How Big of a Standby Generator Do I Need?
TLDR
The right standby generator size depends on how much of your home you want to power, from essential circuits to whole-home backup.
Start by listing what you need to run during an outage, because essentials like HVAC, a sump pump, and a refrigerator require far less capacity than a fully powered home.
Standby generators typically range from 10 kW for smaller homes to 14 kW or more for whole-home backup, with plenty of options in between.
A professional load assessment is the most reliable way to determine the right generator size and ensure your system won't be overloaded or underpowered.
Key Takeaways:
The right generator size for you depends on how much of your home you want to power.
Essential-only and whole-home backup require different capacities, and larger homes and more appliances will require higher capacity systems.
Typical generator sizes range from 10 kW to 26+ kW, and professional sizing ensures reliable and efficient operation.
How big of a standby generator do I need? When it comes down to it, the right generator size for you depends on how much of your home you want to power, including essential systems, major appliances, and overall electrical load. Choosing the correct generator size helps make sure your home stays powered without overloading the system or paying for more capacity than you need.
Begin by deciding what you want to run during an outage. Some homeowners choose to power only essential systems, while others want full-home backup.
Common essential items to power with a generator include:
Refrigerator and freezer
Lights and outlets
Furnace or air conditioning
Sump pump or well pump
If you want to power additional appliances like electric water heaters, your oven, or your laundry machines, you’ll need a larger generator.
What Are the Typical Generator Sizes?
Standby generators are measured in kilowatts (kW). Some typical sizes include:
10 kW: Powers essential circuits in smaller homes
12 kW: Supports most major systems, including HVAC
14+ kW: Designed for whole-home backup and larger homes
Every home has different electrical demands, and a professional load assessment can calculate starting and running wattage to determine the correct generator size for your needs. It’s best to also add a safety margin when calculating generator size to ensure reliable performance.
Proper generator sizing helps prevent overload while still ensuring efficient performance and comfort during an outage. Find a KOHLER Home Generators dealer to pick out your standby generator and keep your home protected.
