Household Backup Generator Guide: Stay Powered Through Any Outage
When the power goes out, your day can grind to a halt, especially during a winter storm. A household backup generator steps in when the grid can’t, keeping the essentials running: heat, lights, fridge, and your Wi-Fi.
Whether you’re in a city suburb or a rural area where outages hit harder, having a generator means you can stay safe and comfortable instead of scrambling for candles.
In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of backup generators you can choose from, how to pick the right size, and what really matters before you buy.
What Is a Household Backup Generator?
A household backup generator is a standby power system that keeps electricity flowing when the grid goes down. It automatically starts when an outage happens and shuts off once normal power returns.
Think of it as a safety net for your home. It supplies power to essential circuits: lights, fridge, furnace, and outlets, so you don’t lose heat or food during an unexpected blackout.
In colder parts of Canada, where winter storms can last days, a backup power generator for home isn’t just convenient. It can prevent frozen pipes and protect your home from costly damage.
How It Works
Automatic transfer: A built-in sensor detects a power loss and signals the generator to start.
Fuel supply: It runs on natural gas, propane, diesel, or battery + solar, depending on the model.
Power delivery: Electricity flows through your home’s electrical panel, restoring power to chosen circuits.
Once grid power returns, the system switches back automatically. You don’t have to lift a finger.
Types of Home Backup Generators
Not all generators are built the same. They vary in fuel, size, setup, and how much of your home they can power. Here are the main types you’ll come across:
Standby generators
Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home, similar in size to a large air-conditioning unit. They’re hardwired into your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch that starts the generator within seconds of an outage.
Best for: Homes that lose power often or need uninterrupted service for heat, well pumps, or medical devices.
Fuel: Natural gas or propane, tied directly to a gas line or tank.
Pros: Automatic operation, strong output, and quick response.
Cons: Higher cost and requires professional installation.
If you want a hands-off system that keeps your whole home running, standby models are the gold standard.
Portable gas generators
Portable generators are smaller, wheeled units powered by gasoline or diesel. You roll them out during an outage and start them manually. They can power essentials, like your fridge, a few lights, or a furnace fan, through extension cords or, more safely, through a manual transfer switch connected to select household circuits.
Best for: Short-term outages or powering a few essentials.
Power range: Around 5,000–7,000 watts is common for household needs.
Fuel: Gasoline or diesel.
Pros: They’re affordable, easy to store, and flexible for home, camping, or worksite use.
Cons: No automatic start and needs refueling; must be used outdoors.
Battery or “solar” generators
Battery-based home backup electrical generators, commonly known as portable power stations, store power in large lithium batteries. You can plug them into a wall outlet, your car, or solar panels to recharge.
When you pair one with solar panels that produce electricity from sunlight, it’s often referred to as a solar generator.
Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners, renters, and anyone needing a quiet, simple solution for brief outages.
Pros:
Silent and emission-free: Perfect for indoor use and urban settings.
Low maintenance: No moving parts, no fuel storage, and no exhaust.
Portable: Many can be carried by hand or stacked for more capacity.
Cons:
Battery backups can’t power large loads for long periods. Most are designed for a few essentials: your phone, laptop, small appliances, and a light or two. However, newer models can handle fridges or space heaters for short stretches.
Recommended EcoFlow solar generators
If you need a solar generator system that can do more than just keep the fridge and lights on, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X is built for that job.
It delivers up to 12,000 watts of continuous output from a single inverter and can scale to 36,000 watts when you connect three together. Storage starts at 12 kWh and expands all the way to 180 kWh, so it can handle anything from short outages to several days off-grid.
Power switches over almost instantly, under 20 milliseconds with the smart gateway and under 10 milliseconds in UPS mode, so your essential systems stay running without interruption. The unit includes multiple AC outputs (NEMA 5-20, L14-30, and 14-50) for direct connections to appliances or panels.
With dual solar inputs supporting up to 10,000 watts of PV, it can make the most of rooftop or ground-mount solar arrays. For full integration, EcoFlow’s Smart Home Panel 3 and Smart Gateway are required, and it only takes hours-long install within 7 days of delivery.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X
Need something smaller? The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Solar Generator (PV220W) is a portable, quiet option that makes backup power simple. It combines a 2,048 Wh LFP battery, rated for over 3,000 cycles to 80% capacity, with a 220W folding solar panel that lets you recharge anywhere the sun shines. With 2,400W of AC output (and 4,800W surge), it can power fridges, lights, routers, or power tools without complaint.
If you need more runtime, you can connect up to two extra batteries for a total of 6,144 Wh. Recharging is quick: plug it into the wall, your car, or solar panels. The system accepts up to 1,000W of solar input, using smart MPPT tracking to keep charging steady even on partly cloudy days. Thanks to X-Boost technology, it can briefly handle high-draw devices up to 3,400 W, like coffee makers or small heaters.
The 220W panel folds flat for travel and can refill the main battery in roughly 2.6 hours with four panels, 3.5 hours with three, or 5.4 hours with two. It’s an easy way to keep essentials running quietly at home, no fuel, no fumes, and no hassle.
How to Calculate the Right Size of Backup Generator for Your Home
Finding the right size household backup generator doesn’t have to be complicated. You just need to know what you want to power and how much electricity those items use.
Step 1: List what you can’t live without
Start by noting everything you’d want running during an outage. Think about the essentials: your furnace or heat pump, fridge, sump pump, lights, Wi-Fi router, and maybe a few outlets for charging devices.
Check each appliance’s label or manual for its wattage. If it only lists volts and amps, multiply them to get watts (Volts × Amps = Watts).
Step 2: Know the difference between running and starting watts
Some appliances, like pumps or fridges, draw extra power when they first start up. That’s called starting watts or a surge load. Your generator needs to handle that quick burst on top of the regular running watts. Usually, only one big motor kicks on at once, so you only need to account for the single largest surge load.
Step 3: Add everything up and give yourself a buffer
Add together the running watts for all the appliances you plan to use at the same time.
Then add the highest starting watts from your list.
Finally, include a 20–25% margin so your generator isn’t working at full capacity all the time. That buffer keeps performance steady and leaves room for future upgrades.
Step 4: Check your gas or fuel supply
Going with natural gas or propane? As one of the essential supplies tip for emergency preparedness, make sure your gas meter and pipes can handle the extra flow when the generator runs alongside other appliances. An installer or gas utility can confirm that for you.
Typical household wattages (approximate)
Appliance or load | Running watts | Starting watts |
Refrigerator (modern, 18–20 cu. ft.) | 200–700W | 1,200–1,600W |
Gas furnace blower | 600–800W | 1,600W |
Sump pump (½ hp) | 500W | 1,500W |
Well pump (2 hp) | 2,000W | 6,000W |
Microwave (countertop) | 1,000–1,500W | — |
LED lights (10 bulbs) | 100W | — |
Wi-Fi router + modem | 15–30W | — |
These numbers vary by model, so always check your own labels. But they’ll give you a solid starting point.
Example: A typical setup
Say you want to run your fridge (300W), furnace blower (700W), sump pump (500W), lights (100W), and Wi-Fi (30W).
That’s about 1,630 watts running. Add the furnace blower’s 1,600-watt surge, and you’re at roughly 3,230 watts total.
Add a 25% cushion, and you’ll want a generator around 4,000 watts or more. In practice, many people choose a 5,000–7,000W unit for this setup, so they can add a few extra loads if needed.
What to Look for When Choosing Home Backup Generators
Now that you know what size you need, it’s time to pick the right model. A good generator should fit your home, climate, and comfort level with maintenance.
Power type and quality
If you plan to power electronics like computers or smart TVs, look for battery portable power stations, inverter generators, or units with low total harmonic distortion (THD), usually 5% or less. That means they produce clean, stable power that won’t damage sensitive devices.
Cold-weather performance
Canadian winters are tough on engines. If you live where temperatures drop below freezing, choose a model with a cold-weather kit: battery warmers, block heaters, or special cold-start settings. These small add-ons make a big difference when you need the generator most.
Transfer switch and load control
For whole-home systems, choose a service-entrance-rated automatic transfer switch (ATS) that matches your main panel’s amperage.
Some systems include load management modules. They automatically juggle high-demand circuits like your oven or well pump, so your generator doesn’t overload.
Fuel type and runtime
Natural gas and propane are convenient and clean but depend on your gas supply and local infrastructure.
Propane tanks need to be sized for the runtime you expect.
Gasoline or diesel work fine for portables but require careful storage.
Ask for each model’s fuel consumption at 50% and 100% load to get a sense of how long it will run between refills.
Noise and placement
Check the decibel rating, especially if you live close to neighbours. Many municipalities have noise rules, so this matters. Always follow the manufacturer’s clearance guidelines for exhaust and access.
Smart monitoring
Many modern generators come with Wi-Fi or cellular monitoring so you can check status, battery level, and maintenance alerts from your phone.
Comparing battery or “solar” generators
Prefer a solar generator? Here’re the questions to ask when evaluating them:
What’s the usable battery capacity (in kWh)? This tells you how much stored energy you can actually use. A 10-kWh system, for example, could run about 1 kW of load for roughly ten hours.
What’s the continuous and surge AC power output? Aim for at least 2,000W (4,000W surge) to handle your essentials.
How long will the battery last (number of cycles)? All batteries wear out slowly. The more full charge-and-discharge cycles they can handle, the longer they’ll last. A solid home unit should manage several thousand cycles before its capacity drops noticeably.
Can you expand it later? Look for systems that grow with you. Many allow you to add more battery modules or connect extra solar panels down the road. That’s helpful if your energy needs increase or you decide to store more solar power in the future.
How fast does it recharge? Recharge time matters, especially if you expect back-to-back outages. Check how long it takes to reach a full charge and how much sunlight or power you’ll need to get there.
Conclusion
A household backup generator gives you peace of mind when power outages hit, keeping your lights, heat, and essentials running no matter the weather. By choosing the right size, type, and features for your home, you’ll stay comfortable and safe through every season. Whether you go with a standby system, a portable setup, or a solar generator, investing in reliable backup power means you can face any outage with confidence.
FAQs
What size generator do I need to back up my house?
The right generator size depends on how much you want to power during an outage. For most Canadian homes, a 5,000–7,500W portable unit can handle essentials like heat, lights, and refrigeration.
If you want to run your whole home, including larger appliances, air conditioning, or a well pump, you’ll likely need a standby generator in the 10- to 22-kilowatt range.
To be sure, add up the running and starting watts of your key appliances, then include about 20 percent extra capacity. An electrician can confirm your total load and help match it to the right system.
Is a whole house backup generator worth it?
A whole-house backup generator is a solid investment if you live in an area with frequent or long power outages, rely on electric heat, or work from home. It starts automatically, runs on natural gas or propane, and keeps your entire home powered, no cords or refueling. While the upfront cost is higher than a portable model, it offers peace of mind, convenience, and protection for your food, electronics, and comfort.
What is the best generator for home backup power?
If you’re looking for the best eco-friendly and quiet generator for reliable home backup power, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X is a strong choice. It delivers up to 12 kW of continuous power, expandable to 36 kW, and stores from 12 kWh to 180 kWh of energy, enough to run major appliances and heating systems through long outages.
The system switches over in under 20 milliseconds, so your lights and essentials stay on almost instantly. It also supports solar input up to 10 kW and can connect to a gas generator for extended use. For Canadians planning long-term energy security, it’s a clean, flexible, and future-ready option.
Is a 10 kW generator enough to run a house?
A 10 kW generator can certainly be enough to run an average-sized Canadian home, but generally only if you are prioritizing essential circuits rather than attempting to power everything simultaneously. This size is typically sufficient for managing core necessities like a furnace, refrigerator, lights, and a few small electronics or a TV, and it is a common choice for a mid-tier backup solution. However, it likely cannot run high-wattage appliances like a central air conditioner, electric range, or electric water heater concurrently, so careful power management and circuit selection are necessary.