What Size Backup Generator Do I Need?

Written on: October 14, 2019

Did you know that power outages happen about twice as frequently as they did a decade ago?
It makes sense when you think about it, considering how reliant we have become on equipment that runs on electricity.
With more power outages and more sensitive and expensive equipment making its way into our Pennsylvania homes these days, whole house propane backup generators are quickly becoming more of a necessity than a luxury. If you’ve been considering one, it’s a smart move. But how do you choose one that’s right for your PA home?

3 biggest factors to consider when choosing a propane backup generator:

• Size – The size of the whole house generator you’ll need depends on how big your home is and what appliances you want to power during an outage. Together, these make up the electric load your whole house generator needs to meet.
  A good way to think about the electric load in your home is to break your usage down into two categories: essentials, which might included your lights, refrigerator, sump pump, furnace fan, security system, TV/computers, and microwave; and high-wattage items, such as your A/C or heat pump, clothes dryer, water heater, and oven or stove.
  Generators come in a wide range of capacities – from small, easy-to-place four to eight kilowatt (kW) unit (for lights, refrigerators, TVs, and other small appliances) to large 25 kW commercial-grade generators that can run an HVAC system in addition to those items.
• Placement – Whole house generators can be larger than the outdoor unit of your central A/C, depending on the power output – so you’ll need space to place it. Whole house generators also need to be near a source of electricity, and must be placed according to local flood, propane safety, noise and electrical codes – which is why it has to be installed by a professional.
• Cost – Stand-by propane generators range in price between $2,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the size and capacity of the unit. The more appliances and whole-house systems you want to power, the higher the price.

Avoid the rush for a whole house generator during bad weather – contact Ace-Robbins today for a FREE, no obligation estimate on a propane backup generator installation and stay calm in any storm!