Introduction:
Buying a generator for your home is a serious investment. The size of the generator you choose to purchase will depend on multiple factors, including the size of your home. If you own a 2000 square foot home, it’s important to know what size generator you need to keep your home running in case of an emergency. In this article, we’ll be discussing the different factors that affect the generator size needed for a 2000 square foot home.
Determining the Wattage Requirements:
The first step to deciding on the right generator is determining the wattage requirements. Every home has a different power requirement, and it usually depends on the appliances you want to run during an outage. To calculate the wattage requirements for your 2000 square foot home, you need to add up the wattage of all the appliances and electrical items you want to power.
Here are some typical wattage examples of household appliances:
– Refrigerator (energy star-rated 21 cubic foot): 1200 watts
– Air conditioning unit (3.5-ton central AC): 3500 watts
– Electric range stove: 3,000 – 4,000 watts
– Microwave: 800 – 1200 watts
– TV: 150 watts
– Computer: 150 watts
Based on the above-listed appliances, the total wattage requirements for your 2000 square foot home would be approximately 9,700 watts.
Selecting the Generator Size:
The size of the generator you need depends on the total wattage requirements of your home. A rule of thumb is to choose a generator capable of producing 20 to 30% more watts than what you need. So, for a 2000 square foot home with a 9,700-watt requirement, you would need a generator with a minimum of 12,000 watts.
If you’ll be using the generator for emergency purposes only, you could get by with a smaller generator. However, it’s always better to choose a larger generator that can handle the power requirements for your home in case of an emergency.
Consider Fuel Type:
When selecting a generator, fuel type is also a crucial factor that one should not overlook. The most common types of fuel are gasoline, propane, and diesel. Gasoline is widely available, but it has a short shelf life and can be challenging to store. Propane is clean-burning and has a long shelf life, but it’s not as readily available. Diesel is the most efficient and durable fuel type for generators, but it’s also more expensive.
Choosing the Right Brand and Price:
It’s essential to choose a reputable brand when purchasing a generator. Brands like Honda, Briggs & Stratton, and Generac are popular for producing high-quality and reliable generators. However, the cost of the generator will also play a role in your selection. A higher price doesn’t always equate to better quality, so it’s essential to research the brand and model before purchasing.
Conclusion:
When deciding on the right size generator for your 2000 square foot home, it’s important to consider the wattage requirements, fuel type, brand, and price. It’s always better to err on the side of buying a larger generator than needed to ensure adequate power during a power outage. By considering all these factors, you can make an informed decision and purchase the right generator for your home.
Further reading: How Long Should A Portable Generator Rest?
Frequently Asked Questions – What Size Generator Is Needed For A 2000 Square Foot Home?
1. What factors determine the size of the generator needed?
The size of the generator needed depends on the size of your home, the number of appliances and devices in your home, and the power requirements of those appliances and devices. A 2000 square foot home may require a generator of different size depending on its power load.
2. What is the minimum size generator needed for a 2000 square foot home?
The minimum size generator needed for a 2000 square foot home is 5,000 watts. However, this might not be enough to power all the appliances and devices in the home during a power outage. It is advisable to go for a generator with higher wattage.
3. Will a 3,000-watt generator be sufficient for a 2000 square foot home?
A 3,000-watt generator might not be sufficient to power all the appliances and devices in a 2000 square foot home during a power outage. It is advisable to go for a generator with higher wattage, preferably 5,000 watts or more.
4. Can I run my entire home on a generator?
It is possible to run your entire home on a generator, but this depends on the size of the generator and the power requirements of your appliances and devices. It is advisable to conduct a power audit to determine the power requirements of your home before purchasing a generator.
Further reading: How Much Natural Gas Does It Take To Run A Generator?