whether a window is energy-efficient, look for an ENERGY STAR® label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). If various products, including windows, meet energy-efficiency standards set by the federal government, the EPA issues this label to help consumers identify energy-efficient products.

Yes, energy-efficient options such as LEDs and solar-powered lights are available. These alternatives consume less electricity, resulting in lower utility costs. They are also more environmentally friendly due to their reduced carbon footprint and longer lifespan.

The three levels of home energy audits include:

• Level 1: Review of your energy bills and home for signs of energy inefficiency and areas for improvement. The average cost range is $0.08 to $0.12 per square foot.

• Level 2: A level 2 ASHRAE energy audit costs $0.12 and $0.35 per square foot. In-depth analysis of your energy usage and provides a report of cost-saving changes.

• Level 3: Comprehensive analysis and detailed recommendations for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. A level 3 audit costs about $0.36 to $0.50 per square foot.