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What Size Generator is Right for My Home?

November 27th, 2023

backup power lighted house

Having a backup generator in your home is a great way to better prepare your home for power failures, natural disasters, and other emergencies. If you’ve been thinking about getting one, though, you know that they come in a massive range of sizes. Which size is right for your home? The answer depends on a few key factors.

Choosing a Generator for the Average Ontario Home

Generators are classed by their kilowatt output. The more kilowatts you need, the larger the generator will need to be.

According to Stats Canada, the median single-detached home in Ontario measures approximately 1,520 square feet. A home of this size typically requires 15 to 20 kW for basic power. Smaller homes can get away with just 10 kW, while larger homes may need 25-30 kW or even more.

However, these are just estimates – ballpark numbers that will work fine for most people. If you want a generator that will allow you to maintain all the comforts you’re used to when the power is out, you’ll need to factor that extra power use into the equation.

Factors That Increase Power Consumption

Not all similarly-sized homes use the same amount of power. Some homes have additional systems that require power while others may use natural gas or oil for certain systems like heating.

Consider how many major electrical appliances you have. These appliances use a lot of power and greatly enhance everyday life. Some common ones include:

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Hot tubs
  • Window AC units
  • Portable heaters

The more of these you want to keep up and running, the more powerful your generator will need to be.

Next, consider any extras you want your family to have access to if the power goes out. These are little bonuses that may not be essential, but will definitely improve your quality of life during a stressful time. Think about things like:

  • Fridge
  • Freezer
  • TVs
  • Your garage door opener
  • Devices like laptops and phones
  • Gaming consoles

If you want reliable access to these things, you’ll want to add several extra kilowatts of power to your generator. It takes a lot more electricity to power these creature comforts than you might expect!

Still Not Sure? Contact Syles Mechanical

Deciding on the size of your generator is always a tricky prospect. If you aren’t sure what size or brand of generator you need, ask the experts at Syles Mechanical. Our electrical team will gladly walk you through your options and help you purchase and install a generator you can have full confidence in. Contact us today to learn more about our line of generators and how they can help you prepare your home in case of disaster.

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