For most 3-bedroom homes, you’ll generally need a generator in the 8–15 kVA range, depending on how many appliances and systems you want to power. The key is to factor in not just the running watts of your lights, fridge, air-con, and pumps, but also the extra surge capacity needed when these appliances start up.

If your goal is to run only the essentials during an outage, a smaller unit may be enough. But if you want whole-home coverage, lights, heating/cooling, hot water, kitchen, and more then it’s smart to size up.

To make this easy, use our Home Generator Size Calculator. It asks a few simple questions and gives you a tailored recommendation, so you can avoid the risk of under-sizing and choose the right fit with confidence.

Air conditioning places one of the biggest demands on a generator, but any of our whole-house standby generators can handle it. To size correctly, add up the running watts of all essentials, then include the highest starting watts (usually the AC). Multiply that figure by 1.25 to give yourself headroom. This ensures your AC runs smoothly without tripping the generator. Try our calculator for quick numbers, or speak to our licensed electricians for a professional recommendation.

That depends on the fuel source and tank size. Portable petrol generators may only run 6–12 hours before refuelling, while larger diesel standby units with extended tanks can operate for days at a time. With features like automatic refuelling connections and remote monitoring, you can keep a whole property running through extended outages. If long runtime is a priority, ask us about oversizing your fuel tank for extra peace of mind.

Modern standby generators are designed with acoustic enclosures that dramatically reduce noise. In fact, many models operate at a volume similar to a normal conversation, making them suitable for residential settings. If noise is a concern, we can recommend ultra-quiet models or additional soundproofing options. The bottom line: you’ll have reliable power without the constant drone.