Preparing for hurricane season in Louisiana means planning for extended power outages. At Bozeman Distributors, we understand the importance of reliable power during hurricane season. That's why we carry Honda generators for every situation, paired with setup and maintenance resources to help you operate them safely and efficiently.

Why Does Generator Size Matter for Power Outages?

Buying a generator that's too small can leave you without power when you need it most while going too big means spending more than necessary.

An appropriately sized generator will: 

  1. Keep your essentials running without overload

  2. Help avoid electrical issues or fuel waste

  3. Power your home safely, efficiently, and reliably

Whether you're keeping food from spoiling or powering medical equipment, your generator needs to be ready for the job, particularly during multi-day outages. 

What Appliances Should You Power During a Hurricane Outage?

The first step in sizing a generator is deciding what you want to keep running during an outage. Start with the basics, especially if you're planning for emergency use during storms. 

Here are some common essentials people typically want to keep powered:

  1. Refrigerator/Freezer: ~600W running, 1200W starting

  2. Lights & Ceiling Fans: 60 to 300W per room

  3. Wi-Fi Router/Modem & Devices: 50 to 100W

  4. Phone Chargers & Laptops: 10 to 150W

  5. Window AC Unit (10,000 BTU): 1000 to 1500W

  6. Sump Pump: 800 to 1200W

  7. Microwave: 1000 to 1200W

💡 Tip: Add up both the running and starting watts to make sure your generator can handle the initial power surge.

What's the Difference Between Starting Watts and Running Watts?

Generators are typically labeled with two numbers:

  1. Starting (Surge) Watts: The power needed to start appliances

  2. Running Watts: The continuous power required to keep them operating

For example, a refrigerator might only use 600 watts while running but may require up to 1200 watts to start. Make sure the generator can handle both types of demand.

 What Size Generator Do I Need to Power My Home?

Here's a general breakdown to help you estimate what size Honda generator might work for your home:

  1. 2,000 to 3,000 Watts: Ideal for small backup setups, such as running a refrigerator, a few lights, a fan, and charging electronics. Models like the Honda EU2200i are perfect for this size.

  2. 5,000 to 6,500 Watts: Great for powering a refrigerator, freezer, lights, and small appliances simultaneously, and it can typically handle one window air conditioner unit. Consider generators like the Honda EM5000SX or EM6500SX.

  3. 7,000+ Watts: Powers most essential systems simultaneously, including multiple appliances, lights, and central HVAC systems in some cases. For extensive home coverage, the Honda EU7000iS delivers reliable power to keep essential systems running smoothly.

With the right generator size, you'll have the power needed to keep your home running smoothly and handle whatever hurricane season throws your way.

How to Choose the Right Generator Before Hurricane Season

At Bozeman Distributors, we understand the importance of reliable power during hurricane season. That's why we carry Honda generators for every situation, paired with the accessories you need for safe operation. Our experts will work with you to match a generator to your home's specific needs and ensure you feel confident using it before the next outage.

Contact Bozeman Distributors today and get the generator your home needs before hurricane season arrives.

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