The Top 10 Best Portable Generator For House In 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good size portable generator for a house?

Most portable generators range in size from 2,000-10,000 watts. But what is the right size for you? It depends on what you need to power.

A good rule of thumb is to calculate the wattage of the appliances and devices you want to run simultaneously and then add 1,000 watts for a buffer. Here's a quick guide: 2,000-3,500 watts – can power small appliances like a fridge, microwave, or TV

4,000-7,500 watts – can power larger appliances like a washing machine or dryer 8,000-10,000 watts – can power multiple large appliances and tools If you're still not sure which size is right for you, consider renting a generator before buying one.

This way you can test it out with your specific needs in mind.

Can a portable generator power a whole house?

If you're considering using a portable generator to power your home during an outage, it's important to know what sized generator you'll need to get the job done. To find out, you'll need to calculate the wattage of everything you want to run at the same time. Keep in mind that you'll also need additional watts for a surge in electricity when starting some appliances.

As a general rule of thumb, you'll need about 5,000 watts for basic necessities like lights and refrigeration during an average power outage. If you want to run larger appliances or multiple items at the same time, you may need up to 10,000 watts. For example, running a fridge and freezer together may require about 1,800 watts while starting them up could demand 2,700 watts.

To be on the safe side and have some extra power available, choose a generator that's rated at least 25% higher than your calculated wattage needs. When shopping for generators pay attention not only to its capacity (watts) but also how many outlets it has so that you can plug-in all of your devices at once. Most homes have either 120-volt or 240-volt service—or both—and each one requires different types of plugs and outlets.

A 120-volt portable generator can usually handle household basics like lights and small appliances as long as they don't exceed its wattage rating. If your portable generator has 240 volts outlet(s), then it can provide enough juice to run large appliances such as water heaters or air conditioners that use 240 volts (30 amps).

What type of generator is best for home use?

There are many types of generators available for home use, and the best type for you depends on your specific needs. If you only need a generator for occasional power outages, then a portable generator may be the best option. Portable generators are less expensive than standby generators and can be easily stored when not in use.

However, they require regular maintenance and must be properly ventilated to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, or if you need a backup power source for your home business, then a standby generator may be a better option. Standby generators are more expensive than portable generators, but they're also much easier to maintain since they don't need to be regularly started and stopped.

Plus, standby generators can run for days or weeks without needing to be refilled, making them ideal for extended power outages.

What size generator do I need for a whole house?

If you're considering a generator for your home, you may be wondering what size generator do you need for a whole house? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as the wattage of your appliances and how many hours per day you'll be using them. To calculate the wattage of your appliances, simply add up the watts listed on each appliance's nameplate.

For example, if you have a refrigerator that uses 500 watts and a microwave that uses 1000 watts, your total appliance wattage would be 1500 watts. However, this is only an estimate of your power needs. Appliances like air conditioners can use much more power when they're first turned on than their stated wattage because it takes time for them to reach their full operating capacity.

In general, it's best to overestimate your power needs by at least 25%. As for how many hours per day you'll need to run your generator, that also depends on several factors. If you live in an area with frequent power outages, or if you rely on medical devices that require electricity, then you'll likely need to run your generator for longer periods of time.

To get a better idea of what size generator do you need for a whole house, consider contacting a certified electrician or engineer. They can help assess your specific power needs and recommend the right sized generator for your home.