Most 3-bedroom Nassau homes with central A/C need a 22–26 kW standby generator. Larger western homes with multiple A/C units typically need 30–48 kW.
Generator sizing table for New Providence homes
Use this as a starting point. In the Bahamas, air conditioning is the dominant load, so A/C tonnage matters more than square footage. Confirm with a free on-site assessment.
| Home size | A/C tonnage | Recommended kW | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 bed / condo | Up to 3 tons | 14–18 kW | One A/C zone, fridge, essentials |
| 3 bed home | 3–5 tons | 22–26 kW | Two A/C zones, full appliances, pump |
| 4 bed home | 5–7 tons | 26–32 kW | Multiple A/C zones, water heater, pool |
| Large / western home | 8+ tons | 38–48 kW+ | Whole-home, multiple compressors, pool |
| Essential circuits only | Any | 10–14 kW | Fridge, one mini-split, pump, lights |
Starting watts vs running watts
Every motor-driven appliance — especially an A/C compressor — pulls a short, heavy surge when it starts, often two to three times its running draw. A generator has to cover that surge on top of everything already switched on. Size to running watts alone and the unit will trip or stall the moment the second A/C kicks in. We calculate your worst-case simultaneous starting load, which is the number that actually protects you.
Whole-home vs essential-circuits
Whole-home backup powers everything automatically and is the standard choice for homes with central A/C and for absentee owners who cannot flip anything by hand. Essential-circuits backup powers a chosen subset — the fridge, a mini-split, the water pump and lighting — on a smaller, less expensive unit. The right choice depends on your comfort expectations and budget; we quote both.
Why guessing is expensive
An undersized generator trips under load and shortens its own life; an oversized one costs more to buy, ship and run than you need. The cheapest mistake to avoid is sizing from a brochure. Once you know your target range, check generator prices in the Bahamas and read how standby installation works.