Generators aren’t just for blackout emergencies anymore. More and more homeowners in St. John’s are adding backup power to make sure their homes don’t skip a beat, especially as storms and outages seem to happen at the worst times. Having the right size generator can keep your lights on, your fridge running, and your heat or AC working when you need it most. But if your generator is too small, it might not power key items. Too big, and you could be wasting money or space.
The good news is that you don’t have to guess. Picking the right generator size comes down to knowing how much power your home uses and what kind of setup works best for your property. From small cabins to larger family homes, there’s a size that fits just right. Here’s how you can figure that out without the stress.
Understanding Your Power Needs
Before looking at any generator, it helps to get a solid idea of how much power you actually use. That doesn’t mean you need exact numbers down to the last watt. But it does mean thinking through what really has to stay on during a power outage.
Start by making a list of must-have items when the power goes out. These usually include:
– Kitchen appliances (fridge, freezer, microwave)
– Heating systems or AC units (especially in winter or summer)
– Lighting in key rooms
– Sump pump or well pump, if you have one
– Medical devices, if needed
– Internet router and phone chargers
You’ll also want to think about your daily habits. For example, if you work from home and rely on a modem, Wi-Fi, and computer setup, those might be high on your list too. Once you’ve listed your essentials, look for the labels on those devices and take note of their wattage. If that sounds like a hassle, just start with estimates. You’re not committing to a purchase yet.
Think about whether you want to power just the basics or most parts of your home. A smaller portable generator might cover the bare minimum. But if you live in a bigger house or want to run multiple systems at once, you’re moving into standby generator territory. Either way, this step sets the stage for choosing something that fits your lifestyle instead of just hoping it’ll work during the next storm.
Types Of Generators And Their Sizes
Once you’ve figured out how much power you need, it’s time to find out what kind of generator matches that. Not all generators are built the same, and understanding the options helps you find one that hits the right balance.
Here’s a quick rundown:
1. Portable Generators
These are the smaller, more flexible option. They’re often gasoline-powered and can be moved easily. Good for powering just a few things like a fridge and a couple of lights. If you’re in a smaller home or just need temporary power during short outages, this might cover what you need.
2. Inverter Generators
Slightly more advanced than standard portable ones. They’re quieter and can safely power sensitive electronics like laptops. These are great for people who want their work-from-home setup to stay up and running.
3. Standby Generators
These are installed outside the home and kick on automatically during a power outage. Usually powered by natural gas or propane. They cover a lot more space and can power entire homes if needed. These are best for homes where power loss could seriously interrupt daily life.
Sizing is based on how many watts your home uses at its peak. Here’s how it usually breaks down:
– Small generators: 2,000 to 4,000 watts
Good for cabins or powering a few circuits at a time.
– Medium generators: 5,000 to 7,500 watts
Covers the basics in an average home, including heating or cooling.
– Large generators: 10,000+ watts
These can run full HVAC systems, kitchens, bathrooms, and most outlets at once.
Imagine trying to use a lawnmower to clear a baseball field. It might technically work, but it’ll be a slow, frustrating process. That same kind of mismatch can happen when your generator is too small for the job. That’s why it’s worth getting this part right early on.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Generator
Finding the right size generator is just one piece of the puzzle. To make sure you get one that really works for your home in St. John’s, you also need to think through a few more things.
Start with property size. A townhouse with baseboard heaters will have different power needs than a two-storey home with a central HVAC system. Larger homes usually have more appliances and more square footage to keep comfortable, which means higher energy demands during an outage. That can make a difference in generator wattage.
Next up is runtime. Some generators are built to handle short-term use, while others can run for days without stopping. Portable generators usually run on gas, which you’ll need to refill. Standby units connected to natural gas or propane lines can run longer without a refill. Think about how often outages happen in your neighbourhood and how long the power usually stays out.
Then there’s fuel type. Natural gas is often reliable if it’s already connected to your house, but propane works well too and can be stored right on your property. Gasoline is easy to find but doesn’t store well long term, especially during colder months. Diesel could be another option, but those generators are usually bigger and louder.
Don’t forget about safety features either. Some newer models include automatic shutoff if carbon monoxide levels rise too high or built-in overload protection. Both can give you extra peace of mind when you’re depending on your system during an outage.
Putting all these pieces together—size, fuel, runtime, and safety—helps ensure you’re not only keeping the lights on but also making smart choices that fit your home and lifestyle.
Installation And Professional Assistance
Once you’ve figured out the right size and type of generator, the next step is getting it installed the right way. This isn’t a DIY project. You’re dealing with electrical systems, transfer switches, maybe even gas lines, and plenty of local codes. One wrong move could damage major appliances or worse, create safety issues for your family.
Getting help from a licensed electrician means the job gets done properly. They’ll look at your panel load, figure out the safest setup, and make sure your generator performs when you need it most. Some generator installs also require permits or inspections, and professionals are experienced in handling that kind of paperwork too.
In St. John’s, where strong winds and storms can knock power out when you least expect it, you don’t want to take chances. For example, if your system isn’t connected correctly, current could flow back into the utility grid. That poses serious problems not just for your home, but for utility workers and the grid as a whole. An expert handles all these risks before they become an issue.
Power When You Need It Most
Choosing a generator isn’t about picking a random number on a wattage chart. It’s about solving a real issue—keeping your home running when outages hit. Whether it’s frigid temperatures in January or summer thunderstorms, St. John’s homeowners know it pays to be prepared.
By looking at your daily needs, understanding the types of generators available, and factoring in details like fuel and runtime, you can find an option that works just right. Then, with professional help handling the install, you can rest easy knowing your system will do its job when the time comes.
The next time a storm rolls through, you won’t be crossing your fingers. You’ll have power, comfort, and peace of mind thanks to a generator setup that fits your life.
Ensure your home stays comfortable and connected by choosing professional generator installation in St. Johns. At ShockFree Electrical, we provide backup power solutions that fit your property and daily needs. Whether it’s keeping your lights on or making sure your HVAC system keeps running, our team is here to help make outages a worry of the past.
