Being in the midst of a Sarasota summer means that we need to be prepared for storms and power outages.

For many residents, smart preparation includes purchasing a generator to keep as many appliances running as possible.   Here in South Florida, we can assume that your air conditioner is likely to be a necessity for your family. Because it will likely take up the majority of a portable generator’s output, you will have to carefully prioritize any other appliance usage.

There are two basic options to choose from when selecting an appropriate unit – portable generators and standby (permanently installed) generators. Because they are more affordable and flexible, portable generators are a popular choice – but do they provide sufficient power for your home?

Important Facts about Portable Generators

  • Unlike a standby generator, which is always connected, your portable generator is usually stored until it is needed.
  • Even though it is not permanently wired, a proper connection between your appliances and your generator should be established before an emergency requires it. Generally this is achieved through your circuit breaker box. A technician can install a transfer switch which will be connected to your breaker box – allowing the portable generator to safely power the appliances you are planning to use.
  • Some people would prefer to simply run an extension cord from the generator to power their appliances. Should you decide to do this, make sure to utilize an undamaged cord with the properly gauged wire.

Do You Need a Licensed Electrician to Install a Transfer Switch? You should always have a certified electrician work on any electrical project, as an improper connection could prove dangerous to you or your family. However, many people do not realize that if the transfer switch is not properly installed, it could also endanger utility workers if your generator back-feeds to nearby powerlines.

Running Watts vs. Starting Watts

A portable generator can power fans, televisions, computers, microwaves, lighting and refrigerators. But does it have enough juice to power your air conditioning unit in the middle of summer? The answer requires a bit of math, and includes two concepts: starting watts, and running watts.

Running watts indicate the required wattage to run an appliance. If you have a 1,000 watt generator and your A/C requires 750 running watts, it would appear that the unit has sufficient power. This is not the whole story, however.

Many appliances, including your air conditioner, require an additional surge of power – known as starting watts – in order to power on. Starting watts use more power than running watts.

Will a Portable Generator Power My A/C?

Even if your generator can easily power a running air conditioning system, it must also have enough power to handle the initial surge. If not, your system likely won’t start, and you could risk electrical damage to the generator, your electrical panel, or your appliances.

Typically, most of the larger portable generators are rated for enough to provide starting and running wattage to power moderately sized air conditioning systems.  If you want to purchase a portable generator powerful enough to run your air conditioning system, take the starting wattage and running wattage into account before making your purchase.

When you work with Promise Electric to procure your generator – whether portable or standby – our expert technicians and electricians will work with you to choose the right size generator for your specific needs and budget. Don’t try to purchase a generator for your family without professional advice – we are here to help.