Quick Answer:
Most 2,000 sq ft homes need a generator in the 5,000 to 7,500 watt range for essential circuits, or 10,000–15,000 watts for near whole-home backup.
What Determines Generator Size?
The size of generator you need depends less on square footage and more on what you want to power.
- Central air vs window units
- Electric vs gas appliances
- Well pump or city water
- Number of refrigerators/freezers
Typical Wattage Breakdown
| Appliance | Running Watts |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 600–800W |
| Sump Pump | 800–1,500W |
| Furnace Fan | 600–1,200W |
| Lights & Outlets | 300–800W |
| Central AC | 3,000–5,000W+ |
Recommended Generator Sizes
5,000–7,500 Watts: Essentials only.
7,500–10,000 Watts: More comfort.
10,000–15,000 Watts: Near whole-home.
Portable vs Standby Generators
Portable: Lower cost, flexible.
Standby: Automatic, full-home.
Important Safety Note
Never connect a generator directly to your home without a transfer switch or interlock kit.
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