Choosing the right size Generac generator for your house is essential to ensure your home remains powered during outages. This decision involves understanding your power needs, the unique climate and weather conditions in Massachusetts, and the benefits of relying on a reputable service provider like B.P. Logue. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of determining the ideal Generac generator size for your home, emphasizing the importance of professional consultation and installation.

Questions? We can Help You!

Understanding Your Power Needs

Assessing Your Home’s Electrical Load

The first step in selecting the right Generac generator size is to assess your home’s electrical load. This involves calculating the total wattage of all the appliances and systems you want to power during an outage. Key appliances include:

  • Refrigerator: 600-800 watts
  • Heating System: 500-2,000 watts (depending on the type and size)
  • Air Conditioning Unit: 1,000-4,000 watts
  • Lights: 60-600 watts (depending on the number of bulbs)
  • Television and Entertainment Systems: 200-400 watts
  • Computers and Office Equipment: 100-500 watts
  • Kitchen Appliances: 1,000-3,000 watts (for items like microwaves, ovens, and dishwashers)

Add up the wattage of all these appliances to get a rough estimate of your total power requirements. For example, if your total wattage comes to 10,000 watts, you’ll need a generator that can handle at least this load.

Peak vs. Running Wattage

It’s also important to differentiate between running wattage (continuous power needed) and peak wattage (extra power needed when starting appliances). Many appliances require more power to start than to run. For instance, a refrigerator may need 1,200 watts to start but only 800 watts to run. Ensuring your generator can handle these peak loads is crucial.

Image showing different sizes of Generac generators suitable for various home power needs in Massachusetts

Consider Massachusetts’ Unique Climate

Harsh Winters and Power Outages

Massachusetts is known for its harsh winters, with heavy snow and ice storms that can lead to frequent power outages. In these conditions, maintaining heat is essential for safety and comfort. Therefore, your generator must be powerful enough to run your heating system continuously. A typical heating system in Massachusetts might require around 3,000-5,000 watts, depending on the size of your home and the type of heating system.

Summer Heat Waves

While winter is the primary concern, Massachusetts can also experience heat waves in the summer. Air conditioning units are power-hungry appliances, and during a heatwave, you’ll want to ensure your generator can support your cooling needs. This means accounting for an additional 2,000-4,000 watts for central air conditioning.

Associated Building and COntractors Member Logo
PASEIA Logo
BBB Accredited Business | A+ Rating Logo
NABCEP Certified PV Instalaltion Logo
Generac Generator Sales & Service Dealer Logo

Generac Generator Options

Generac offers a range of generator sizes suitable for different home power needs. Here are some popular options:

Generac Guardian Series

  • 10 kW Generator: Suitable for smaller homes or selective use (heating system, refrigerator, and a few lights).

  • 16 kW Generator: Ideal for medium-sized homes with multiple key appliances.

  • 22 kW Generator: Perfect for larger homes requiring comprehensive coverage (heating, cooling, kitchen appliances, and entertainment systems).

Whole-House Solutions

For those looking to ensure that every part of their home remains powered, whole-house generators like the Generac Guardian 22 kW or larger are recommended. These models can handle almost any residential load, ensuring seamless transition during outages.

The Importance of Professional Consultation

While the above guidelines provide a starting point, consulting with a professional is crucial for accurate generator sizing. B.P. Logue, with its extensive experience and impeccable reputation, is an excellent choice for homeowners in Massachusetts.

Why Choose B.P. Logue?

  • Experience: Serving New England clients since 1993, B.P. Logue has decades of experience in generator installation and maintenance.

  • Accreditation: A+ accredited business from The BBB and a screened & approved Home Advisor business.

  • Expertise: B.P. Logue’s team understands the specific needs of Massachusetts homes, ensuring that your generator is correctly sized and installed for maximum efficiency and reliability.

The Installation Process

Site Assessment

B.P. Logue will conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the best location for your Generac generator. Factors considered include:

  • Proximity to the main electrical panel
  • Distance from windows and doors (to prevent exhaust from entering the home)
  • Local zoning laws and regulations

Electrical Load Calculation

During the site assessment, the team will perform a detailed electrical load calculation to ensure the selected generator meets your power needs, including peak and running wattages.

Installation

Professional installation is critical for your Generac generator’s safe and efficient operation. B.P. Logue’s certified technicians will handle all aspects of the installation, including:

Maintenance and Support

Owning a Generac generator requires regular maintenance to ensure it’s always ready to perform during an outage. B.P. Logue offers comprehensive maintenance services, including:

  • Regular Inspections: Checking for wear and tear, fuel levels, and system diagnostics.
  • Routine Servicing: Replacing filters, oil, and other consumables to maintain optimal performance.
  • Emergency Support: 24/7 support to address any issues that arise with your generator.

Choosing the right size Generac generator for your Massachusetts home involves understanding your power needs, considering the local climate, and relying on experienced professionals like B.P. Logue. Investing in a properly sized and professionally installed generator ensures that your home remains safe and comfortable during any power outage. Trust B.P. Logue’s expertise and commitment to quality to provide you with the best standby generator solutions tailored to your specific needs.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact B.P. Logue today and ensure your home’s power security.