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| LIFE IN SOLERA | NOVEMBER 2025 | 3 FROM THE BOARD B Georg Vawte To determine the best generator size, you will want to follow a step- by-step process that balances your power needs, fuel type, and budget. Here's how to do it: Step 1: Decide what you want to power, what's essential during an outage. Common items include: Refrigerator/freezer, lights, medical devices, heating/cooling (furnace fan, space heater, a/c unit), internet router, phone charger, laptop charger, and TV. Step 2: Look at the labels or manuals for your major items. You can also use typical wattage estimates: Step 3: Calculate your total wattage. You may want a generator rated for at least 4,000 watts based on the appliances listed above. Ideally, you would not be running all of these devices continuously at one time but incrementally when necessary. Step 4: Match the Generator type to your needs: Step 5: You will need to consider fuel availability: Do you have natural gas, propane or will you store gasoline? Transfer Switch: For safety and code compliance, use a manual or automatic transfer switch. Professional Sizing: An electrician can calculate a properly sized unit. Please Note: More in-depth information will be provided in an article next month in our Life In Solera. Appliance Running Watts Starting Watts Refrigerator 600 700–1300 Microwave 1,000 1,000 Coee Maker 900 900 Toaster 800-1200 800-1200 Portable Fan 150 150 Space Heater 750-1500 750-1500 Lights (LED) 10 per light 10 per light Router/TV 300 300 Furnace Fan 700 1400 Type Typical Pros Cons Wattage Portable 2 – 10KW Aordable/Flexible Manual Setup (gas/propane) Standby (automatic 7 – 24KW Powers Whole House Expensive, needs natural gas/propane) installation & permits Inverter portable 1 – 7KW Quiet & Fuel Ecient Limited Power (safe for electronics) Capacity Battery Type/Jackery 1 – 6KW Super Quiet, Solar Expensive for Compatible, no noxious budget-conscious fumes buyers During Public Safety Power Shutos – A Generator is Our Alternative