Can Whole Home Generators Handle Blackouts?

If you have ever experienced a freak storm in your area or if you have ever had a blizzard occur, then you’re probably no stranger to blackouts. Sometimes blackouts can last for days, but if you invest in a backup generator, then this can be a literal lifesaver. That raises the question, are there limits to the amount of things that you can power? How do you know which generator is most suited to your requirements? If you need some help, then this guide will help you to get your questions answered.

What can your Standby Generator Power?

The good news is that a whole house generator can power any device that uses electricity. It’s up to you to decide what you are going to need, should the power go out. A lot of homeowners choose to power their garage door openers, heaters, electric stove, television, refrigerator, and of course, lights. Modern generators really do a great job at giving you the electricity you need instantly, should your home lose power. That being said, even the best generators in the world have their limits. You have to remember that a generator is intended for emergency use. Powering your home cinema may not be on your priority list, but powering your lights and heating in the dead of winter might.

What Size of Generator do I Need?

Backup generators primarily come in three different sizes. They are based on the amount of electricity they are capable of producing. Normally you can choose from:

·        7kW

·        10kW

·        20kW

The average home, which is 2,500 square feet, will need around 6kW to power just the essentials. This could include heaters, air conditioners, water pumps, and of course, refrigerators. If you live in a smaller house, then you may find that a 7kW generator is more than enough. If you’re not sure what you need to power, then as a general rule of thumb, a fridge needs 1200 watts and lights need up to 1000 watts. A TV needs 300 watts, and a desktop computer needs 200 watts. A 4-ton central AC unit on the other hand may need up to 8500 watts, so it is important to keep figures like this in mind when the time comes for you to choose your unit.

Importance of Choosing the Right Generator

Blackouts can be stressful to say the least. The good news is that if you invest in a solid whole house generator, then this can give you a lot of reassurance. It can also keep you safe even during the longest of blackouts. That being said, choosing the right generator for the task is essential. If you need some help, then we can provide you with whatever assistance you need. We sell, maintain, and even install some of the finest generators on the market. Give us a call at 972-563-3800 if you want to find out more about what we can do for you, or if you would like to find out more about any of the products that we have to offer. We are here to help.