Should you buy an inverter generator? It all depends on how you plan to use it and, ultimately, your willingness to pay more for better performance.
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As with a traditional portable generator, an inverter generator can power your home appliances and electronics when the electricity goes out. You set it up the same way, too, using gasoline as fuel and safely positioning it at least 20 feet from your home—never indoors—with the exhaust pointing away from your dwelling to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
An inverter generator electronically throttles the engine to meet demand, making it more efficient and quieter than a portable generator that runs full tilt the whole time. “An inverter generator only ramps up as high as it needs to,” says David Trezza, the Consumer Reports engineer who oversees our generator testing.
To help you make better sense of your size options, we break our inverter generator ratings into four groups:
Large Inverter Generators
Most large inverter generators in our ratings weigh from about 150 to about 300 pounds (wheels included). That’s too heavy to haul along on a camping trip or to a tailgate party, but it’s big enough to power your house. These models generate 5,000 watts or more.
The largest inverter generators have 220v outlets that can be connected directly to your electrical panel with a safety device called a transfer switch, which CR strongly recommends. That allows the generator to power entire circuits in your home rather than requiring you to plug in individual appliances and electronics with extension cords.
Midsized Inverter Generators
Midsized inverter generators weigh 80 pounds or more and may or may not come with wheels. They produce 2,500 to 5,000 watts, but you can’t connect them directly to your electrical panel with a transfer switch because they lack 220v connections. That means you can’t use them to power equipment such as a water heater or a well pump. Instead, you plug appliances or electronics directly into the generator, which is less convenient.
This size is well suited for tailgaters or users of recreational vehicles. These models put out all the power you need for plug-in appliances like a toaster or microwave, and they’re light enough to unload and carry away to a safe distance from your vehicle or RV before use.
Small Inverter Generators
Small inverter generators weigh 50 to 60 pounds and generate 1,500 to 2,500 watts. That’s enough to be a steady source of basic backup power for a fridge, some lights, and a charger—but not much else. These units can’t be connected to a circuit breaker panel or used to power any hardwired device that doesn’t have a standard two- or three-prong plug.
Many small recreational inverter models have user-friendly features such as fuel-level indicators; some have wheels. They’re designed to be carried with one hand.
Compact Inverter Generators
Compact inverter generators weigh 30 to 40 pounds and produce around 1,000 watts, enough power for light-duty tailgating or camping. These units lack convenience features like fuel gauges or standard wheels.
Because they’re small and light, they’re designed for convenient, one-hand carrying. But they still can’t be brought inside safely. “Even a smaller generator can emit hazardous levels of CO in an enclosed space, so make sure you get a unit with CO safety technology and follow placement guidelines,” Trezza says.
Whether an inverter generator is worth buying depends on how—and how often—you plan to use it. If you just want a generator to power household appliances during short power outages, a portable generator will likely work fine and save you some money.
But if your power outages tend to be several days long, the efficiency of an inverter means you won’t have to fill up the gas tank as often. That could be useful if fuel becomes scarce after an emergency. An inverter generator also produces lower emissions than a conventional model, though you still need to take the same safety precautions by running one outdoors and well away from any dwelling.
Similarly, most household appliances will work just fine on the power from a conventional generator. But some medical equipment can be sensitive to the quality of the power or even be damaged by dips and spikes in voltage. An inverter generator tends to deliver power that’s “cleaner,” with more consistent voltage, which is reflected in the power quality test in our ratings. All of the recommended models have earned our highest score for power quality, while some of the conventional generators that we recommend score slightly below that.
Finally, the noise difference between an inverter generator and a portable generator can be significant. “Inverter generators are generally quiet enough not to drown out nearby conversation,” Trezza says. Many inverter models in Consumer Reports’ generator ratings earn a very good or even an excellent score for noise, making them especially useful if you plan to use your generator for camping or tailgating. In contrast, most portable generators we test have middling scores for noise—or worse.
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious risk with all portable generators that aren’t used properly, and inverter generators are no different. Like portable generators, inverter generators should only be used outside in an unenclosed area, at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust port pointing away from your dwelling.
To further reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, many portable generators feature a built-in sensor that triggers an automatic shutoff if CO builds up to dangerous levels in an enclosed space, while others have an engine that emits less CO in the first place.
The bottom line is inverter generators are not inherently safer than portable generators. While only portable and inverter generators with automatic CO shutoff earn our recommendation—regardless of how well the model performs otherwise—you’ll still want to observe safety precautions like with any other generator.
Power outages can bring life to a standstill, leaving you without electricity to run essential systems such as lighting, heating, cooling, and refrigeration. A generator can be a vital backup during such times, keeping your home functional and safe. But the question remains: what size generator do you need to run your house, particularly if you have a 1,500-square-foot home? Choosing the right generator requires understanding your energy needs, the types of generators available, and the factors that influence your decision. This guide provides a detailed breakdown to help you make the right choice.
Selecting the appropriate generator size isn’t just about having enough power—it’s about ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness. A generator that’s too small won’t provide enough power, potentially damaging your appliances or leading to frequent shutdowns. On the other hand, an oversized generator wastes fuel and incurs unnecessary costs.
When you select the correct size generator
Generator capacity is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. To determine the generator size you need, it’s essential to calculate the total wattage required to power your home during an outage.
For example
It’s crucial to account for both running and starting watts to ensure your generator can handle peak demands.
A 1,500-square-foot home typically includes essential appliances and systems that require power during an outage. Here’s a list of common household items and their approximate wattage requirements:
Appliance/System
Running Watts
Starting Watts
Refrigerator/Freezer
700
2,200
Central Air Conditioner (2-ton unit)
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3,500
4,500
Lights (entire home)
400
0
Electric Water Heater
4,500
0
Microwave
1,000
1,500
Sump Pump (1/2 HP)
1,000
1,500
Television and Electronics
500
0
Washer and Dryer
2,000
2,400
Total Running Wattage Approximately 13,000 wattsTotal Starting Wattage Approximately 15,000 watts
Based on these estimates, a generator with a capacity of 15,000–16,000 watts (15–16 kW) would be ideal for running a 1,500 sq ft home, covering all essential systems and appliances.
Portable generators are compact and versatile, making them a popular choice for temporary power needs. They typically provide power for select appliances rather than the entire home.
Standby generators are permanently installed and automatically activate during an outage. They’re connected to your home’s electrical system and powered by propane or natural gas.
Inverter generators are known for their fuel efficiency and clean energy output, making them suitable for sensitive electronics.
Begin by listing all the appliances and systems you need to power during an outage. Prioritize essentials such as heating, cooling, refrigeration, and medical equipment. Add their running and starting wattages to determine the total power requirement.
If you anticipate adding appliances or expanding your home, choose a generator with extra capacity to accommodate future growth.
While it may be tempting to choose the largest generator available, this approach isn’t always practical.
It’s more efficient to select a generator that closely matches your power requirements, with a slight buffer for unexpected loads.
Generators are invaluable during power outages, but they come with potential risks. Follow these safety tips to ensure safe operation:
Investing in a generator tailored to your home’s needs offers numerous advantages
Determining the right size generator for your house, particularly a 1,500-square-foot home, is essential for ensuring uninterrupted power during outages. By calculating your power needs, understanding the types of generators available, and considering factors such as fuel type and future expansion, you can make an informed decision.
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