"What size generator do I need?" is the most common question we get, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you actually want to keep running, not how big your house is. A 3,500 sq ft home with gas everything and window units can need a smaller generator than a 1,800 sq ft home with two central AC units and a well pump.

The big load: central air conditioning

Air conditioning compressors are the single largest electrical load in most Florida homes, and they draw significantly more power at startup than while running. If whole-home backup is the goal, your AC's starting (locked-rotor) load is usually the number that determines your minimum generator size — not your total square footage.

Other loads that add up

• Well pump — common in more rural parts of Volusia and Flagler County, and another motor with a real startup surge
• Refrigerator and freezer — smaller loads individually, but they add up, especially if you have more than one
• Electric water heater — a substantial continuous load if you want hot water during an outage
• Sump or pool pump — relevant for many newer subdivisions
• Medical equipment — often non-negotiable, and worth flagging specifically during sizing

Whole-home vs. essential-circuits systems

You don't have to back up everything. Many homeowners choose a smaller system sized for essential circuits — AC (or a portion of it), refrigeration, key outlets, and lighting — at a lower installed cost than a true whole-home system. Others want zero compromises and size for the entire panel. Both are legitimate choices; it's a conversation about priorities and budget, not just a technical calculation.

A rough starting point

For a typical Volusia County single-family home with one central AC unit, standard appliances, and no well pump, homes commonly land somewhere in the 14–22 kW range for whole-home coverage — but this varies enough by household that it's really a starting point, not a number to buy against. Larger homes, multiple AC systems, or a well pump can push that higher.

Try our generator sizing calculator for an estimate based on what you specifically want to power. From there, we'll confirm the number with an on-site load calculation as part of your free consultation — sizing a generator based on square footage alone is one of the most common (and expensive) mistakes homeowners make.

Ready to get a real number for your home? Request an estimate to schedule your free generator sizing consultation.