How to Choose the Right Size Generator

February 7, 2025      

When the power goes off, whether it’s because of a hurricane or heat stress on the power grid or just one downed tree, a generator can be a lifesaver.

If your TV won’t turn on, it’s annoying but not much more than that. If your sump pump stops and your basement floods, you’re looking at a costly repair. And if you have an oxygen machine or other critical medical device, having a backup source of power can be important.

Choosing a generator takes some thought, though, because they vary in type, price, and size.

The best option is a whole-house generator—sometimes called a home standby generator—that powers an entire house seamlessly and without a need for frequent refueling. These generators cost as much as $7,000 and are permanently installed.

Add Up Your Wattage Needs

To determine the size generator you need, make a list of the appliances you want to power and add up their wattages.

Also keep in mind that some appliances—air conditioners, refrigerators, and sump pumps, for instance—draw a lot more power at the moment they’re cycling on. These surge watts can throw off your calculations if you don’t account for them.

Another way to think about your generator choices is to consider how often you’re likely to need one, and for how long. That’s unpredictable to an extent, of course, but think about the outages you experienced in the past and what devices you needed to power.

If you are considering a generator for your home, contact South Shore Generator Sales & Service and get started on your backup power plans!

Source: consumerreports.org

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