How Do You Know What Size Generac To Buy

Okay, let's talk generators. Specifically, Generac generators. Figuring out the right size can feel like deciphering ancient hieroglyphics, right?

You're not alone. Trust me.

The "Professional" Opinion (And Why It Might Be Wrong)

Everyone says, "Get a professional!" They say, "Calculate your wattage! Hire an electrician!"

Sure, that's a way to do it. But I have an unpopular opinion: It's often overkill. And expensive.

Wattage? More Like Watch-age!

The common wisdom is to meticulously calculate the wattage of every single thing you might want to run during an outage. From your fridge to your phone charger. It's exhausting.

Frankly, who needs that kind of stress when the power is already out?

Let's be real. Are you really going to run the microwave, the hair dryer, and the air conditioner simultaneously during a blackout? I didn't think so.

My (Slightly Reckless) Method

Here's my approach, which is probably frowned upon by the Electrical Safety Board. But hey, it works for me.

First, ask yourself: What are the absolute essentials?

I mean, really essential.

The Fridge Test

The fridge. It's the cornerstone of modern survival. Keep the beer cold, the milk from spoiling, and prevent a full-blown food apocalypse.

That's a big one, typically needing around 600 starting watts and 150 running watts.

Don't forget the starting watts! It is essential for a generator.

Furnace Fan (If You're Feeling Fancy)

Okay, if it's winter, you might want to keep the furnace fan running. Avoid becoming an ice sculpture.

That adds another few hundred watts, give or take.

Warmth is a solid plan. Remember the good old days.

Lights, Camera,...Almost No Action

A few lights. LED, preferably. We aren't lighting the bat signal, just preventing stumbles in the dark.

Modern LED lights use next to nothing.

Unless you're planning a rave, don't sweat the lights.

The Unsung Hero: Phone Charger

Gotta keep that phone charged! How else will you document the outage on social media?

Phone chargers sip power. Seriously, they are very conservative.

This shouldn't even register on your wattage radar.

The "Eyeball It" Approach

Now, add up those essentials. Fridge, furnace fan (maybe), a few lights. Get a rough estimate.

Then, find a Generac generator that's slightly bigger than that. Because it's better to have a little extra juice than not enough.

I call this the "eyeball it" approach. Highly scientific, I know.

Generac: More Than Just a Name

Why Generac? Well, they're reliable. Relatively easy to find parts for. And, let's be honest, everyone has heard of them.

Brand recognition counts for something, right?

I'm not saying they're the only good brand. Just that they are a solid choice.

The Inverter Generator Advantage

Consider an inverter generator. They're quieter and more fuel-efficient than traditional generators.

Plus, they produce cleaner power, which is better for sensitive electronics.

Think laptops, phones, and that fancy smart fridge you probably don't actually need.

Size Matters (But Not That Much)

Don't go overboard! A massive generator is overkill for just running a fridge and a few lights.

You'll be wasting fuel and making a lot of noise for no reason.

Think goldilocks - not too big, not too small, but just right.

The "Borrow From a Neighbor" Backup Plan

Okay, this is my secret weapon. The ultimate backup plan: Befriend a neighbor with a bigger generator.

Offer them beer and pizza in exchange for borrowing some power. Outage averted!

Social engineering is an underappreciated survival skill.

Seriously, Be Prepared

All joking aside, being prepared for a power outage is important.

But don't let the wattage calculations paralyze you. Pick a Generac generator that seems reasonable for your needs.

Then, stock up on beer. And pizza. For your neighbor, of course.

The "Trial and Error" Method (Use With Caution)

Here's a daring idea. Buy a generator. Try it out. See if it works.

If it's too small, return it (if you can) or sell it. Then buy a bigger one.

I am not responsible for any marital disagreements arising from this method.

The Electrician's Revenge

Now, I know some electricians are probably reading this and clutching their pearls. They're saying, "This is irresponsible! Dangerous!"

And they might be right. But sometimes, simple is better.

Besides, they can always come fix things when I inevitably mess something up.

Ultimately, It's Your Call

Choosing the right size Generac generator is a personal decision. Consider your needs, your budget, and your tolerance for risk.

And remember, there's always the option of lighting candles and pretending you're living in the 1800s.

It builds character. Or at least makes for a good story.

Consider Transfer Switch

One thing I will recommend, especially if you are connecting it to your house, is getting a transfer switch installed.

That is the safest way to manage the power.

Call the electrician on that one.

Final Thoughts: Don't Overthink It

So, how do you know what size Generac to buy? You eyeball it. You guess. You ask a neighbor. You roll the dice.

Okay, maybe do a little research too. But don't overthink it.

Life's too short to spend hours calculating wattage. Especially when the power is out.