To determine the size of the generator needed to run a house, you need to consider the appliances and systems you want to power and add up their wattage. The more appliances you want to use, the bigger generator you will need. Some appliances, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and sump pumps, draw a lot more wattage at the moment they’re cycling on, which can throw off your calculations if you don’t account for them. Therefore, you need to calculate the total wattage using the formula: Running Wattage (R) + Starting Wattage (S) = Total Wattage (R + S) .

Below is a list of approximate running wattage for various household appliances and technology:

• Refrigerator/Freezer: 600 - 800
• Electric Range (one element): 2500
• Toaster: 1100 - 1700
• Microwave: 1200
• Hot Plate: 1250
• Coffeemaker: 400 - 800

For example, if you want to power a small refrigerator, you need to consult the refrigerator owner’s manual and find that the running wattage for the device is 350 watts. The starting wattage is 350 x 3 = 1,050 watts. Therefore, the total wattage you need to run a small refrigerator would be 1400 watts, so you would need a generator that provided at least that many watts.

According to the experts, a generator that can provide between 5,000 and 8,000 watts would be enough to power a typical house. However, the size of the generator needed to power a house depends on your power needs. Some homes may require more power usage and appliances during a power outage, while others may only need a few running. Therefore, you need to estimate your energy needs by choosing the devices you want to run and adding up their wattage.

Here are some generator size options for different needs:

• 1 kW to 10 kW: If you’re looking for a backup generator, one in this size range can help you run electricity through a few rooms of your home. A portable 5 kW generator allows you to operate a refrigerator, four lights, a fan, and an electric motor. For the average-sized home, however, you’ll probably want at least 10 kW of power.
• 10 kW to 50 kW: Generators in this class permit homeowners to run more appliances simultaneously. Perhaps you have multiple energy-intensive devices such as HVAC units, water pumps, and washing machines that you want to use all at once. If so, you may opt for a propane, diesel, or natural gas generator in this size range.
• 50 kW to 100 kW: Typically diesel-powered, these units make a good choice to provide backup power generation for offices and restaurants.
• Large dual fuel 10000-watt units: For homeowners, this is the best option to power multiple home appliances.

It is important to get the right size backup power generator to ensure your power needs are met during an outage. Choosing a generator that is too small can result in power failure and damage to the unit, while a g...