Your Generator Is Too Big

November 6, 2026

When it comes to backup power, most people worry about one thing: Is my generator big enough?

But bigger isn’t always better.

An oversized generator can create its own set of problems, especially when it regularly operates far below its rated capacity. Diesel generators are designed to work under an appropriate load. When the electrical demand is consistently too low, the engine may not reach ideal operating temperatures or perform as efficiently as intended.

One potential result is wet stacking—a buildup of unburned fuel and carbon deposits in the exhaust system caused by prolonged operation under light loads. Over time, this can contribute to reduced efficiency, increased maintenance needs and poor generator performance.

Oversizing can also mean paying more upfront for equipment and potentially increasing fuel consumption and maintenance costs without actually gaining a meaningful benefit.

Proper Sizing Is About the Load

Choosing the right generator isn’t as simple as adding up the wattage of everything in a building. A proper load assessment considers which systems actually need backup power, how much electricity they require and which equipment may create a large temporary demand when starting.

For commercial properties, that could include elevators, HVAC equipment, pumps, refrigeration, lighting, fire and life-safety systems, servers and other critical equipment.

The goal isn’t to install the biggest generator possible. It’s to install one that can reliably handle the building’s required load while operating within an appropriate range.

When it comes to backup power, properly sized beats oversized.

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What Our Customers Say

4 months ago

“Michael levandoski,this is best tech we can have in years.”

Americo Bastidas
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a year ago

“Great place for rental and standby generators.”

Tad Lee
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a year ago

“Brian was great. Very professional. Responded timely to texts. Arrived on time and did a great job with my generator. I recommend him without any hesitation.”

Sheryl Selinsky
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a year ago

“Very easy to schedule and very communicative. Has great knowledge of generators. Knows their stuff and super easy to work with”

J R
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a year ago

“Portable Generator Services is proud to have Megawattage as a trusted partner in supporting our customers. Their extensive and modern fleet of rental generators, ranging from 20KW to 3000KW, is among the largest in Florida, providing us with unparalleled resources to meet diverse client needs.”

Brian Addeo
Posted on Google
3 years ago

“The Megawattage Team has been a great partner to work with over the past 5 years. They've supported us through storms and emergencies with generator rentals and also support our needs when temporary generators are required for maintenance projects with our partners. In situations where other companies might fall short on a request, Mega steps up and always supports us to the best of their ability. I trust their team and I highly recommend Megawattage for all your generator needs!”

Kathryn Deutschler
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3 years ago

“Would recommend Megawattage to any company in need of a generator. They are professional, accommodating, and delivered on all their promises. After hurricane Ian, Sea Grape Bay Condo's would not be as far along in their recovery if were not for Megawattage. Truly good people!!”

Sea Grape
Posted on Google
3 years ago

“Excellent service, Dana and his team have been taking care of our company for several years now and have always been top notch, very quick response and they will do what ever it takes to make sure your business is up and your generator remains running smoothly and protected. Highly recommend them.”

Rick Medina
Posted on Google
3 years ago

“Extremely profesional and trustable. We are their customers for al least 15 years. Thankful to have them as our generator maintenance contractor.”

Beatriz Vasquez
Posted on Google
3 years ago

“Technicians are very knowledgeable and professional. Always show up within hours for emergencies.”

Richard Washington
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3 years ago

“We needed a generator for a special event, and Megawattage provided us with the perfect solution. Their team was prompt and reliable, and the generator worked flawlessly.”

Alexis Bogomolni
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3 years ago

“Service and maintenance have been excellent. The people I have dealt with are very responsive and knowledgeable”

M. Lewis Temares
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3 years ago

“Extremely courteous and always on time with a professional attitude. They deliver all that they say”

Edgar Arroyo
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