What Size Generator Do I Need To Run My House?

To run a whole house with a generator you will need a 5000 to 7500 watts generator.  This can run all the equipment properly without any hesitance. 

As we know a lot of people use generators in their houses. So it is a common question of everyone what size generator do I need to run my house? How do I calculate the size of a generator?  

Well, in that case, the most critical home equipment can be run by a generator rated at 5000 to 7500 watts. A generator with this capability of voltage can run all the household gadgets at once.

What is a whole house generator?

A whole house generator is a specific kind of backup power system. It powers the entire home, from lights to appliances and everything in between.

It dedicates that one generator can’t be used for all types of homes. For example, large generators are usually meant to power larger houses. While small ones might not have enough energy to heat to a smaller home or apartment complex.

What Size Generator Do I Need?

One of the most common questions people ask themselves before buying a generator is What size generator is enough to run an entire home with it? If you need a generator for your home, be sure to consider how many appliances will run off of it.

For homeowners looking for larger generators, the Westinghouse WGen9500DF is your best bet with 10kw output power. It is capable of powering multiple household items at once. The impressive features such as an LCD screen display unit are the main attractive point.

Here this can be your question that what facts it gives about working skill?? Now come to the point that it can run all kinds of electric gadgets together. Without overload circuits, you can use them in the time of emergency or outages like loss of electricity.

There is no issue with running your appliances one by one. This size generator can run all the equipment including the critical one. Even it will not also take a long to start and will not create any problems to run.

Here are some great generators you can buy for your home-

#1. Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment WGen9500DF 12500 Peak Watts: Best For Dual Fuel

The WGen9500DF is a superior generator that will keep you up and running in the event of an emergency. The cast iron sleeve construction offers durability.

The electric start button makes starting quick without having to strain yourself or risk injury from pulling on your power cord. The VFT Data Center shows voltage output along with the frequency data so you know what’s going wrong before it happens.

A great genset like this deserves some fine detailing.

What We Like:

• Outlets: This outlet has the perfect amount of power for your home. It can operate any machine you put in it.
• Capability: The generator output is so powerful it can light even the darkest room.
• Period: The high-quality, durable materials make this generator long-lasting. It also has attractive features that will keep you coming back for more.
• Portability: The machine is suitably portable, including a set of heavy-duty tools.
• Control Panel: The Transfer Switch, with its intuitive control panel and spotlights for L14-30R or larger 14-50R, is great to power major appliances in your home.

Keep in Mind:

• The remote FOB starter does not have a very long range. So it is important to be aware of your surroundings when operating this device.

#2. Champion Power Equipment 100520 8750-Watt: Best For Open Frame Inverter

The Champion Power Equipment 100520 8750-Watt is an Inverter Generator which is a state of art. It is a gas-free power solution for all your needs. This has thirty percent quieter and twenty-five percent lighter than other generators.

The features will make powering life easier than ever before! It monitors voltage with Intelligauge so you know when it’s time to charge up again. If there are any problems keeping track of hours worked it alerts us. There is no need for an expensive emissions cert in it. Get this generator now.

What We Like

• Power Button: The gas-powered engine is a classic, but this model has an electric one as well. There’s no need to get started, just push a button! The engine will turn on and start up quickly with an electric start.
• Sensor: This fuel pump features an oil shut-off sensor, which helps you avoid filling your tank with more than necessary. Not only does it detect how much you have used, but also when to turn it off.
• Connection: Connect your sensitive electronics with confidence. There will be no chances of any incident.
• Touch panel: Contain a quick touch panel on the control option. With Quick Touch Panel, you can easily access and adjust your controls with the touch of a button.
• Outlet: This outlet offers a dual USB charger and battery pack. One is an adaptor that can work with and the other is the micro USB or Apple Lightning cables.

Keep in Mind

• This inverter is quite a bit noisier than most vacuums, with its noise level rated at 72 dBA from 23 feet.

#3. A-iPower SUA12000E 12000 Watt: Best For Portable Generator

The A-iPower SUA12000 is a reliable power source that will help you to run all of your home appliances during an emergency. The large fuel tank of 7-gallon capacity gives a standard run time of between 4 and 5 hours at 100% load.

Depending on what’s being used in the house for lighting or cooking food while 9 more are available if needed with only half filling this generator.  With its powerful sensor system designed specifically to perform year after year no matter how often it sees use. Not even extreme weather conditions can slow down this dependable little champion!

What We Like

• Alert Light: There is an alert that the engine has been running with low oil levels and needs to be serviced. It will show up as either a red or yellow warning light.
• Starting Capability: The Electric Start gives you a great way to start in no time at all. It will be convenient and quick for people who don’t want an old-fashioned hand crank!
• Power up: The versatile generator allows you to run your major appliances in the event of an emergency. It features both gas and diesel engines. So you don’t have to worry about running out when using this product!

Keep in Mind

• Comparing with other generators it has a very low voltage capability. So it will be a great choice for areas with little or no power.
• There is a problem with this generator. It won’t work for medium and larger campers, so if you have one of those types then don’t get discouraged!

#4. DuroMax XP12000HX Dual Fuel Portable Generator-12000 Watt: Best For Gas or Propane Powered

The XP12000HX is the best of its sequence with 12,000 watts of POWER. This powerhouse serves power like stationary house standby generators. But the pricing range is very affordable.

It can also be used for portable applications such as powering most household essentials during emergencies like storms and blackouts.

This is a perfect choice for your everyday needs. It will be life-saving in those times when you need more backup than what one Generac or even two will provide.

What We Like:

• Interface: The front-facing fuel interface allows for quick and easy switching of your engine’s type. The design of this thing makes changing fuels a snap. With one simple turn, you can switch from unleaded to premium.
• Multimeter: A digital multimeter is a must for technical support. This device lets you measure voltage, frequency, and total hours of operation to troubleshoot various electrical problems in the engine.
• Fuel Type: With this generator, you have the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. It can run on either gasoline or propane. It’s a versatile choice for any situation.
• Alert Technology: The new technology will help to keep your generator safe. If there is a dangerous level of carbon monoxide, it shuts down for you.
• Outlets: To be prepared for anything, you need power. The four 120V GFCL household outlets on the panels will make sure that your home stays running smoothly even when faced with a grid-down situation.

Keep in Mind

• The warranty on this generator is limited. They only provide a 3-year factory guarantee. It may see as short for their liking or not enough time to make use of the product.

#5. WEN GN9500 420cc 9500-Watt: Best for Transfer Switch & RV Ready

The WEN 9500-Watt Transfer-Switch is a powerful and efficient portable generator that will keep your family safe during power outages or natural disasters. This EPA III compliant 420cc engine runs on only 4 Honda G100 Controler gas tanks.  So you’ll never have to worry about running low again. You can use this unit for all of those essentials such as lights in their home. Refrigerator (even if they are without electricity), sump pump since most homes don’t come equipped with enough batteries themselves. Heating/air conditioning systems too when there’s no way around it being hot outside.

What We Like:

• Electric Start: The generator starts quickly and efficiently with an electric motor. It is also able to be controlled from over 160 feet away. Thanks in part due to the included remote control.
• Easy to carry: A wheel and handle kit makes transportation easier than ever. It allows you to quickly move heavy equipment with ease. Without having to worry about the weight on uneven terrain.
• Sensor System: You will never need to worry about accidentally startup if you have one of these keyed ignitions. This system prevents start-ups while safeguarding the engine from any damage too.

Keep in Mind:

• The inverter may seem like a heavyweight. Most generators of recent times are not so well-carried, but they can’t be compared to this heavy machine.

How do I calculate the size of a generator?

For buying a generator you can calculate the size of the generator on your own. That will make easy your life.  To calculate the size of a generator first, you need to know the power requirements of your home.

This is a fact to know that most people don’t have any idea, how to calculate the ideal size of generator for their home? How many watts do most appliances use?

To calculate the wattage of a motor or non-motor load, you must first multiply voltage and current together. Next, add 25% to this number for power reserves/surge capacity. Finally divide by 1000 to get kilowatts before sizing your generator accordingly. The basic generator sizing formula goes like this:

1. Note down all the gadgets that will be powered.

2. Decide the wattage of starting and running for every appliance.

3. Calculate total power requirement using kW or KVA figures.

What features should I look for in a whole house generator?

When the power goes out, a generator can keep your house warm in winter or cool in summer. It can lighten up your life when needed most. For the best generator, you have to search for some specific features-

• When using a generator, it is important to place the machine far away from your home. its exhaust can be the reason for health damage.
• You should also install carbon monoxide alarms throughout your house. Before starting up the device make sure that they work properly.
• Performance is also predictable that should be verified. If your generator gives a great and long-lasting performance then you are lucky to have that generator.
• An ideal generator should have the feature of automatic CO shutoff. This CO sensor detects if there is any gas building up deadly. If that happens the sensor automatically shuts off the machine for safety.
• Low-CO engine guards carbon monoxide poisoning to avoid risk.
• An automatic start is a must feature to have in a generator. When the power goes off the generator should start on its own.
• So many models use only gasoline to run. Some others have a propane tank or natural gas line. And the rest can be converted by kits. So having a fuel capacity in it is necessary.
• Being updated about the fuel remaining amount is very important. Having a fuel indicator can help to know what amount of fuel is remaining in the tank. It also recommends that when to refill the tank.
• To avoid engine balance it is essential to shut off your generator when the oil is going low. But doing manually is a difficult task. In that case, Low oil shut-off sensor will check this out.
• More than one port is a way to prevent the load from one side. Putting the different plugs on the different ports spread the wattage and remove the load.
• Make sure that it should have removable ports. So that the plugs of different appliances can be disconnected when need.

How do I connect a generator to my home?

Plugging in each appliance with individual cords or powering a circuit panel using transfer switches are both great ways to keep your appliances running. The ways of connecting the generator are given below-

Extension and Gen-Cords

To begin the generator process, make sure to follow the pre-start checklist. Next, move it outside at least 10 ft away from any openings. Before connecting appliances that need power by either running one cord or several extension cords.

Transfer Switches

Start the generator outside and connect it to the transfer switch using the gen cord. Turn on the main breaker in the transfer switch from “Line” to “Generator”. Power one at a time while running your desired circuits.

What size generator do I need for my home during an emergency?

If you find yourself in a hurricane or other emergency with no power, your priority should be to buy and install a generator. So it can be your question that what size of generator would be perfect for an emergency? To know the actual size of a generator during an emergency you need to be aware of how many watts use your home appliances?

There are two main types of power generators: portable and stationary. Portable fuel-efficient units can be moved around. but they require regular maintenance.

Standby Generators provide emergency electricity on-site when needed by starting up automatically without any human interaction.

There is an ideal list for the generator wats of each gadget. Here you will get which generator size can run which equipment and how many watts they are-

Simple Portable Generator
Equipment	Watts
Refrigerator	800
Microwave	625-1000
Sump Pump	800-1050
Several Lights	450
Television	500
Midsize Portable or Small stationery
Equipment	Watts
Portable Heater	1500
Heating System	5000
Computer	5000-7500
Second Pump	6500
Large Portable
Equipment	Watts
Small Water Heater	4000
Electric Range	5000-7000
Central Air Conditioner	6500
Large Stationery
Equipment	Watts
Clothes Washer	400-1300
Electric Dryer	5000-6000

If your calculation figure doesn’t match up, don’t forget to consult with an electrician. And purchase a generator with slightly more power so the lights don’t go out when they’re needed most.

FAQ:

Final Verdict

All you have to do for buying a generator is to research about it and also calculate about your appliances. When the power goes out, it’s a relief to know there are generators for all sorts of needs. I recommend getting one that is just big enough. So you can enjoy being prepared without paying more than necessary to operate and maintain an oversized machine.