Question 1

What size generator do I need?

Accepted Answer

Add up the running watts of everything you'll run at once, then add the largest single starting (surge) wattage — motors briefly draw 2–3× their running watts at startup. A typical 'keep the essentials on' setup (fridge, furnace blower, sump pump, lights, Wi-Fi) lands around 5,000–7,500 watts. Whole-home backup runs much higher.

Question 2

What's the difference between running and starting watts?

Accepted Answer

Running (rated) watts is the continuous draw. Starting (surge) watts is the brief spike when a motor — fridge compressor, pump, AC — starts up, often 2–3× the running watts. A generator must cover total running watts plus the biggest single surge, so it's sized to the peak, not just the sum of running watts.

Question 3

Can I run my whole house on a generator?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, with a large enough standby unit and an automatic transfer switch — but it's expensive and usually unnecessary. Most people back up essentials with a portable or mid-size standby generator. Add central AC or electric heat and the required size jumps quickly.

Question 4

How do I connect a generator safely?

Accepted Answer

A portable generator must connect through a manual transfer switch or a listed interlock kit — never back-feed it into an outlet, which can electrocute utility workers and is illegal. Standby generators use an automatic transfer switch. Always run generators outdoors (carbon monoxide risk) and have an electrician do the connection.

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