Get matched with top generator install pros in Shawboro, NC

A portable generator can supply power to selected appliances and circuits in a home, but it's generally not designed to handle the entire household's electrical needs simultaneously. Portable generators have limited wattage capacity, so they are only designed to power essential devices and electronics temporarily until local power is restored. If your power needs outweigh the capabilities of a portable generator, consider installing a whole-home generator instead.

It might seem counterintuitive, but installing a generator transfer switch will save you money in the long run. While you’ll have to pay between $400 and $2,500 to have the transfer switch installed, you’ll recoup that amount later on when you don’t have to pay for expensive repairs to your appliances, devices, and electrical system that may have burned out, overloaded, or stopped working due to a sudden loss of power or an incorrect hook up of a generator to your home. 

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.

Potential benefits of using a natural gas generator include reducing your carbon footprint, lower likelihood of carbon monoxide exposure, budget-friendly operating costs, and low-maintenance, continuous fuel supply. Some possible drawbacks, though, include higher initial installation costs, dependency on a natural gas supply, and installation complexity. Keep in mind that pros and cons will vary based on the type and brand of natural gas generator.