How to Choose the Right Whole-Home Generator for Your New Orleans Home
Living in New Orleans means preparing for unpredictable weather, especially during hurricane season. One power outage can disrupt your comfort, security, and daily routine—making a whole-home generator not just a luxury but a necessity. With various models and capacities available, selecting the right generator can seem overwhelming. Factors such as your home's size, power needs, and fuel type all play a role in the best solution for your situation. This blog will walk you through the critical considerations to help you make an informed choice, ensuring your home stays powered when the grid goes down.
1. Assess Your Home’s Power Requirements
The first step in choosing the right generator is understanding your home's energy needs. Consider which appliances and systems are essential during an outage—refrigerator, HVAC, lights, and medical devices, for instance. A licensed technician can perform a load calculation to determine the total wattage needed. This ensures your generator can handle the demand without overloading or underperforming.
2. Choose the Right Generator Size
Whole-home generators come in various sizes, typically ranging from 10kW to 24kW or more. A smaller home with fewer essential appliances may only require a 14kW generator, while larger homes with multiple HVAC systems may need 22kW or more. Choosing the appropriate size ensures efficiency, prevents power interruptions, and extends the lifespan of your unit.
3. Consider Fuel Source and Availability
Generators can run on natural gas, propane, or diesel. In New Orleans, natural gas is a popular choice due to its steady availability and convenience. Propane offers flexibility, especially in rural areas, while diesel generators are often used for commercial purposes. The right fuel type will depend on availability, storage capacity, and your home’s existing infrastructure.
4. Look for Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) Capability
A quality whole-home generator should include or be compatible with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS). This feature detects a power outage and automatically starts the generator, then switches your home to generator power. When utility power is restored, it switches back seamlessly. This convenience ensures your home remains powered even if you're not present during the outage.
Reliable Backup Starts with Smart Planning
Choosing the right whole-home generator involves evaluating your specific needs, the structure of your home, and long-term usage expectations. A properly sized and installed generator provides peace of mind during storms, blackouts, and emergencies—ensuring that your family stays safe and your home continues running smoothly. Consulting with professionals can help you select and install the ideal system tailored to your household.
With 26 years of trusted service, Gore's Services provides expert generator maintenance, repairs, and installations across New Orleans, Louisiana. Our HVAC and electrical specialists help homeowners choose reliable backup systems suited to local power needs and climate conditions, offering dependable performance when it matters most.
