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Guide to Choosing the Right Generator Size for Your Home or Business

A reliable backup generator is invaluable because it ensures uninterrupted power for homes and businesses. With over 30 years of experience in the generator industry, Generator Services, Inc. is an authority in providing dependable solutions.

Offering same-day services, licensed and insured operations, and expertise in servicing all brands, we prioritize your power needs. Trust us to guide you in selecting the ideal generator size tailored to support every facet of modern living or commercial operation.

Factors To Consider When Purchasing a Generator

When purchasing a generator, there are several key factors for you to consider, such as:

  • Voltage: Ensure compatibility with your existing electrical system to avoid potential damage.
  • Power output (kW): Determine the generator’s capacity to meet your power demands during both regular and peak usage.
  • Fuel type: Assess availability, cost, and environmental impact of diesel, natural gas, propane, or gasoline options.
  • Location: Consider space constraints, noise regulations, and ventilation requirements for safe installation.
  • Power need: Determine the essential appliances and systems requiring backup power to gauge the desired generator size needed.
  • Brand: Research reputation, reliability, warranty, and service support to make an informed choice.

Choosing a Generator Type

Understanding the differences between portable and stationary types plays a key role in choosing the best generator for your property. Portable generators offer flexibility and mobility, ideal for temporary projects or outdoor activities where power is needed on the go.

Stationary generators are permanently installed and provide reliable backup power for homes and businesses during outages, ensuring an uninterrupted flow of electricity.

A portable generator suits short-term or occasional needs, but investing in a stationary generator ensures continuous power supply during prolonged outages, making it the preferred choice for long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Best Sized Backup Generators for Homes

Backup generators provide essential power during outages, ensuring the continuity of daily life. Safety, durability, fuel efficiency, and consistent power (which means protecting your appliances), are just some of the reasons why selecting the correct size is important. Generac and Cummins offer reliable options tailored to home sizes and needs.

Homes under 1500 sq. ft. benefit from 7.5 kW to 10 kW units, ensuring essential functions. For 1500 to 2500 sq. ft. homes, 14 kW to 18 kW generators provide ample coverage. Larger homes exceeding 2500 sq. ft. require vigorous solutions, like 22 kW to 26 kW generators, ensuring power for the entire household.

Generac and Cummins generators cater to various needs, offering homeowners peace of mind with reliable, appropriately sized backup power solutions.

Recommended Industrial Generator Sizes for Businesses

No matter what industry your business is in, a generator must align with specific needs and applications. Businesses across industries like healthcare, construction, data centers, and telecommunications rely on backup power for uninterrupted operations.

As a general guideline, retail businesses may require 50 kW and 10 watts/sq. ft., while other commercial enterprises may opt for 30 kW and 5 kW/sq. ft. However, individual assessments by professionals are crucial for accurate sizing to ensure smooth functionality during outages.

Cummins Light Commercial, Blue Star Power, and Generac Light Commercial generators stand out as top choices and recommended brands for commercial generators. Some factors behind choosing a commercial generator include:

  • Emergency: Emergency generators can’t keep your whole facility running during an outage, but they can temporarily power safety systems such as emergency lights, fire alarms, and more.
  • Standby: A standby generator powers your entire facility in the event of an outage, kicking on automatically when the primary energy source fails without much delay to minimize disruptions.
  • Primary: Certain businesses use a generator as their primary power source to cut down on utility expenses and lessen their environmental impact. A primary generator is recommended when a business is a considerable distance away from a power grid or if the local grid is incapable of meeting the business’s specific power demands.

Choose Generator Services, Inc. for All Your Generator Needs in South Carolina

As a family-owned and -operated business with over 30 years of experience, Generator Services, Inc. is a trusted partner for reliable generator solutions. Benefit from our commitment to upfront pricing, providing transparency and peace of mind, as well as, our same-day services, catering to all generator brands.

Learn more about our generator services by contacting the GSI team today.

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