What size generator do you need?

Check off what you want to keep running during an outage. The total, the largest startup surge, and a recommended generator size update as you go — no account, no download.

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These are typical estimates, not your appliances' exact numbers. Motor-driven appliances (pumps, compressors, fans) draw far more power for a fraction of a second when they start than while running — that startup surge, not the running load, is usually what determines the generator size you actually need. Check the nameplate or owner's manual on your own equipment where it matters, and for a permanent whole-house installation, have a licensed electrician confirm the sizing before you buy.