Assessing Power Needs<\/span><\/h2>\r\nThe first step to choosing a generator is understanding your power needs. Start by listing essential systems and appliances you need during an outage. This list might include kitchen appliances, heating systems, lights, or medical equipment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\nOnce you have your list ready, check the power requirements of each item. These can be listed in the manual or labeled on the appliance itself. You’ll need both the starting watts as well as the running watts.<\/span><\/p>\r\nTypes of Homes and Corresponding Generator Sizes<\/span><\/h2>\r\nSmall Apartment<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIf you live in a small apartment, your power needs will likely be less. A portable generator of around 3000 to 5000 watts will allow you to cover basics such as lights, a fridge, and a small heating system.<\/span><\/p>\r\nAverage Home<\/span><\/h3>\r\nFor the typical family home, a generator with a 5000-8000 watt range is often suitable. This size generator can simultaneously handle multiple systems and appliances, including larger heating systems, kitchen appliances, and even a small air conditioning unit.<\/span><\/p>\r\nLarge Home<\/span><\/h3>\r\nLarger homes or those with more demanding power needs (like central air conditioning or large well pumps) might require a standby generator with a capacity of 10,000 watts or more. These are permanently installed and can handle a high power load.<\/span><\/p>\r\nEach home’s needs are unique, so consider your specific appliances and lifestyle\u2014also, factor in the type of fuel you prefer. Generators run on gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas, each with its benefits and limitations.<\/span><\/p>\r\nAdditional Considerations<\/span><\/h2>\r\nNoise Levels<\/b>: Significant in residential areas. Inverter generators are typically quieter.<\/span><\/p>\r\nFuel Efficiency and Availability<\/b>: How long will the generator run on a tank of fuel? Also, consider the availability of the fuel type you choose.<\/span><\/p>\r\nSafety Features<\/b>: Look for features like carbon monoxide detectors and automatic shut-off mechanisms.<\/span><\/p>\r\nLocal Regulations<\/b>: Be aware of any noise ordinances, emission regulations, or installation codes that might apply in your area.<\/span><\/p>\r\nMaintenance and Upkeep<\/span><\/h2>\r\nAll generators require regular maintenance to ensure peak performance regardless of size and type. This includes checking oil levels, replacing filters, and ensuring that the unit is stored correctly when not in use.<\/span><\/p>\r\nClosing<\/span><\/h2>\r\nKnowing the needs of you and your home can make looking for a generator substantially easier. Remember, it’s about finding the right fit for your specific situation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Introduction to Home Generator Sizes Imagine it’s a stormy night, and you’re having a great time with your family when suddenly, your living room goes completely dark. This is a…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24772,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[34,48],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/spselectric.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/portrait-of-a-happy-senior-couple-wrapped-in-plaid-sitting-at-home-SBI-300731524.jpg?fit=4200%2C2800&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24769"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24769"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24769\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24770,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24769\/revisions\/24770"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24769"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24769"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/spselectric.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24769"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}