Which loads matter?
List the loads you want supported, such as heating or cooling equipment, refrigeration, lights and a well or sump pump if your home has one. Separate the essential priorities from equipment you could leave off temporarily.
Share equipment details already available in manuals or safely visible labels. You do not need to open a panel, measure live circuits or collect exact electrical ratings to make the first inquiry.
Why is floor area insufficient?
Generator sizing cannot rely on square footage alone. Two homes of the same size can have very different electrical demands based on fuel type (gas, heat pump, electric), motor-driven equipment (well pumps, AC compressors), and which circuits you choose to power. A professional assessment accounts for starting surges and simultaneous use.
How can loads be prioritized?
You can choose to back up only essential circuits (such as lights, fridge, furnace) or aim for whole-home coverage. Load management devices can help prioritize high-demand loads like AC or well pumps when generator capacity is limited. The right approach depends on your budget, generator size, and equipment compatibility.
What does the assessment need?
To perform a load assessment, a technician will need access to your main electrical panel, a list of appliances you want to power, details about your fuel source (natural gas or propane), and any plans for future additions (electric vehicle charger, new HVAC). The calculation should be completed before purchasing a generator.