When the power goes out, your first concern is usually the essentials: food, safety, warmth, and communication. Whether it’s a winter storm, hurricane, blackout, or other emergency, having a backup generator can make all the difference. But if you’re shopping for a generator or already have one, you’re likely wondering:
What Appliances or Systems Can I Run During an Outage?
The answer depends on the size and type of your generator. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to determine which home systems you can power during an outage, how to prioritize your needs, and how to avoid overloading your generator.
Understanding Generator Capacity: Watts Matter
Every generator has a maximum power output capacity, measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW). To figure out what your generator can run, you’ll need to know:
- Running watts – The amount of power needed to keep an appliance running
- Starting (surge) watts – The initial power spike needed to start appliances with motors or compressors (like refrigerators or pumps)
Smaller portable generators usually provide 2,000–7,500 watts, while whole-home standby generators can exceed 20,000 watts and power nearly everything in your home automatically.
Essential Appliances You Can Run During an Outage
Here’s a breakdown of common appliances and their typical wattage requirements. Use this as a reference to help match what your generator can realistically power:
Basic Survival Essentials
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (18 cu. ft.) | 200W | 1200W |
| Chest Freezer | 300W | 1200W |
| Microwave (1000W) | 1500W | 1500W |
| Coffee Maker | 800W | 800W |
| LED Light Bulbs (x5) | 50W | 0W |
| Phone Chargers (x2) | 20W | 0W |
| Wi-Fi Router | 15W | 0W |
Minimum Generator Size: 2,500 to 3,500 watts
This setup will keep food from spoiling, allow for basic cooking and communication, and provide emergency lighting.
Home Comfort & Safety Systems
| Appliance/System | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Furnace (1/3 HP Fan) | 700W | 1400W |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 0W |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | 1050W | 2150W |
| Well Pump (1 HP) | 2000W | 4000W |
| Window AC Unit (10,000 BTU) | 1200W | 2200W |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 0W |
Minimum Generator Size: 5,000 to 10,000 watts
This configuration provides a higher level of comfort and safety—keeping your home warm or cool and preventing basement flooding.
Luxury and High-Load Appliances
| Appliance | Running Watts | Starting Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioner (3 Ton) | 4500W | 8000W |
| Electric Range | 5000W | 0W |
| Washer | 500W | 1200W |
| Dryer (Electric) | 5400W | 6750W |
| Dishwasher | 1300W | 1800W |
Minimum Generator Size: 12,000 watts and above
These are typically supported only by whole-house standby generators with transfer switches and dedicated circuits. They are not critical during emergencies but may be included if you want uninterrupted full-house power.
Prioritize Power Usage During an Outage
If you’re using a portable or mid-size generator, prioritize the systems that matter most. Here’s a simple way to decide:
- Tier 1 – Must Haves: Refrigerator, freezer, lights, communications (phone/Wi-Fi), sump/well pump
- Tier 2 – Comfort: Furnace fan, small AC, space heater, microwave, TV
- Tier 3 – Optional: Washer/dryer, dishwasher, central HVAC, electric stove
Use extension cords or a transfer switch to rotate between Tier 2 and Tier 3 items if your generator can’t support everything at once.
Realistic Generator Scenarios
Scenario A: 3,000W Portable Generator
You’ll be able to power your fridge, a few lights, charge phones, and run your router. Possibly a small microwave or coffee maker—but not all at once.
Scenario B: 6,500W Dual-Fuel Generator
You can run essentials (fridge, freezer, lights), a small AC or space heater, and your sump pump. Great for short-term outages with moderate comfort.
Scenario C: 14,000W Standby Generator
You’ll power nearly everything: central air, water heater, electric range, fridge, washer, and lights. This setup is perfect for extended outages or homes in outage-prone regions.
Do’s and Don’ts When Powering Appliances
- DO calculate your total wattage before plugging in devices
- DO use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords
- DO install a transfer switch for safe home integration
- DON’T run your generator indoors or in enclosed spaces
- DON’T exceed your generator’s rated output
When in doubt, consult an electrician to determine which appliances your generator can safely support.
Recommended Generators by Appliance Load
🛠️ Light-Duty Emergency Generator (2,500–4,000W)
Model: Westinghouse iGen4500 Inverter Generator
Best for: Lights, fridge, phones, and Wi-Fi
⚡ Mid-Sized Dual Fuel Generator (6,500–8,000W)
Model: Champion 7500-Watt Dual Fuel Generator
Best for: Most essentials, including pumps and heating systems
🏠 Whole-Home Standby Generator (14,000–22,000W)
Model: Generac Guardian 22kW
Best for: Seamless full-house backup power
Conclusion: What Can You Run During an Outage?
Knowing which appliances you can run during an outage starts with understanding your generator’s wattage and your household priorities. From basic survival needs to whole-home comfort, matching the right generator to your essential systems ensures safety, convenience, and peace of mind.
If you’re still in the shopping phase, think carefully about what matters most to you during an outage—and choose a generator that meets or exceeds those demands.
Need help choosing the right size? Check out our full guide: What Size Generator Do I Need for My Home?