Figuring out the right size for a diesel generator to power your house can be a bit of a puzzle. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you put the pieces together! Let’s dive into how you can determine the perfect generator size for your home’s needs.
Factors to Consider
The size of the house
The size of your house is a primary factor. Larger homes typically require more power due to more appliances and potentially higher energy-consuming systems. RVs on the other side are less energy demanding.
Power requirements of appliances and devices
Every appliance and device in your home has its own power requirement. Some, like refrigerators and HVAC systems, consume more power than others, like lights or a TV. The electrification level of some houses is higher than others, especially if the heating/ cooling systems rely on electricity. When picking a generator for your home, there’s a key term to keep in mind: Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). In simple terms, THD measures the cleanliness of the power a generator produces.
For your modern electronics, like laptops and TVs, low THD is crucial. A THD of more than 3% might harm these sensitive devices.
Luckily, not all generators struggle with high THD. Inverter generators, for example, excel at keeping THD low, usually well below the 3% threshold, making them ideal for powering delicate electronics safely. That’s why it is crucial to identify what appliances you’ll power while using diesel generators.
Average power outage duration
Consider how long you typically need backup power. Short outages may require less power compared to prolonged ones, affecting the size of the generator you need. While a whole house diesel generator will probably cover all your energy needs, the installation and cost of one of these backup power sources won’t make sense for most normal users. Prices of these types of large generators usually are in the 100K range, making it prohibitive for most families. A temporary Mobile generator can be a whole house or similar to a portable generator can act as a backup generator for a designated circuit or set of appliances. This can often be a small cost and create enough power to maintain minimal electrical appliances such a refrigerator & Heating/ cooling systems.
How to Calculate What Size Generator Is Needed to Power a House
Step 1: Identify essential appliances
List out the appliances you absolutely need during a power outage, like refrigerators, heating/cooling systems, and lighting.
Step 2: Calculate wattage for each appliance
Check the user manual or the appliance label for power consumption, usually listed in watts. For example, an average refrigerator might use about 800 watts, while a central air conditioner can use around 3,500 watts.
Step 3: Add up total wattage
Add the wattage of all essential appliances. For instance, if your essentials include a fridge (800 watts), a furnace (1,000 watts), and ten lights (60 watts each), the total wattage needed is 1,800 watts.
Step 4: Determine starting wattage
Some appliances, like air conditioners or refrigerators, require more power to start. This starting wattage can be up to three times the running wattage.
Step 5: Determine running wattage
Running wattage is what your appliances need to operate continuously. It’s generally lower than the starting wattage.
Choosing the Right Generator
Understanding generator power ratings
Generators are rated based on their maximum power output (kW). Ensure the generator can handle the total wattage of your home, especially considering the starting wattage.
Smaller Portable generators are a cheaper alternative that can be used to maintain critical electrical appliances. On the contrary, bigger temporary Mobile generators or Standby/Backup generators can function as whole house diesel generators, due to their power output. Either option will determine how you hook up your generator.
Selecting a generator based on power needs
Let’s talk about picking out the perfect diesel generator for your home. It’s a bit like choosing a new car – you need to consider what you’ll use it for and how much ‘oomph’ you need. But instead of horsepower, we’re looking at watts!
Imagine you’re planning a cozy night in during a blackout, and you want to keep some essentials running. Here’s what you might consider:
- Your trusty Refrigerator:
- Puffs up to 1,200 watts to start, then settles at a cool 200 watts.
- The lifesaver Central Air Conditioner (3-ton):
- It flexes up to 4,500 watts at the start, then hums along at 1,500 watts.
- An Electric Water Heater:
- Steadily sips 4,000 watts.
- And let’s not forget the Lights (Ten 60-Watt Bulbs):
- A gentle draw of 600 watts in total.
Starting Wattage: We look at the biggest initial ‘power sprinter’. In our case, that’s the air conditioner at 4,500 watts & the refrigerator at 1,200 watts, plus the 4600 watts left.
Running Wattage: Add up all the ‘steady jogging’ watts – the fridge, AC, water heater, and lights, which total 6,300 watts.
You need a champ that can handle a peak (starting) wattage of 11 kW to handle everything running at the same time and a continuous (running) wattage around 6,300 watts.
But let’s be more economic – a generator with a running wattage capacity of 7,500 to 8,000 watts gives you a nice cushion. As long as you manage the starting wattage, you’ll have enough power, with the cost benefit of a smaller house generator.
So, for our cozy home setup, a diesel generator with a running wattage capacity of about 10,500 to 11,000 watts will cover both running and starting requirements but lets consider a 15,000 watts – 16,000 watts machine so that we stay at 50%-75% load max. It’s got the muscle for the big start-up energy and enough endurance for all your running needs. And remember, it’s always good to have a bit of extra power in your back pocket!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run my house on a Diesel Generator?
Yes, you can certainly run your house on a Diesel Generator. Diesel generators as a whole house generator are a reliable source of power that can provide electricity to your home during power outages or in areas where a stable electrical grid is not available.
How close can a diesel generator be to a building?
As for the proximity of a diesel generator to a building, it is important to maintain a safe distance to ensure the safety of both the generator and the building. The typical recommendation is to keep the generator at least five feet away from any structure but you should always consider your local ordnance and codes..
This distance allows for proper ventilation and reduces the risk of fire or carbon monoxide buildup. By following these guidelines, you can safely and efficiently use a diesel generator to power your house, providing you with the electricity you need when you need it. Our team at Cali Generators will take care of a safe generator placement and take into consideration all security measures.