What Size Generator Do I Need for My Home?
When the power goes out, your generator becomes your lifeline — but only if it’s the right size. Choosing the correct generator ensures your home’s lights, appliances, and HVAC systems stay powered safely without overloading circuits or wasting fuel.
Step 1: Estimate Your Power Needs
Start by thinking about what you want to run during an outage. Do you just need essentials like lights, fridge, and Wi-Fi, or do you want full power for heating, cooling, and laundry?
A quick rule of thumb: plan on about 5 watts per square foot for basic coverage — and more if you want full comfort.
Portable vs. Standby Generators
Portable Generators (2,000 – 10,000 watts)
Best for small homes or short-term outages.
Plug in select appliances or connect through a manual transfer switch.
Runs on gasoline — must be used outdoors for safety.
Budget-friendly, but requires manual setup.
Standby Generators (10,000 – 25,000 + watts)
Permanently installed outside your home.
Runs automatically when power fails.
Can run on natural gas or propane.
Ideal for whole-home coverage or long-term reliability.
If your home has central heat/air, a well pump, or multiple refrigerators, a standby generator sized between 16,000 and 22,000 watts is typically the sweet spot.
️ Professional Installation Matters
Hooking up a generator isn’t just plug-and-play — it involves load calculations, transfer switches, and code compliance. At Merilla Electric, we make sure your backup system is sized, wired, and grounded correctly according to the National Electrical Code, so your family stays safe and your power comes back instantly.
