What Size Generator Will Run a House?

What Size Generator Will Run a House?

Nov 11,2025

What Size Generator Will Run a House?


When the power goes out, having a reliable generator can keep your home running smoothly. But one of the most common questions homeowners ask is: What size generator will run a house? The answer depends on your total power consumption and the appliances you need to operate during an outage.

At Belmont Generator, we specialize in manufacturing high-performance gasoline, diesel, and natural gas generators for both residential and commercial applications. With our expert insights, let’s explore how to determine the right generator size for your home.


1. Understanding Your Household Power Needs

Before choosing a generator, it’s important to calculate your total wattage requirements. Every appliance in your home uses a specific amount of power, measured in watts (W).

Here’s a quick guide to typical power usage:

  • Refrigerator: 600 – 800 W

  • Air Conditioner: 1,500 – 3,000 W

  • Lights: 60 – 300 W (depending on number and type)

  • Washing Machine: 1,000 W

  • TV and Electronics: 200 – 400 W

To determine the total load, list all the appliances you want to power and add up their wattages. Remember that some devices (like air conditioners and refrigerators) require extra wattage when starting up — known as starting watts.


2. Generator Sizes and What They Can Power

Here’s a general overview of generator capacities and what they can typically support:

Generator SizePower OutputTypical Usage
3–5 kW3,000–5,000 wattsEssential items like lights, refrigerator, and small electronics
7–10 kW7,000–10,000 wattsMedium-sized homes with essential appliances and small AC units
12–20 kW12,000–20,000 wattsLarger homes with central air conditioning and high-power devices
22–40 kW22,000–40,000 wattsWhole-house backup power for large properties

At Belmont Generator, our diesel and natural gas generator series cover a wide range of capacities — from portable 3 kW units to industrial-grade 1000 kW systems — ensuring reliable solutions for every home size and energy demand.


3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Home Generator

Selecting the right generator size goes beyond just wattage. You should also consider:

  • Fuel Type: Diesel, gasoline, or natural gas — each has different efficiency and cost advantages.

  • Run Time: How long the generator can operate continuously on a full tank.

  • Noise Level: Especially important for residential environments.

  • Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS): Ensures seamless transition during a power outage.

Belmont Generator offers customizable solutions with built-in ATS and noise reduction technology, making them ideal for residential use.


4. Why Choose Belmont Generator?

With years of experience in power generation manufacturing, Belmont Generator delivers reliable, efficient, and safe energy solutions trusted by distributors and homeowners worldwide. Our products undergo strict quality control and come with responsive technical support to ensure long-term performance.

Whether you’re looking for a standby generator for your home or a portable backup power unit, Belmont Generator provides the right model to match your power requirements.


 

Choosing the correct generator size ensures your home stays comfortable and functional during power outages. Start by calculating your total energy demand, then select a model that offers enough capacity and reliability.

For expert guidance and a full catalog of home and industrial generator options, contact Belmont Generator today or visit our website: https://belmontgenerator.com


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