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What Size Generator for a 2,000 Sq Ft House?
9,500watt portable (essentials + comfort)
covers 5,950W running with 8,350W peak — see table for essentials-only and whole-house standby
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| What you're powering | Running watts | Peak (starting) watts | Generator to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essentials (fridge, furnace fan, lights, TV, microwave) | 3,200W | 4,750W | 5,500W portable |
| Comfort (+ sump pump, freezer, window AC) | 5,950W | 8,350W | 9,500W portable |
| Whole house (central AC ≈ 3 ton for 2,000 sq ft + electric water heater) | 12,850W | 18,250W | 19–23 kW standby |
House square footage matters mainly through the central air conditioner — a 2,000 sq ft house typically runs a 3-ton unit (≈3,600W running, 9,000W starting). Everything else — refrigerator, lights, electronics — is about the same in any house.
Most homeowners are well served by the middle row: a 7,500–9,500W portable covers essentials plus comfort loads for a fraction of a standby's cost. Go standby when you want central AC on backup power or automatic transfer. Use the generator calculator to check off your exact appliances.
Other house sizes
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