Why is it Important to Size a Generator Correctly?
Proper Generator Sizing Helps Prevent Overload, Waste, & Costly Wear On Your North Georgia Home Generator
The decision to purchase a home generator is usually driven by the need to solve a problem or address a specific concern. Choosing the correct size generator designed to meet your specific needs helps ensure that when it is called upon, it performs properly. If a generator is too large for your home, you may spend more money than necessary. If it is too small, it may fail to meet your needs because the power required for certain applications may not be available, which can cause the generator to overload and shut down. Excess demand can also increase heat and stress, shortening its lifespan. When a generator operates at a higher level than it was designed for, efficiency decreases, leading to higher fuel consumption and increased maintenance expenses.
What size generator do you need for a home in Georgia?
This is determined during our site survey of your home. During the site survey, we will start by defining what you want to achieve. Some people have specific needs, while others want everything.
We will inspect your incoming electrical service, electrical panel, and the size of your air conditioning and heating system(s). From this survey, we can correctly size the generator and provide guidance as to the best location.
Some of the key factors influencing the size of your generator include:
- What is the age and size of your air conditioner or heat pump?
- A 3 ton unit requires 3,000 to 3,500 watts.
- A 4 ton unit requires 3,500 to 4,000 watts.
- A 5 ton unit requires 4,000 to 4,500 watts.
- If the AC is a newer high-efficiency two-stage model, the requirements will be less.
- Is your primary heating gas or electric?
- A natural gas or LP gas furnace uses approximately 700 watts.
- Electric heat associated with an electric heat pump can require as much as 15,000 watts.
- Is your water heating gas or electric?
- A gas water heater has a minimal electric usage of less than 300 watts.
- An on-demand gas water heater requires less than 500 watts of electricity.
- A traditional electric water heater requires 4,500 watts.
- An on-demand electric water heater can be as much as 10,000 watts.
- Other common electrical needs:
- A hot tub is typically 4,500 watts for both the water pump and heating.
- An electric oven requires 4,000 watts.
- An electric clothes dryer requires 4,500 watts.
- A gas clothes dryer requires 650 watts.
- Refrigerators, freezers, and televisions average 700 watts.
These load values represent average consumption levels to be used in the absence of nameplate data. Once we total the expected load, we also apply a diversity factor that recognizes that everything does not run at the same time. In addition to the above, we consider the size of your home and the type of lighting. Incorporating the size of your home in the load calculation allows us to factor in typical ancillary loads.
This is a brief overview of the primary factors that we will consider when recommending the size of generator for your home. Contact GenSpring Power for a free home visit to review your generator sizing options.
Clayton Preble
