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What Size Generator Do You Need?

Built by Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds · Verified formula

Calculate generator wattage needed based on the appliances you want to power during an outage.

📅 Updated April 2026 ✅ Formula verified 📖 4 min read 🆓 Free · No sign-up

In this article

Generator Sizing
Generator Types

Dimensionierung

Laufwatt addieren + groessten Anlaufstrom. Kuehlschrank 700W (Anlauf 2.200W). Heizungspumpe 500W (1.500W). Grundversorgung: 3.000-5.000W. Kaercher, Honda, Denqbar sind beliebte Marken.

Alternativen

PV + Batteriespeicher: eleganter und leiser. Aber bei laengerem Stromausfall im Winter: Generator als Backup sinnvoll.

⚡ CalcWolf Insight

The most dangerous generator mistake: running it indoors or in an attached garage. Carbon monoxide from generators kills 70+ people per year in the US. Run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from any door or window, with the exhaust pointing away from the house. Buy a CO detector for inside the house — they cost $20 and save lives.

Frequently asked questions

Welche Leistung?▾

Grundversorgung: 3.000-5.000W. Mit AC: 7.500W+.

Generator oder Speicher?▾

Mit PV: Speicher. Ohne PV: Generator als Backup.

✓ Math logic verified against primary sources → See our verification process

Kevin Glover · @gloverbuilds

Founder, CalcWolf · GLVTS · Blickr

All formulas sourced from primary references — IRS publications, peer-reviewed research, and official standards. Results are tested against independent reference calculators before publishing. Rates and brackets updated when official sources change. Editorial policy →