What Can My Generator Power Up when the Power is Out?

As residents of the Midwest, we are no strangers to blackouts caused by severe weather. A freak thunderstorm or blizzard may leave your neighborhood without power for days! Fortunately, a proper whole house generator can be a literal lifesaver in an emergency. But what exactly can a backup generator power up during a power outage? Are there limits to the number of things I can power? How do I know which size generator to buy? This article will help you answer all these questions.

What Can Your Generator Power Up During a Blackout?

The good news is a whole house backup generator can power any appliance or device that runs on electricity during a blackout. However, it’s up to you to decide which ones you will need most when the power goes out. The following are some of the most common appliances homeowners choose to connect to their generators.

• Lights
• Refrigerators
• Heaters and coolers
• Garage door openers
• Water pumps
• Electric stoves
• Televisions

Can a Backup Generator Power my Whole House?

Modern whole-house generators do a fantastic job of instantly providing electricity when your home loses power. However, even the most powerful generators have their limits on the number of appliances and devices they can provide power to. So, It’s important to remember that generators are intended for emergency use. While you may want to power your home theatre during a blizzard, you might have to prioritize your essential appliances like your fridge and heater first. Ask yourself: What do I need to power to keep my family safe?

What Size Generator Do I Need for My Home?

Home backup generators generally come in three “sizes” based on the amount of electricity they can produce: 7kW, 10kW, and 20kW. During a blackout, an average-sized home (2500 square feet) requires roughly 6000 watts to power the “essentials,” such as refrigerators, water pumps, heaters, and air conditioners. If you live in a smaller house in an area that is only prone to short power outages, a 7kW backup generator may suffice, but if you have a larger home or live in an area that often experiences extended power outages, you may want to consider purchasing a unit with higher power output.

You can determine the size of generator you need by adding the combined wattage of the devices you need in an emergency. Here are the power consumption ratings for just a few appliances provided by Popular Mechanics Magazine.

• Refrigerator: 1200 watts
• Sump pump: 1000 watts
• Portable heater: 1,500 watts
• 4 ton Central AC: 8500 watts
• Lights: 200-1000 watts
• Desktop Computers: 200 watts
• Laptop Chargers: 45 watts
• TV: 300 watts

Don’t Get Left in the Dark!

Blackouts can be incredibly stressful. Fortunately, a capable whole house generator can give you peace of mind, knowing that your family and home are protected even during the longest of power outages. If you have questions about whole-house backup generators or need a little help deciding which unit is best for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact the pros at Midwest Generator Solutions today!