What Size Generator to Run A 1,600 Sq Ft House

Starting, Running, and Surge Wattage

Other than sizing a generator, it’s crucial to consider the appliances' starting, running, and surge wattage.

• Starting Wattage: Starting wattage is the minimum power an appliance needs to start running. It’s typical for appliances with motors and is higher than the running wattage. For example, a sump pump (1/3hp) needs 2850W power to start.
• Running Wattage: Running wattage is the power a generator needs to run. For example, a refrigerator requires a constant supply of 700W to keep running. It is typically printed in the appliance's instruction manual.
• Surge Wattage: Also known as peak wattage, it’s the highest power a generator can provide the appliance for some time. It occurs for a brief period, usually lasting 2-3 seconds. After that, wattage drops to the appliance’s running wattage.

Watt-Hour

Watt-hour, also symbolized as Wh, is an energy unit equivalent to one watt of power expended for an hour. In other words, it tells how much power a generator can continuously provide for 60 minutes with a full battery charge.

Determine Generator Size for a 1,600 Sq Ft House

Now that you’ve got a grip over the basic terms, it’s time to answer what size of generator you need to run a 1,600 sq ft house. To start with, understand the amount of power your appliances consume or their respective running and starting wattage, and here’s a table for that:

Calculate The Total Power Needs

The next crucial step in determining your generator’s size is to calculate the total power requirements. For that, use the formula:

Total wattage = Sum of the running wattage of the appliances

For example, you want to run a refrigerator (700W), a Well water pump- 1/3HP (575W), and a coffee maker (1000W) simultaneously.

Total wattage = 700W + 575W + 1000W = 2275W

You’ll need a generator with a minimum of 2275W power generation ability. Other than that, appliances have a surge wattage value, so calculate the sum to see if your chosen generator works or not. Here’s the formula for that:

Total surge wattage = Running wattage of the appliances + Single highest starting watts out of the items you want to use

Here’s how the calculation goes: Consider you want to run a refrigerator (700W), Well water pump- 1/3HP (575W), and a coffee maker (1000W) simultaneously. And refrigerator has the highest starting wattage of 2200W.

Total surge wattage = 2275W + 2250W = 4525W

So, you need 2275 running and 4525 starting watts to power your appliances from the chosen generator.

Please Note: Many appliances' power requirements are often mentioned in amps or volts. To calculate the running watts of the appliance, use the formula: Volts (V) × Amps (A) = Watts (W). For example, a typical coffee maker operates at 120V and 5A, so it's wattage = 120 × 6 = 600W.

Determine The Generator Size

When people talk about the size of a generator, it isn’t about its dimensions and weight but its capacity and the output it delivers. And sizing a generator is a balancing act.

Choosing a generator with more storage capacity and AC output than needed lets you add more appliances in the future. However, these are more expensive and require more maintenance. And big fossil fuel generators consume more fuel than smaller ones.  

Sizing down the generator might be cost-effective and lets you stay comfortable during a power outage. These are more portable and easy to maintain than the larger ones. But they can’t power the high-wattage appliances, and overworking them might damage the appliances.

A wise choice would be to invest in a generator with a capacity that slightly exceeds your power requirements. Having an additional 10-20% power generation ability or capacity keeps a buffer zone that includes other appliances in the future. For example, if your household power requires 2275W, the safe bet is investing in a generator with 2500-3000W capacity.

Other Things to Consider

Now that you’re sorted out on the generator size, decide on which type of generator to invest in. According to usage, generators are of three types: portable, inverter, and standby. The below table details the capacity and efficiency of each so that you can make a decision:

Despite low efficiency, portable generators have multiple advantages over the other two. With handles and rods, they are easy to move around, so get them anywhere, whether camping, tailgating, or off-roading. Besides, these are much cheaper, easy to use, and usable for multiple applications like powering up appliances during power outages, backyard BBQs, and DIY projects. Portable generators are considered ideal for home use.  

Which Type of Generator Is Suitable for Your House

Other than usability, generators are also of four types depending on the fuels they use, i.e., gasoline, natural gas, propane, or solar. Each has its share of advantages and disadvantages, which are detailed as follows:

Gasoline

Gasoline-powered generators use natural gas to run and generate power. Due to the plentiful availability of fuel sources, these are affordable and convenient. Their prices, however, are volatile during unanticipated circumstances- such as natural disasters.

Another downside of these backup power solutions is that they emit pollutants like carbon, which can be harmful to your family’s health. Also, they can be very noisy. So, if you opt for a gas generator, store gasoline in an airtight container to use during emergencies and install it outdoors.    

Diesel

Diesel generators, unlike their gasoline counterparts, are better fit for homes in extreme environments, especially during winters. They, however, are suitable as whole-home generators as they aren’t portable and produce sound waves up to 105dB, which can be annoying for you and the people nearby.

Although they’re costlier than gasoline, they save you money in the long term due to their limited maintenance and longer lifespan.

Propane

Propane generators are generally more reliable than others. Reasons: they are readily available, even during an outage, are easy to store, and run well in winter. So, if your electricity grid is down during extreme cold temperatures, you can rely on propane generators to power your appliances and ensure comfort.

On the downside, propane burns faster than diesel, making it a much costlier option. Besides, they are flammable and emit carbon monoxide during operation, which, if inhaled beyond safety limits, can even lead to death. Although these are much quieter (65dB) than diesel and gasoline generators, they can still become irritating during extended operation.

Solar

Finally, solar generators mostly cover up other generators' shortcomings. For instance, they use the sun’s rays to generate electricity, so you don’t have to depend on the availability of fuels to power them up. These are best from an environmental perspective, don’t emit harmful pollutants while operating, and are portable, reliable, and affordable compared to most standby generators. Also, they don’t produce much noise while operating and are easy to install and use.

Understandably, these are the reasons why they are a popular choice amongst most people looking for a battery backup solution. Jackery Solar Generators are one of the most efficient solutions out there, primarily due to their reliability, efficiency, and ability to operate under any conditions. You can use them to ensure comfort during power outages, live off-grid, and even power your entire home.  

Jackery Solar Generators for 1,600 Sq Ft House

Solar generators come with multiple benefits, like environmental sustainability, saving energy, versatility, and convenience. They are one of the best generator types available to a homeowner. And Jackery is one of the top manufacturers of solar equipment, especially solar generators.

Jackery Solar Generators combine Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations. The solar panels are made of monocrystalline solar cells that harness the sun’s rays to convert them into a stream of electricity. Then, the power stations directly convert the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). The current is stored in the power station and is sent to the appliances when needed.    

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro, with its large battery capacity, is a powerhouse to meet most of the power requirements of a 1,600 sq ft house. Be it your essential appliances like a refrigerator, TV, light, and computer, or heavy-duty appliances like an air conditioner, sump pump, water heater, and others, it can power them all. And its convenient app makes it one of the top solar generators for home emergencies.

Appliance Running Hours

• Refrigerator (700W): 3.7H
• Microwave (1000W): 2.6H
• Window AC (1500W): 1.7H
• Toaster (850W): 3.0H
• Sump Pump (1050W): 2.4H

Customer Review: “All I can say is it ran my refrigerator for 12 hours and only got down to 60%. That’s without solar panels. Also ran my PC (lots of social media videos), Xbox, and fan on another day, and it got down to 12%. Pretty impressed”- Rhys Adams

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is a versatile solar generator perfect to be your reliable power companion during dreaded extended blackouts. The best part is you can further add a few more batteries to accommodate other appliances in the future. Irrespectively, the power it holds is enough to power 99% of your mid-sized and heavy-duty household appliances.

Appliance Running Hours

• Refrigerator (700W): 5.0H
• Microwave (1000W): 3.5H
• Window AC (1500W): 2.3H
• Toaster (850W): 4.1H
• Sump Pump (1050W): 3.3H

Customer Review: “After a boatload of research, I recently purchased the Jackery 2000 Plus system, with two 200-watt solar arrays. I’ll be using this unit both in our 22’ RV (30 amp) and when living off the grid in our larger 5th wheel in the summer months.”- Randall MacPherson.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh)

The large Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh), with its massive battery capacity, can charge 99% of indoor appliances in your 1,600 sq ft home. This includes your AC units, refrigerators, sump pumps, well pumps, etc. With it fully charged, you can get an uninterrupted power supply during extended power cuts or blackouts. You can also choose to offset your dependence on the electric grid and reduce a chunk of your electric bills. Besides, it’s safe, reliable, and produces little to no sound while operating.

Appliance Running Hours

• Refrigerator (700W): 7.4H
• Microwave (1000W): 5.2H
• Window AC (1500W): 3.5H
• Toaster (850W): 6.1H
• Sump Pump (1050W): 5.0H

Customer Review: “This is absolutely a great addition to the 2000 Plus. I mainly have this for power outages, but will use this on the occasional camping trip. I will probably buy an additional pack to make my supply 6k.”- Mark Watkins.

How Much Is A Generator for a 1,600 Sq Ft House

To offset your dependence on the electrical grid, you need a generator with a capacity between 5,500 and 8,000 watts. It can power most home appliances, such as lights, refrigerators, microwaves, etc. Such a generator would cost you around $2,000-$3,500 upfront. Here’s a table for costs for different sizes houses are as follows:

The 1,600 sq ft home generator cost mentioned above doesn’t include the installation costs, which typically range between $2,400 and $6,500. To average it out, setting up a standby whole-home generator costs you around $4,400-$10,000. Other expenses with these generators include fuels, maintenance, and occasional repairs.

Jackery Solar Generators, although come with a bit high upfront cost, they are free of installation, maintenance, fuels, and other costs. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (6kWh) with a capacity of 6128.4Wh costs $5,599. That’s it. You won’t need to bear any additional costs at any point in the future, barring the benefits it offers over fossil fuel generators.  

How to Choose The Best Generator for Your House

When choosing the best generator for your 1,600 sq ft house, multiple factors come into play other than power output. These are as follows:

Fuel Type: Typically, generators run on diesel, natural gas, propane, and solar energy. Gasoline generators are affordable and widely available but emit pollutants, while diesel generators have a longer runtime. But both are noisy. Propane generators are durable but emit harmful carbon monoxide gas. On the other hand, solar generators use the sun’s rays, operate quietly, and are safe, efficient, and easy to use. Weigh in the pros and cons to make a suitable decision.

Portability: If you’re looking for a portable generator, inspect the dimensions and weight. Installation of wheels and handles makes transportation easier, and you can carry them in remote locations for camping, off-roading, and tailgating.

Noise Level: The type of fuel a generator uses also dictates its noise level. For example, diesel and gasoline generators are noisiest, followed by propane generators. Solar generators, however, make little to no noise.

Budget: Your overall budget dictates the generator type and size. Keep in mind that standby generators are more expensive than portable ones, as they include installation, maintenance, and other costs.

Safety: Safety is also a primary concern when choosing a generator. Generates that work on gasoline, propane, and diesel emits harmful pollutants and carbon monoxide gas when operating. So it’s safe to install these outdoors. On the other hand, solar generators are emission-free and safe to keep at home.  

FAQs

How big of a generator for a 2000 sq ft house?

The size of the generator for a 2,000 sq ft house depends on the number of appliances you want to use or your house’s power needs. In general, a generator with a capacity range between 12,000 and 15,000 watts should be enough.  

What size generator can run a full house with AC?

If you have a 3-ton AC, you at least need a 14kW generator; for a 4-ton AC, you need a 17kW generator.

What size generator does the average house use?

An average user uses a generator with 5,000-8,000 watts capacity and can power essential appliances like an air conditioner, refrigerator, TV, laptop, sump pump, light bulbs, and similar.

How big of a generator do I need for my electric bill?

The size of the generator you need for your electric bill depends on the number of appliances you want to power and for how long. For example, you’re powering a refrigerator (700W), sound system (300W), and a coffee machine (1000W) with Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro.

Working Time = Capacity of Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro in Wh × 0.85 / Operating wattage of the appliances.

Working Time = 3024 × 0.85/ 2000 = 1.3H

Note: There’s some power loss while charging; hence, we multiplied the battery capacity by 0.85.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the get the answer to what size generator to run a 1,600 sq ft house, you must calculate the power requirements of your house and, in turn, the appliances you’re using. Planning beforehand and investing in the right generator ensures you aren’t in discomfort during extended power outages and blackouts.

Jackery Solar Generators are one of the best out there that can power most of your household appliances without any issues. These come in various sizes, so get what suits your purpose the best. Besides, they are efficient and reliable and can work in any condition.

Well, the generator to invest in depends on multiple factors, but the top among all is the number of appliances to power. Let us know in the comments below what kind of appliances you are thinking of powering in your 1,600 sq ft house.