A generator is an essential tool to provide a ready supply of energy in the event of a power outage. These devices come in a variety of dimensions and power capacities to meet the needs of various sized structures. To find the best one for your household, below is a guide to bear in mind when choosing your next generator.

How to Choose the Right Generator for Your Home

1. Estimate From Typical Power Outages

First, think about how often your power tends to go out and how long these outages usually last. There will be some guesswork involved since predicting future outages is impossible; however, you may be able to see a pattern in previous losses of power — such as their frequency and duration at certain times of year — which can better pinpoint your future needs.

For rare or brief outages, a smaller device may be all that's necessary. But if repeated or extended periods without power are common, a large generator is a smart purchase.

2. Determine Your Requirements

Consider the electric-powered items in your household that are required to maintain a safe and comfortable day-to-day life. Which devices are absolute necessities and which ones can you go without using for a few days?

If you would rather have the resources to access every item you might need during an outage, you may want a larger system. If you want to power basics like a refrigerator, washer, dryer, and water heater, a 25,000-kilowatt generator can handle the demand. For a whole-home energy source, choose a unit with at least 35,000 kilowatts.

3. Calculate Your Wattage

In general, the smaller a structure is, the fewer power demands it has. However, even a small house can have a lot of electrical appliances on which the household relies, so consider your household size and add up the wattage of your essentials to determine what generator to buy.

For help finding the right generator for your home, contact Aero Services. Since 1957, this Fairbanks-based motor shop has been serving customers throughout Alaska. They also sell new and rebuilt motors, battery chargers, and power tools, and they provide motor and air compressor repairs. Call (907) 479-6666 or visit them online for a full list of their services.