What Size Generator Do You Need? Hurricane Prep Tips for South Carolina Homeowners

How to Choose the Right Size Generator for Your Home’s Storm Backup Needs in SC

When storm season arrives in South Carolina, having reliable backup power isn’t optional—it’s essential. Between hurricanes, tropical storms, and widespread outages, a properly sized generator can keep your home safe, comfortable, and functioning when the power goes out.

At Ashley River Wired, we help homeowners across South Carolina select and install generators tailored to their specific needs. Here’s how to choose the right size generator for your home—and why expert installation makes a difference.

Why Generator Sizing Matters

Not all generators are created equal, and selecting the wrong size can lead to serious problems. A generator that’s too small may fail to power essential systems, while an oversized one wastes fuel and money and may not operate efficiently.

Proper home generator sizing ensures your backup power system runs efficiently and reliably when you need it most. This is especially critical in South Carolina, where backup generators for hurricanes help homeowners prepare for unpredictable weather patterns.

Understanding Your Home’s Power Needs

To choose the right generator, start by evaluating your home’s power requirements during an outage. Make a list of essentials you’ll want to keep running, such as:

• Refrigerators and freezers
• Heating and cooling systems
• Well pumps and sump pumps
• Lighting and security systems
• Medical devices
• Internet routers and electronics

Adding up the wattage for each device gives you a starting point for determining your whole house generator requirements. Depending on your household size and power usage, generators typically range from 7,500 to 20,000 watts or more.

If this process feels overwhelming, AR Wired can help by performing a comprehensive load assessment to recommend the ideal size generator for your South Carolina home.

Types of Generators to Consider

With your power needs in mind, the next step is choosing between portable and standby generators:

• Portable Generators: Affordable and flexible but require manual setup and refueling. They’re ideal for short-term, minimal power needs.
• Standby Generators: Permanently installed and connected to your home’s electrical system. These units activate automatically when the power fails, providing uninterrupted power—crucial during South Carolina’s hurricane season.

For most South Carolina homeowners, a standby generator is the best generator for power outages due to the risk of extended outages following hurricanes or tropical storms.

At Ashley River Wired, we specialize in generator services that ensures your system is seamlessly integrated with your home’s electrical infrastructure.

How Professionals Determine the Right Generator Size

A generator’s capacity isn’t just about adding up appliances. Professionals consider factors like starting vs. running wattage, surge demands, and potential future power needs.

Our licensed electricians at AR Wired provide comprehensive South Carolina generator installation services, including:

• Detailed home load assessments
• On-site evaluations for proper placement
• Ensuring compliance with local building codes
• Safe integration with automatic transfer switches

With our expertise, you can be confident your generator is sized and installed for both safety and reliability