After seeing the last disaster of hurricane season, you’re probably thinking about getting a backup generator. However, you must know what size generator do you need for a hurricane to maintain comfortable and safe environment during power outages.
Our comprehensive guide discusses different generator types, the process for determining the right size generator for hurricane, factors that influence your choice, and essential maintenance tips.
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What Size Generator Do You Require For Hurricane?
For hurricane preparedness, a generator should be capable of handling 4000 to 6000 watts to power essential appliances. This range suits critical needs like refrigerators, lights, and small AC units. Always check specific power requirements of your appliances for accuracy.
Generator Size Chart for Hurricane:
| Generator Size | Home Size | Appliances Powered |
|---|---|---|
| 3,000-4,000 watts | Small homes and apartments | Refrigerator, lights, fans, and small electronics |
| 5,000-7,000 watts | Medium-sized homes | Refrigerator, lights, fans, small electronics, and a central air conditioning unit |
| 8,000-10,000 watts | Large homes | Refrigerator, lights, fans, small electronics, a central air conditioning unit, and a water heater |
| 12,000-15,000 watts | Very large homes | Refrigerator, lights, fans, small electronics, central air conditioning unit, water heater, and large appliances such as a washing machine or dryer |
How To Calculate The Right Size Generator For Hurricane?
Calculating the right size generator for a hurricane requires determining your power needs based on the appliances and electronics you want to keep running during an outage.
Here are the steps to calculate the right size generator for a hurricane:
Determine your power needs
Make a list of all the appliances and electronics you want to power during a hurricane outage.
This may include lights, refrigerators, freezers, fans, heaters, air conditioners, television, computer, and other devices.
Check the wattage of each item on your list and add them up.
Determine the starting and running watts
Not all appliances use the same amount of power to start up versus to run continuously.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for each item on your list to determine the starting watts and running watts.
The starting watts will be higher than the running watts and you need to consider both when calculating your total power needs.
Add up the total power requirements
Once you have the starting and running watts for each item, add up the total power requirements to determine the amount of power you need from your generator.
Choose a generator size
Based on your total power requirements, choose a generator size that meets or exceeds your needs.
Refer to the table provided in the previous answer for a general guide on choosing the right size generator for your home.
What To Look For In A Right Size Generator For Hurricane?
Consumer Reports provides advice on selecting the best generator for your needs.
Consider the wattage of the items you need to power to calculate the size generator you require.
When purchasing a generator, do not spend more money on one that provides more power than you require for those appliances.
Set up a list
Make a list of all the appliances you wish to have electricity in case of an outage. Most folks prioritize their air conditioner.
Don’t forget to include a smartphone charging station and a few light bulbs.
If you want to keep to the fundamentals or have complete house coverage, you’ll need to compile a detailed list.
Determine The Required Wattage
Next, determine how many watts each appliance or light fixture will use.
Most appliances will have this information stamped or printed on them. A useful energy consumption calculator may be found on the Energy Saver website.
Add the wattage of each device on your list to calculate the total wattage required.
Consider the Weight
The heavier the generator, the bigger it is. That does not imply that it is more powerful than a smaller one.
There are powerful, lightweight generators available that may make maintenance easier.
Don’t ignore the heavier and bigger versions, especially if they come with wheels and a discount.
>> What size generator to operate a 2 5hp compressor?
Consider The Generator’s Fuel Type And Run Time
Most generators run on gasoline or propane, and you must analyze the efficiency of several generators.
You want the greatest runtime per gallon of gasoline, just like vehicles or other engines. Other factors to consider are a longer warranty period and engine type.
Remember to Consider the Noise Level
When choosing the size of your generator, keep the noise rating in decibels in mind—the lower the number, the quieter the generator.
An 80dB generator is as loud as your city’s main street, honking, and everything. Use a generator with a decibel level of 60dB or less to protect your ears.
Safety
Consumer Reports recommends selecting portable generators with CO safety technology, which prompts an immediate cutoff if carbon monoxide levels in an enclosed room reach dangerous levels.
Always keep a generator with the exhaust directed away from windows, doors, air conditioning systems, or other buildings.
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Where Should You Store Your Generator During a Hurricane?
During a storm, consider the following factors:
Do not rush into a locked garage or house
The fumes might swiftly cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep your generator at least 20 than 80 dB as loud as your city’s main street and doors.
Don’t run the generator in the rain: If you don’t have a garage, you may buy generator tents from hardware stores.
>> What size generator to operate hot water heater?
Keep Extra Gasoline on Hand
Have enough gasoline on hand to run the generator for an extended period if necessary.
Before refilling, please switch off the generator and allow it to cool. Unintentional drops of gasoline on a hot engine might result in a fire.
Never BackFeed
Backfeeding is the act of attempting to power your house by connecting your generator to an outlet while carrying extra tools (this might result in electrocution!)
Never overburden the generator
It should be noted that a generator cannot power the entire house. Just run the generator with the fridge and a few outlets at a time.
What Type of Generator For Hurricanes?
Generators are an excellent technique to provide electricity during blackouts and to give power to areas where electrical service is unavailable.
A generator will be a terrific addition to a home remodeling if you’re thinking about making changes. Learn about the many types of generators by reading on.
Inverter
A mid-sized inverter generator is an excellent choice for individuals needing backup power.
Recreational inverters often cost as much as portable generators but provide far less power.
Large inverter generators are ideal for houses that endure frequent and protracted power outages.
These are quieter and more fuel-efficient, providing consistent power for increasingly sensitive gadgets.
>> is a 20kW generator enough to power my house?
Portable Generator
Portable generators are an excellent choice for families that face intermittent power outages.
Many portable generator types may be connected to a breaker panel to power hardwired equipment such as pumps.
Connecting a portable generator to your home’s circuit breaker is sometimes more expensive than the generator itself.
Home Standby
Home standby generators are permanently positioned next to your house.
During a power loss, they will automatically come on and deliver a constant stream of electricity.
Natural gas or propane is typically used to power these generators. Installation of a home backup generator might be as expensive as the generator itself.
FAQs About The Right Size Generator For Hurricane
Why Should I Buy A Generator For Hurricane Season?
Hurricane season necessitates planning to ensure that you are prepared for anything that comes your way.
Purchasing a generator in the event of a power loss is one of the greatest strategies to secure your home.
Generators keep goods like your refrigerator, air conditioner, and gadgets operating throughout the storm.
How To Understand The Differences Between A Generator’s Starting, Running, And Surge Wattage?
There are three types of watts: beginning watts, running watts, and surge watts.
Surge watts are the amount of electricity a generator can produce for a few seconds to start a motor.
This is also known as surge watts while running watts refer to the total power the generator can provide at any given time.
How Do I Know How Big A Generator I Need For a Hurricane?
To figure out what big generator you’ll need to power your entire house, determine the beginning wattage of the appliances and fixtures that will be powered.
Find a generator with enough power to outperform the total wattage of everything that requires energy.
The bottom Lines
Choosing the appropriate size generator for your needs helps to guarantee that your power requirements are satisfied during a power outage.
Because your generator has a long lifespan, it will also ensure that your investment is repaid.
A properly sized generator will help prevent short circuits and fire hazards. That is why getting the correct size generator for your home for a hurricane is important.
