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.
In Indiana, power outages are part of everyday life during strong spring storms and icy winters. A dependable backup generator helps keep your essentials running and gives you peace of mind when the grid goes down.
But what exactly can a backup generator power during a power outage? Are there limits to the number of things you can power? How do you know which size generator to buy? This article will help you answer those 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
Think about what your family truly needs when the lights go out. Keeping food cold, staying warm, and making sure your water systems keep working are usually the top priorities. For most Indiana homeowners, that means powering the refrigerator, furnace, and sump pump first before anything else.
Can a Backup Generator Power my Whole House?
Modern whole-house generators instantly provide electricity when your home loses power, but even the most powerful systems have limits on how many appliances they can safely handle.
Generators are meant for essential use, not to power every device at once. Focus on keeping the most important systems operating safely and efficiently.
While you may want to power your home theater during a blizzard, it’s usually smarter to prioritize your refrigerator, heater, and lighting 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, such as Central Indiana’s ice storms or summer thunderstorms, a 14–20kW standby generator is often the right fit.
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
These numbers can add up faster than you might expect, especially when you’re running heating or cooling equipment. Doing a simple wattage check before you buy helps you avoid underpowering your home when it matters most.
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. Whether you live in Carmel, Zionsville, or right here in Indianapolis, understanding what your generator can safely power keeps your home comfortable and protected through Indiana’s unpredictable weather.
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!
FAQs
1. Can a generator run my air conditioner and furnace at the same time?
Yes, but it depends on the generator’s wattage. Most 18–22kW standby generators can run both systems safely if circuits are managed correctly. Smaller portable models may require turning off one appliance at a time.
2. How do I decide what to power first during an outage?
Always prioritize essentials such as sump pumps, refrigerators, and heating systems. Once those are stable, add lights and smaller devices as your generator allows.
3. How long can my generator safely run during an outage?
Most residential standby generators can operate continuously for 24–72 hours with adequate fuel supply and ventilation. Schedule maintenance at least once a year to ensure reliable performance during long blackouts.