Not all house generators are right for your Columbus home, so here’s our guide to help you find the right size!
As fall settles over Columbus and the days get shorter, Ohio homeowners know what’s coming next—unpredictable weather, heavy winds and the occasional power outage.
Between fall storms and winter snowfalls, power interruptions can leave families in the dark and homes vulnerable. That’s why more and more residents are turning to house generators in Columbus, Ohio as a dependable backup power solution.
But before you invest, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right size generator. A unit that’s too small won’t keep your home running during an outage, while one that’s too large can be inefficient and unnecessarily expensive.
This common predicament is why we’ve provided this guide to help you determine the right fit for your home, as well as how Garber Electric team can make the process simple and stress-free!
Why House Generator Size Matters
When it comes to whole-house generators, size equals power—which is typically measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).
The size determines how many appliances and systems your generator can handle at once, and a properly sized generator will keep essential systems running smoothly without overloading or wasting fuel.
Undersizing a generator can cause it to strain or trip breakers during high demand, which also leads to inconsistent power or even damage to your appliances. On the other hand, oversizing means you’ll spend more upfront and on fuel than what’s actually necessary.
That’s why the key is finding the just right size that’s powerful enough to meet your needs, but also optimized for efficiency.
Step 1: Identifying Your Power Priorities
Start by deciding what you need to power during an outage. Every home is different, but most homeowners in Columbus focus on maintaining comfort, safety and basic functionality.
Some of the typical essentials during a power outage include the following:
- Heating system or furnace — crucial during Ohio’s cold winters
- Refrigerator and freezer — to prevent food spoilage
- Sump pump — to avoid basement flooding during storms
- Lighting and outlets — for basic comfort and safety
- Wi-Fi and communication devices — to stay connected
- Medical equipment or security systems — for health and protection
Some homeowners choose to power their entire home, while others prefer a partial system that runs only the most critical circuits. Listing your priorities goes a long way to help narrow down the right generator capacity for your unique needs!
Step 2: Calculating Your Columbus OH Home’s Power Requirements
Once you’ve identified which systems and appliances you want to run, you’ll need to estimate their total power demand.
Every appliance has a starting wattage (surge) and a running wattage (continuous use). For example:
- Furnace fan: 600–1,200 watts
- Refrigerator: 700–1,200 watts
- Sump pump: 800–1,500 watts
- Lights and outlets: 300–800 watts
Our licensed electricians can accurately calculate your exact wattage needs, but as a general rule, the total running wattage plus the highest starting wattage determines the generator size you’ll ultimately need.
Here’s a rough guide for most Columbus-area homes:
- 7–10 kW: Small homes, powering essentials only
- 11–16 kW: Mid-size homes with several key systems
- 17–22 kW: Larger homes or full-house coverage
- 25+ kW: Custom homes or properties with high electrical demand
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to consult with experienced professionals. Garber Electric specializes in assessing a home’s energy usage and recommending the perfect generator for all sorts of specific situations!
Step 3: Considering Fuel Type & Efficiency
Most whole-house generators in Ohio are powered by natural gas or propane. Both have their advantages, including:
- Natural gas connects directly to your home’s supply and offers unlimited runtime during extended outages.
- Propane provides flexibility for homes without gas lines and can be stored on-site.
The right choice often depends on your property setup, fuel availability, and how often you experience outages. The Garber team can help you compare fuel costs, performance, and maintenance requirements to make the best choice for your home.
Step 4: Planning For House Generator Installation & Placement
Proper generator sizing also includes planning where it will be installed.
Whole-house generators are typically placed outside on a stable concrete pad. Placement should allow for proper ventilation, easy access for maintenance, and compliance with local Columbus and Ohio building codes.
Our technicians will also ensure that your generator connects safely to your home’s electrical panel with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). This allows the generator to turn on automatically within seconds of a power outage, which means it’ll keep your home powered even if you’re away.
Step 5: Getting A Professional Generator Assessment From Garber Electric
Choosing the right size house generator is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Factors like home size, electrical load and personal comfort preferences all play a significant role for this investment decision.
That’s why the best way to ensure accuracy and peace of mind is to have a certified professional perform an in-home assessment.
At Garber Electric, our experienced technicians take the guesswork out of this process by evaluating your energy needs, recommending the right size and brand, and handling every detail of the installation, maintenance and service processes.
Our goal is always to ensure that your family never has to worry when the power goes out!
Contact The Garber Electric Team When You Need A House Generator In Columbus, Ohio!
Fall is the perfect time to prepare your home for whatever winter brings. With Ohio’s unpredictable weather, a properly sized and installed house generator in Columbus, Ohio can make all of the difference between comfort and chaos during an outage.
Before the first big storms hit, reach out to us online or give us a call at 614-289-8242 to schedule your consultation appointment today!