What Size Generator Does My North Texas Home Need?
Quick answer
The right generator size depends on which circuits you want to keep running during an outage, not just your home's square footage. Paramount Electric performs a load calculation on-site — adding up the actual electrical draw of the circuits you want covered — to recommend the smallest generator that reliably handles your needs, rather than oversizing (and overpaying) or undersizing (and risking overload).
Essential Circuits vs. Whole-Home
Essential Circuits
A smaller, less expensive generator sized to power select items — refrigerator, well pump, key outlets, and lighting. Good for homeowners who want reliable backup for the essentials without the cost of full-home coverage.
Whole-Home
A larger generator sized to run your entire home's electrical panel, including HVAC. Good for homeowners who want full normalcy during an extended outage and don't want to think about what's covered.
What to Think Through Before Your Estimate
Walk through this list and note which items matter most to you — it's exactly what a Paramount Electric load assessment covers on-site.
| Circuit / Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator/freezer | Runs continuously; a must for most homeowners |
| Central air conditioning | One of the largest single loads in most homes; may need surge/starting capacity |
| Well pump | Critical if you're on well water — no backup power means no water pressure |
| Sump pump | Critical in flood-prone areas or homes with a finished basement equivalent |
| Lighting circuits | Usually included even in essential-circuits packages |
| Garage door opener | Often overlooked but commonly requested |
| Home office / medical equipment | Prioritize if working from home or using powered medical devices |
| EV charger | A major load — mention this upfront if you have or plan to get one |
Why a Load Calculation Matters
Generators are rated in kW, and every circuit you want covered draws a specific amount of power — some items (like AC compressors) also need extra "starting" wattage for a moment when they kick on. A licensed electrician calculates your actual combined load, not a rule-of-thumb estimate based on square footage, to recommend a generator that won't overload under real conditions.
Common Sizing Questions
Related Generator Guides
Sources & Standards
Reviewed by the Paramount Electric team · Paramount Electric · Last updated September 3, 2026
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Paramount Electric installs and services whole-home and essential-circuits generators throughout Rockwall, Heath, and the surrounding Dallas area.