Generator Sizing Concerns? As professional generator installers in Kingwood and the Greater Houston area, we are frequently asked questions like, “What Size Generator Do I Need For My House?” and “What Size Generator will power my whole house?” —
These are all very valid concerns. After all, the greater Houston area struggles with maintaining a reliable power supply all throughout the year (especially during our frequent and often extreme weather events).
When the power goes out, a whole house generator isn’t just a luxury—it’s peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with hurricane-related outages or sudden blackouts from grid strain, having backup power can keep your family safe and your home running smoothly. Unfortunately, choosing the right amount of backup power to meet your home’s unique needs can be intimidating.
But don’t sweat it, our local home generator company has got you covered! Let’s break down home generator sizing one detailed step at a time, so you can feel confident that you are making an informed decision!
Whole House Generator Sizing & Choosing The Right System
Choosing the right size generator is crucial for both performance and safety. An undersized generator may shut down under heavy load or even cause damage to sensitive electronics. This could leave you in the dark when you need power most.
On the other hand, an oversized generator installation costs more to purchase, install, and run. It also wears out faster if not used at its optimal capacity. The goal is to get a generator that efficiently and reliably meets your home’s power needs without waste.
How Standby Generator Sizing & Power Are Measured
Generators are measured in kilowatts (kW), a unit of power that indicates how much electricity the system can deliver at once. To size a generator for your whole house, you need to know your total electrical load, or how much power your home uses at peak times. This includes both continuous loads (appliances that run steadily) and surge loads (appliances that need more power to start).
Home Generator Size Calculations
Every home in the Kingwood and Houston area is unique, so a cookie-cutter approach won’t work. Here’s how to estimate your power needs:
- List Essential Appliances and Systems: These typically include HVAC units, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, microwaves, well pumps, water heaters, sump pumps, washers and dryers, and lighting. Don’t forget entertainment systems, garage door openers, and medical equipment if applicable.
- Check the Wattage: Each item will have a wattage rating. Use the label or user manual, or consult an electrician. For example:
- Central AC (3-5 ton): 3,500-6,000 watts
- Refrigerator: 600-800 watts
- Electric Water Heater: 4,000-5,000 watts
- Lights: 60-600 watts, depending on total usage
- Washer/Dryer: 3,000-5,000 watts
- Electric Range: 2,000-5,000 watts
- Add a Buffer for Startup Loads: Many appliances draw 2-3 times more power during startup. A buffer of 20-25% helps your generator handle these surges without issues.
After adding everything up, most whole-house systems fall between 18kW and 26kW, though larger homes or those with extensive systems may require up to 35kW or more.
How Much Can The Right Size Home Generator Power?
You don’t necessarily have to power every outlet in your home. Some homeowners in Kingwood prefer to run just the essentials to save on upfront costs. Others want full functionality—including air conditioning, all kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, home office, and even pool systems.
That’s where a load management system comes in. These smart generator systems automatically prioritize what gets power, preventing overload by cycling appliances on and off as needed. This can allow a smaller generator to power a larger home efficiently without compromising comfort.
Standby Generator Sizing Examples
Houston Home Generator Installation Examples:
- 2,000 sq. ft. home with gas heating and basic appliances: 18kW generator provides reliable full coverage
- 3,000 sq. ft. home with electric HVAC, electric range, and water heater: 22kW generator covers most household needs
- 4,500 sq. ft. home with dual HVAC systems, high-end kitchen, and outdoor lighting: 26-30kW generator ensures seamless operation
These are just benchmarks. Every home should be assessed individually to account for usage habits and future expansion.
Home Generator Fuel Type & Performance
Most standby generators run on either natural gas or propane. In Kingwood and the surrounding Houston areas, natural gas is typically preferred for its continuous supply and low maintenance. Propane is ideal for homes in rural or unincorporated areas where gas lines aren’t available. Just be sure your fuel source can deliver the necessary volume for your generator size.
How Much Natural Gas Does a Home Generator Use?
If you’re considering installing a whole home generator in Kingwood or the greater Houston area, it’s smart to understand how much fuel your generator will actually consume. Fuel usage impacts your utility bill and helps you plan for outages with confidence.
Natural gas consumption depends on the generator size and the load it’s supporting. Here’s a breakdown of typical usage:
- 15kW Generator at 50% load: ~150 cubic feet per hour (cfh)
- 22kW Generator at 50% load: ~200–220 cfh
- 30kW Generator at full load: ~300–350 cfh
To put this in perspective, most Texas homes on city gas use 40–100 cfh for heating and appliances. A generator will significantly increase your usage during outages—but only while it’s running.
Other factors that affect fuel consumption:
- Load Level: The more appliances you’re running, the more gas the generator uses. A generator running at 100% load consumes much more fuel than one running at 50%.
- Runtime: A long power outage, like those Houston frequently experiences during hurricane season, means longer generator operation and higher total gas usage.
- Generator Efficiency: Newer, well-maintained units are more fuel-efficient than older models.
Professional Home Generator Sizing Makes All the Difference
Trying to size a generator on your own can lead to costly errors. At Madd Roofing & Generators, we provide free on-site assessments throughout Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, and the greater Houston region. Our technicians inspect your electrical system, evaluate your appliance loads, and talk through your power priorities to design the perfect generator solution.
We also take into account future needs, such as planned home additions or the desire to run electric vehicles, which are becoming more common in the Houston suburbs.
Why Choose Madd Roofing & Generators in Kingwood, TX?
- Local Generator Installation & Servicing: We understand Houston’s frequent power outages, hurricane threats, and extreme heat. Ensuring you have the comfort and support you deserve, even through the most challenging weather conditions, is our number one priority.
- Turnkey Standby Generator Installation: We handle permits, inspections, wiring, fuel connections, and final testing. You get a seamless experience from start to finish.
- Top Brands: We install only top-rated brands like Kohler to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
- Reliable Local Support: Our team is always on-call for service and repairs, especially during storm season when the grid is most vulnerable.
Ready for a Full House Generator Installation in Houston?
Don’t leave your comfort and safety up to chance. Whether you live in Kingwood, Porter, New Caney, Spring, or anywhere in the greater Houston area, Madd Roofing & Generators can help you choose and install the perfect size home generator for your needs.
Contact our local generator installers today at 281-577-4065 to schedule your home generator sizing consultation. Protect your home and comfort now by ensuring you will still have power through Texas’s toughest weather!
