How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a 2000 Square Foot House?

How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a 2000 Square Foot House?

Nov 11,2025

How Big of a Generator Do I Need for a 2000 Square Foot House?


Power outages can disrupt your daily life, especially in larger homes with higher energy demands. If your house is around 2,000 square feet, choosing the right generator size ensures you can keep all essential systems running smoothly — from lighting and air conditioning to kitchen appliances and electronics.

At Belmont Generator, we specialize in manufacturing diesel, gasoline, and natural gas generators that provide dependable backup power for residential and commercial use. Let’s explore how big of a generator you really need for a 2,000 sq. ft. house.


1. Estimating the Power Requirements of a 2000 sq. ft. Home

The first step is to determine your total wattage needs. A typical 2,000 sq. ft. home usually consumes between 5,000 and 9,000 watts during normal operation — but this depends on the number of appliances and whether you’re running central air conditioning or heating.

Here’s an approximate breakdown of common household loads:

  • Central air conditioner: 3,500 – 6,000 W

  • Refrigerator: 700 – 1,000 W

  • Lighting: 500 – 1,000 W

  • Water heater: 3,000 – 4,000 W

  • Electronics and small devices: 300 – 800 W

Adding up these numbers, a whole-home backup generator for a 2,000 sq. ft. property should deliver at least 10–15 kW to comfortably power your essential appliances.


2. Recommended Generator Sizes for a 2000 sq. ft. House

Below is a guide to help you match generator capacity to your specific home energy needs:

Home Power DemandRecommended Generator SizePower Output (Watts)
Basic essentials only7 – 10 kW7,000 – 10,000 W
Whole-home power (no AC)10 – 12 kW10,000 – 12,000 W
Whole-home with central AC15 – 20 kW15,000 – 20,000 W

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