How to Size a Home Generator for Central Texas Loads
HVAC, well pumps, freezers, and medical equipment — an honest guide to load calculations so you do not overbuy or undersize.
Buying a generator by square footage alone is how Central Texas homeowners end up with a unit that trips on A/C start or a system far larger than they need. Proper sizing is a load calculation: running watts, starting watts, and which circuits must stay on during an outage.
Sizing Building Blocks
Running vs starting watts
Motors (A/C, well pumps) draw a surge at start. Your generator must cover that surge or breakers will trip.
HVAC dominates
A single outdoor condenser can dwarf lights and electronics. Decide if cooling is required during outages.
Well pumps & freezers
Common critical loads on rural McLennan County properties — plan them explicitly.
Critical-load subpanel
Often smarter than whole-home: power essentials on a smaller, cheaper generator.
Nameplate ≠ marketing sticker
Read equipment nameplates and manuals. "7,500-watt" portables may not start a 4-ton A/C.
Future circuits
EV chargers and shop tools change the math — mention planned loads during assessment.
Transfer strategy matters
ATS vs interlock changes how loads are selected and protected.
Example Critical Load Checklist
| Load | Why it matters | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator / freezer | Food safety | Usually continuous essential |
| Well pump | Water for home/livestock | High starting watts |
| Medical devices | Health | Prioritize automatic transfer |
| Furnace blower / mini-split | Comfort & pipes | Starting surge varies |
| Internet / router | Work & safety | Low watts, high value |
| Doors & lights | Access & safety | Short duration |
PowerHold performs on-site load calculations across Waco, Hewitt, Woodway, Temple, and Killeen. Call (254) 991-2121 — flat-rate written recommendations, no upsell pressure.
DIY Prep Before Your Assessment
- Photograph your electrical panel schedule
- List must-run appliances and any medical equipment
- Note fuel availability (natural gas meter vs propane tank space)
- Decide whole-home vs critical-load goals
- Ask for kW options at two budget tiers
Want a Right-Sized System?
Book a PowerHold load calculation — clear kW recommendations and flat-rate install options.
Book Load CalculationStay in the loop.
Get fresh Central Texas business insights, web tips, and local updates — delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, no spam.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.