What Generator Size is Needed to Run a 1,500 Sq Ft House?
Power outages are annoying, but if you have the right generator, your home will still have power when the grid goes down. If your house is about 1,500 square feet, the type of generator you want, your energy needs, and your appliances will all affect your choice.
How Big is a 1,500 Sq Ft House?
A 1,500-square-foot home is considered a mid-sized house in the U.S. It typically includes:
Bedrooms: 2–3
Bathrooms: 1–2
Kitchen: Standard or open-concept
Living and Dining Areas: Medium-sized
Heating and Cooling: Central HVAC or space heaters
Appliances: Refrigerator, washer, dryer, microwave, and entertainment devices
What Size Generator to Run a 1,500 Sq Ft House?
| Generator Type | Recommended Size | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Generators (Gasoline, Propane, Diesel) | 7,500W – 12,500W | Temporary power, manual start, requires refueling |
| Standby Generators (Natural Gas, Propane) | 16kW – 22kW | Automatic start, continuous power supply |
| Inverter Generators (Gasoline, Propane) | 5,000W – 10,000W | Quiet, fuel-efficient, clean power for electronics |
| Solar Generators & Battery Storage | 10kWh – 50kWh battery + 5kW–10kW inverter | Stores energy, works with solar panels, limited runtime |
Generator size is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). The type of generator you choose affects the size needed.
Portable Generators (Gasoline, Propane, Diesel)
Ideal for temporary power or essential circuits.
Requires manual start and refueling.
Recommended Size: 7,500W – 12,500W
Powers lights, fridge, TV, and small AC/window unit.
Limited capacity for central HVAC or heavy-duty appliances.
Standby Generators (Natural Gas, Propane)
Automatically switches on during outages.
Runs continuously with a natural gas or propane supply.
Recommended Size: 16kW – 22kW
Powers the entire house, including central HVAC and electric stoves.
Inverter Generators (Gasoline, Propane)
More fuel-efficient and quieter than traditional portable generators.
Provides clean power for sensitive electronics.
Recommended Size: 5,000W – 10,000W
Best for partial home backup or RVs.
Solar Generators & Battery Storage
Stores energy for later use, often paired with solar panels.
Limited runtime unless battery capacity is large.
Recommended Size: 10kWh – 50kWh battery + 5kW–10kW inverter
Suitable for essential loads, not ideal for high-demand appliances.
Things to Consider When Choosing A Generator for a 1,500 Sq Ft House
Picking the right generator isn’t just about size; other factors play a role too.
Power Requirements
Calculate total wattage of essential and non-essential appliances.
Consider starting watts (higher for appliances like ACs and refrigerators).
Fuel Type
Gasoline: Easy to find but short shelf life.
Propane: Clean-burning but requires storage space.
Diesel: Efficient but noisy.
Natural Gas: Continuous fuel supply but requires professional installation.
Solar + Battery: Renewable but limited power storage.
Runtime
A larger fuel tank or connection to a fuel line ensures longer operation.
Battery-based generators depend on storage capacity.
Noise Level
Inverter and standby generators are quieter than traditional portable models.
Transfer Switch Requirement
For home backup: Install a transfer switch to connect the generator safely.
For small-scale use: Extension cords work but are less convenient.
Can a Portable Power Station Run a 1,500 Sq Ft House
Most portable power stations can only handle essential appliances like lights and refrigerators but not high-demand systems like central HVAC or large appliances. However, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is different. With its 4000W continuous output and the ability to boost to 6000W using X-Boost technology, the DELTA Pro 3 can provide power to much more than just essential appliances. Additionally, it offers expandable capacity options that significantly enhance its capabilities:
Single Unit: 12kWh (with 2 × DP3 Extra Batteries)
System: 36kWh (with 6 × DP3 Extra Batteries), expandable up to 48kWh
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This expandable setup means that the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 can be configured to meet the power needs of a larger home, including devices like refrigerators, lights, entertainment systems, and even central heating or cooling systems. It's a powerful solution for homeowners seeking reliable backup power during extended outages or for off-grid living.
Generator Size By Common American Home Size
The generator needs vary based on how much power different home sections consume.
| House Size (Sq Ft) | Recommended Generator Size | Typical Power Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 500 – 1,000 | 5kW – 7.5kW (Portable/Inverter) | Small home, apartment, tiny house (basic appliances, small AC/heater) |
| 1,000 – 1,500 | 7.5kW – 12.5kW (Portable) or 16kW+ (Standby) | Mid-sized home (fridge, microwave, TV, HVAC, washer/dryer) |
| 行数据 | 16kW – 22kW (Standby) | Mid-sized home (fridge, microwave, TV, HVAC, washer/dryer) |
| 1,500 – 2,500 | 22kW – 30kW+ (Standby) | Large house or luxury home (multiple HVAC systems, high-power appliances) |
To power a 1,500 sq ft house, a7,500W – 12,500W portable generator can handle basic needs, while a 16kW – 22kW standby generator provides full-home backup. Fuel type, runtime, and power requirements all play a role in selecting the best option. Whether you're looking for a temporary backup solution or a whole-house standby system, the right size ensures your home stays powered when you need it most.
FAQs
When does kWh matter when picking a generator for a 1,500 sq ft house?
For fuel-powered generators, focus on kW (power output) since they run as long as there’s fuel. kWh (energy storage) only matters for solar and battery-powered setups—it tells you how long stored power lasts. If you need backup electricity for essentials, 10–20kWh is enough. For full-home power, including HVAC and large appliances, go for 50kWh or more.
How much power does a 1,000 sq ft house need?
A 5kW–7.5kW generator covers basic necessities like lighting, a fridge (600W), a TV (100W), and a small AC (1,000W). If you plan to run a well pump (1,000W), microwave (1,200W), or an electric stove (3,000W+), you’ll need at least 7.5kW.
What generator size works for a 1,200 sq ft home?
A 7.5kW–10kW generator should be enough to run kitchen appliances, entertainment devices, and a small AC unit (1,000–1,500W). If your home has central HVAC, which draws 3,500–5,000W, you'll need a unit on the higher end or beyond.
How big of a generator is required for a 1,400 sq ft house?
A 10kW–12.5kW unit will handle everyday essentials, including a fridge (600W), microwave (1,200W), lights (500W), and a small HVAC system (3,500W). Homes relying on electric heating, which can consume 10,000W or more, will need a more powerful system.
What’s the right generator for a 1,600 sq ft home?
A 14kW–18kW generator is a solid choice, supporting essential appliances plus moderate heating or cooling. An HVAC system pulls around 5,000W, and an electric water heater adds another 4,000W. If you're running a dryer (5,000W) and an oven (3,000W) at the same time, opt for something closer to 18kW.
What generator capacity suits a 1,700 sq ft house?
A 16kW–20kW generator keeps large appliances running, including central AC (5,000W), a well pump (1,000W), and an electric water heater (4,000W). Gas heating reduces power needs, but fully electric homes will need closer to 20kW.
How much wattage is needed for a 1,800 sq ft home?
An 18kW–22kW generator can keep a home this size fully operational, supporting HVAC (5,000W), an electric water heater (4,000W), an oven (3,000W), and a dryer (5,000W). If electric heating is in the mix, which can demand 10,000W+, go for 22kW or more.
What’s the best generator for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A 20kW–24kW generator gives you enough power to run HVAC (5,000W), an electric water heater (4,000W), a fridge (600W), an oven (3,000W), and more. Homes relying completely on electricity should look at 24kW or higher.
How much power does a 3,000 sq ft house require?
For a home of this size, a 25kW–30kW+ generator is the way to go. Dual HVAC systems alone can pull 5,000W each, and once you add kitchen appliances, water heating, and other electronics, demand rises quickly. If you have a heated pool (5,000W+), EV charging (7,000W+), or full electric heating (10,000W+), a 30kW+ unit is the safest choice.