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Energy Efficiency Auditing questions, answered by experts

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.

A good SEER rating for an HVAC system is typically between 15 and 20. However, minimum requirements vary by location; HVAC systems in northern states must have at least a 14 SEER rating, while those in southern states need a minimum of 15. For the highest possible efficiency, look for units with a SEER rating of 21 or higher. It's important to remember that a SEER rating represents the maximum efficiency a unit can achieve, not the level at which it will operate at all times.

There are a few ways to reduce your electricity bills if you use window AC units to keep cool. Set the unit temperature at least 1 degree higher than it is currently to reduce costs. Keep the unit clean for it to run efficiently. You may want to hire a window AC specialist near you to inspect the unit once a year and keep it in tip-top shape.

A blower door test shouldn’t take more than an hour, and most can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Expect the test to take longer once you start searching for leaks with thermal imaging or want to include sealing such leaks in the time estimate. The test doesn’t take much time and can’t be rushed, but it will take longer in large homes or those with many air leaks.

Modern windows provide enhanced UV protection, improved heat retention, and cooling efficiency, contributing to overall household energy savings.

The Minto, ND homeowners’ guide to energy efficiency auditing services

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