What size generator do I need for a 2,000 sq ft house?
Square footage is only a starting point, because load decides the size. A 2,000 sq ft home with one 3-ton air conditioner and gas appliances usually lands in the 14 to 22 kW classes, depending on whether you cover essentials or the whole house. The worked examples above show the arithmetic.
How many kW does a 3-ton air conditioner need to start?
Typical figures are about 3,500 watts running and 9,000 watts starting. The surge above running is about 5,500 watts and lasts a moment. Some units have a soft starter that lowers the surge, so check the outdoor unit label and tell the team at the assessment.
Is a 22 kW generator enough for my home?
For many homes of 2,000 to 3,500 sq ft with one or two air conditioners and gas appliances, a 22 kW class covers the home, often with load management. All-electric homes with large loads can need more. Run the planner, then the free in-home assessment confirms the answer.
Can I run my air conditioner on a generator?
Yes, if the generator is sized for it. The air conditioner is usually the largest single driver of size in DFW, and two systems usually call for load management or a larger class. That is why the planner asks about tonnage and number of systems.
What is the difference between running watts and starting watts?
Running watts are the steady draw. Starting watts are a brief surge when a motor or compressor starts, often two to three times the running figure. Heating elements, such as a water heater, have almost no surge.
Does natural gas or propane change the size I need?
Yes. Most air-cooled standby units are rated lower on natural gas than on propane, so the planner divides by a cautious factor before it picks a class. The spec sheet for the exact model governs, and it is read at the assessment.
What is load management and does it let me buy a smaller generator?
Load management shares the generator between big loads, so the water heater, range, dryer and air conditioners take turns instead of all running at once. It often allows a smaller class. The trade is that some loads wait for their turn.
Can I run an EV charger on a standby generator?
It can be done, but a Level 2 charger draws about 7,500 watts, which is a large share of a mid-size unit. Most managed plans pause it during an outage. Choose complete coverage if you need to charge, or accept a slower charge.
What happens if my generator is too small? Too big?
A unit that is too small trips or sheds loads when several things start together. A unit that is larger than you need adds equipment, space and fuel supply without adding anything you use. That is why a straight recommendation matters more than the biggest number.
Does the heat in a Texas summer affect generator output?
A little. Manufacturer spec sheets list a small output reduction as the air gets hotter, a few percent at 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the sheets we reviewed, and each model differs. Altitude is not a factor in DFW, which sits at roughly 450 to 750 feet.
Do I need a panel upgrade for a generator?
Not always. It depends on the panel size, the space in it and the coverage you choose. A 100 A panel with complete coverage is the tightest case. The assessment checks the panel and says plainly what, if anything, needs to change.
What does the free in-home assessment cover?
It is free, with no obligation, and takes 30 to 60 minutes. The team looks at the electrical panel, the gas supply and meter, and where a unit could go, then gives a straight recommendation: which size, which brand and why. If a smaller system covers the need, HomeSafe says so. A written quote follows.
Will the planner tell me what it costs?
No. The planner sizes the system. Cost depends on your site, so there is no firm number over the phone, and a written quote follows the assessment. Financing options are described on the financing page.
How accurate is this planner?
It is a starting estimate from typical appliance figures. Your nameplates and your home decide the final size, and the printed range includes the surge. The assessment turns the range into one recommendation.
