The new year is here, and while we’re all thinking about fresh starts and new goals, it’s also a good time to think about being prepared. For homeowners, that means making sure your dwelling can handle whatever comes its way, including power outages. A generator can be a real lifesaver when the lights go out, but only if it’s powerful enough to keep your essential stuff running. Let’s break down how to figure out if your generator can oversee the job.
Why Does Generator Size Matter?
Generators come in different sizes, and that size is measured in watts. Watts tell you how much power your generator can produce. For example, if you plug too many things into one outlet, you might blow a fuse. The same thing can happen to your generator if you try to run too many appliances at once. It could overload and shut down, leaving you in the dark. That’s why it’s important to know how much power it takes to run your home and if your generator can handle the full load.
Taking Inventory of Your Power Needs
Make a list of everything you’d want to power during an outage. This might include your refrigerator, freezer, some lights, your heating system, and maybe even your TV or computer if you need to stay connected.
Once you have your list, you need to find out how much power each item uses. You can usually find this information on a label or sticker on the appliance or in the instruction manual. Look for a number listed in watts or amps. If it’s in amps, you can calculate the watts by multiplying the amps by the voltage (usually 120 volts for most household appliances).
Starting Watts Surprise
Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize. Some appliances, like refrigerators and air conditioners, need a big burst of power to start up. This is called “starting watts,” and the required voltage can be much higher than the power they use to keep running. So, when you’re adding up your power needs, remember to include those starting watts. It could make a big difference in the size of generator you need.
Picking the Right Generator for You
Once you have a good idea of your total power needs, you can start looking at generators. Portable generators are smaller and usually cheaper, but they might not power your entire house. Standby generators are permanently installed and can power everything, but they cost more. It’s always a good idea to get a generator with a little more power than you think you’ll need, just to be safe.
Keeping Your Generator in Tip-Top Shape
Your generator needs regular checkups to make sure it’s running smoothly. This means completing tasks like changing the oil, checking the air filter, and making sure you have fresh fuel. It’s also a good idea to run your generator every now and then to make sure it’s working properly. You don’t want to wait until you’re in the middle of a storm to find out your generator isn’t working!
By taking these steps, you can make sure your generator is ready for anything so that it can give you peace of mind and keep your family safe and comfortable during those unexpected power outages. To make doubly sure your generator is functioning at top shape, call Circuit Doctor in Waldorf, MD for a thorough inspection and maintenance.
