A home generator can mean the difference between being comfortable and trying to stay warm in a cold house when the heat’s been cut off or trying to stay cool in a house whose air conditioning has gone out due to a power outage. If a power outage is prolonged, it may mean the difference between being able to stay in your home at all or having to shelter elsewhere. But what are the power requirements if you want your generator to run your house for more than a day or so? What should you look for when it comes to a generator?
First Thing: Wattage
Starting watts is the wattage that it takes to have the generator start up in the first place. In some larger appliances, the starting wattage tends to be much higher than the running wattage or rated wattage, which is the wattage it takes to keep the appliance running over time. For example, a ceiling fan needs 1,200 watts to start up while it takes 800 running watts to keep the fan operating. A clothes dryer needs 6,800 starting watts and 5,400 watts to keep it running. Sometimes, an appliance’s starting wattage can be two or three times higher than its running wattage. The running wattage for a central 3-ton air conditioner can be 3,000, but its starting wattage is 7,500. Many appliances have stickers or come with owner’s manuals that show how much wattage is needed to power them.
Here Is What the Best 2000-Watt Generators Can Power
The third type of wattage to consider is surge wattage. This is the highest wattage that your generator is able to produce. If you need to run everything, such as lights, fridge, oven, HVAC system, and other devices from your generator, you’ll need to add up the running and starting wattage and add about 1,000 to 2,000 more watts to compensate for the surge wattage.
Generator Sizing for the Whole House
The wattage your appliances use ranges from 10 to 12 watts for your cellphone charger to over 25,000 watts for an electric furnace. You can calculate this yourself by adding up the wattages or having an electrician do it, but make sure that you buy a generator that can handle the wattage your home needs. One tip is to get a generator that doesn’t need to use more than 90% capacity in order to power your home.
As you don’t want to buy a generator that’s too small, you don’t want to buy one that is too big for the job, either. It’s rather like buying an air conditioner. An air conditioner that’s too small won’t cool down the house, and one that’s too big cycles on and off and wastes money. The problems that can arise with a generator that’s too small are even more serious than buying an AC that is too small for the space it needs to cool. A generator that can’t handle the wattage in your house will shut down and might damage your appliances in the process. A right-sized generator won’t cut off like this, will have a longer life span, and won’t need to be repaired as often. This is because it won’t have to overwork to run the electrical appliances and devices in your home.
Is a Home Standby Generator for You?
Home generators are a good investment if you live in a place where the power goes out pretty frequently and stays out for more than a few hours. You can also benefit from a generator if you live in an area that is often in the path of hurricanes or other violent weather that can knock out power for days or even weeks. Home standby generators can be connected to the circuit breaker in your home, and they come on immediately when there’s a power outage. That way, you won’t have to do without heat, hot water, or a sump pump that can remove water from your basement if there’s a storm. A home standby generator is also important if you rely on essential medical equipment that runs on electricity.
Generally, a 1,000- to 3,000-square-foot home can be serviced by a generator that provides 15,000 to 18,000 watts. A house that is 3,000 square feet or more can get by with a generator that provides 20,000 to 24,000 watts.
Types of Generators
There are several different types of generators for the home, and they can differ in the amount and type of power they can provide. For example, an inverter generator differs from a standard generator in that it uses three phases to produce electricity. In the first phase, it produces an alternating current, which is then turned into a direct current. Finally, the electricity is converted into an AC current. This helps the power remain stable and makes an inverter generator ideal for laptops and cellphones. It can also be portable.
Inverter Generator vs. Standard Generator: A Simple Guide
The standby generator is large, not portable, and its capacious fuel tank and fuel-efficient engine allow it to deliver the wattage needed to run the appliances in the entire house. Many now also come with Wi-Fi.
Generators can be powered by gasoline, but those powered by diesel are more efficient. Since diesel has a lower burning temperature than either gasoline or propane, there’s less stress put on the engine. This gives the generator a longer working life. Generators that use hydrogen as fuel are fairly new and can be hard to find, but they are fuel-efficient and can deliver higher wattage than other types of generators. They are excellent for homes that really need an uninterrupted supply of power. This includes homes where people are dependent on medical devices powered by electricity.
Figuring out the right generator wattage for your home depends on several factors, such as the type of generator and what you’ll need it for.
Check Out Some of the Bestselling Portable Generators Below
- EFFICIENT CHARGING: Use the adapter included in the package to charge the power station from 0 to 80% in 2hrs, and use the this power supply to charge other devices at the same time while charging, which could be equivalent to a charging strip , improving the efficiency of uses. It can be charged efficiently with MARBERO's dedicated 30W or 60W solar panel, suitable for outdoor or backyard camping
- COMPACT & PORTABLE DESIGN: Super slim size(6.5 x 4.6 x 3.1 inches), the portable power station is about the size of a basic DSLR; With the strong yet lightweight(3.2lbs) plastic case, plus an ergonomic handle, it's quite suitable for outdoor camping, road trips, backyard camping, home, school, office,etc.
- MULTI-OUTPUT: There are 8 output ports could be used at the same time, and the built-in BMS system ensures stability and safety. The car DC charger output cable(included) will supply power to car fridge, vacuum cleaner, and air compressor. USB and USB C PD ports are compatible for all the mobile phones(1hr full), tablets(1.5hrs full), laptops(2hrs full), it's an essential unit for road trips. The two AC output ports will power home appliances, such as small TVs, game consoles, projectors, etc.
- BRIGHT LIGHTS: With three levels of brightness, the portable power bank can be used as a professional flashlight when needed, which is very suitable for use when the car breaks down, power outage at home, or a tent power supply. The 1st level can be used for 68hrs(light up a small room), the 2nd level can be used for 48hrs(lighting for walking at night), and the 3rd level can be used for 37hrs(light up the living room). There is SOS mode, use the international SOS frequency for help.
- SECURED & ASSURED: The Battery Management System (BMS) allows for voltage control, temperature control and more advanced safety operations. Designed with the cooling vents on the back to help this portable power supply keep the temperature constant, its internal electrical elements will not be damaged by high temperatures. When it comes to short circuit or overload, it automatically shuts off the power to protect itself and the powered devices.
- 9500 Running Watts and 12500 Peak Watts (Gasoline); 8500 Running Watts, 11200 Peak Watts (Propane); Remote Start With Included Key Fob, Electric and Recoil Start; Up to 12 Hours of Run Time on a 6. 6 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Features Two GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Receptacle, One Transfer Switch Ready 120V L14-30R, and One RV Ready 120/240V 14–50R; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 457cc Westinghouse 4-Stroke OHV Engine Featuring a Long-Lasting Cast Iron Sleeve With Automatic Low Oil Shutdown and Digital Hour Meter. VFT display gives you real time updates with the voltage output, frequency, and lifetime hours
- Plug-and-Play: Comes With a Remote Start Key Fob, 12V Battery Charger, Oil, an Oil Funnel, a Tool Kit, and a User’s Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box (Minimal Assembly Required)
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed By 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage and Nationwide Customer Service Network
- HIGH-POWERED OUTPUT - This generator delivers a strong starting wattage of 4500W and a steady rated wattage of 3600W, easily handling the power needs of your home, RV, or construction site.
- PORTABLE AND DURABLE DESIGN - Weighing only 68.8 lbs and featuring a compact size (21.2 x 17.7 x 20.9 inches), this generator is easy to transport and store, ideal for those who need power on the go.
- WHISPER-QUIET OPERATION - Designed to minimize noise, this generator runs at just 76dB(A) at 23 feet, making it perfect for residential use and peaceful outdoor activities.
- EXTENDED RUN TIME - With a 1.6-gallon fuel tank, this generator can operate for up to 5.1 hours at 50% load, reducing the need for frequent refueling and ensuring a continuous power supply.
- SAFETY-CENTRIC FEATURES - Equipped with an EPA-compliant 223cc 4-stroke engine, this generator includes essential safety features like carbon monoxide detection, low oil level shutdown, and overload protection, ensuring safe and reliable operation.