What Size Generator Do You Need?
Calculate the wattage needed for backup power during outages. Home essentials, whole-house, or jobsite.
Sizing Your Generator
Add up the running wattage of everything you want to power simultaneously. Then identify the highest starting wattage (motors in refrigerators, ACs, and pumps draw 2-3x their running wattage for the first few seconds). Your generator must handle both the total running load AND the highest starting surge. Undersizing leads to tripped breakers or damage to the generator.
Portable vs Standby
Portable generators ($400-2,000): 3,500-10,000 watts. Manual start, requires extension cords or manual transfer switch. Good for essentials during short outages. Standby generators ($3,000-15,000 installed): 10,000-22,000+ watts. Automatic start within seconds of power loss, powers the entire house through an automatic transfer switch. Runs on natural gas or propane — no refueling needed. Essential for homes with medical equipment, sump pumps, or frequent outages.
A whole-house standby generator (Generac, Kohler) installed with an automatic transfer switch is one of the highest-ROI home improvements in areas with frequent outages. It adds $3,000-5,000 to home value and is increasingly expected by buyers in storm-prone and rural areas.
