Portable Generators - What Size Generator Do I Need?

Portable Generators are fantastic to have when the electricity goes out. But knowing what size of portable generator you need is crucial. You don’t want the power to go out and then find out your generator is too small to power what you need.
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The size or portable generator you need is dependent on what appliances you still want to run when the power goes out.
In this video, our goal is to show what is needed to run one bedroom with an A/C window unit, so you can sleep comfortably, a refrigerator and deep freezer, so your food doesn’t spoil, and a fan. We didn’t test charging cell phones, but based on our research, they only take about 10 watts or less depending on the type of cell phone it is. Also, you may want to power a small lamp, which per the Watt Chart below, takes about 100 watts to run.
For the most part to run the above, having a 5,000 Running Watt or more, will allow you to run the above. The more appliances you want to keep running, the larger the portable generator you will need. That is why we are a big fan of the Watt Meter, below, because you can measure each appliance you want to continue running, and them all up. Keep in mind, best practice is to only run your generator at 50%-80% capacity.
Similar to a car, just because a car can go up to 140 mph, doesn’t mean you should push your car to those limits the whole time. Same from a gas efficiency standpoint, driving around 60-70mph, will be more efficient on gas versus driving at 90-100mph. The same principles are true when running your generator, so keep that in mind.
Below are some of the items we used in this video:
Watt Meter
KUMAN KW47-US Electricity Usage Monitor Plug Power Watt Voltage Amps Meter. It is an Amazon Choice, Best Seller, and has over 3,000 reviews with a rating of 4.5 out of 5
amzn.to/3Itz6K6
Frigidaire Window - Mounted Room Air Conditioner, 5,000 BTUs - Best for Small Rooms 10’x15’ to 10’x25’
amzn.to/3Jvr9FM
If you don’t want to worry about “installation” of an air condition unit, a portable option is a great way to go. They are a bit more, but the flexibility and easy to set up process may be worth it.
Portable Air Conditioner
SereneLife SLPAC8 Portable Air Conditioner Home AC Cooling Unit with Built-in Dehumidifier & Fan Modes, Quiet Operation Includes Window Mount Kit, 8,000 BTUs. This AC unit is a #1 Best Seller on Amazon with over 11,000 reviews rating it a 4.4 out of 5.
amzn.to/3JIzLIZ
Wattage Chart
Wattage Chart (generatorsatlowes.com)
TERA Pump Portable Water/Fuel Transfer Battery Pump with Auto Stop
amzn.to/3qEJmcx
DuroMax XP5500EH Electric Start-Camping Ready, 50 State Approved Dual Fuel Portable Generator-5500 Watt Gas or Propane Powered. Over 5,800 reviews rating it a 4.5 out of 5
amzn.to/3uO17aH
Westinghouse WGEN5300s Portable Generator with Electric Start and 120/240 Volt Selector 6600 Peak 5300 Rated Watts Gas Powered, CARB Compliant, RV and Transfer Switch Ready
amzn.to/36PDhmf
GenTent Generator Running Cover - Universal Kit for Open Frame Generators. This Generator Running Cover is an Amazon’s Choice and has over 1,200 reviews giving it a rating of 4.7 out of 5.
amzn.to/3JLkaZf
We hope this video was helpful, and be sure to watch all of our Portable Generator Video Series.
Now let’s go out there and get the job done!
-Tools 4 Guys

[@MValdez3000]

Good information!

[@Tools4Guys]

Thanks Maria, we are glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and commenting, we appreciate it!😎👍

[@40rockdqman]

I want to have a backup for 1000 sq ft in Arizona. We want to get a 23500 BTU dual inverter smart (whatever that is) window ac but are not sure what size portable outdoor inverter gen. We have a natural gas spout nearby outside that can be used as well. It must be as quiet as possible.
We want to run that ac unit, our flat screen tv which is 60 inches, fridge, microwave a few lamps and our computer. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

[@Tools4Guys]

Darren, great question. A rule of thumb when it comes to BTUs to Watts, is to divide the BTUs by 10, therefore a 23,500 BTU AC divided by 10 would need approximately 2,350 watts to run it, not including start up watts. The microwave is your next biggest appliance in regard to watt usage, those range from 1,000-1,500 watts. A fridge depending on the size around 700 watts, but can need 2,220 watts or more for startup, depending on the size. The other appliances, including the TV, will need 300 watts or less., so let's say 1,200 watts for them, giving you a total of 5,750 watts, not including the startup watts. Your biggest startup wattage will come from your AC unit which can be up to 8,000 start up watts or more. This is why we mention in the video, the best way to calculate is to get the appliances, buy the watt meter that we recommended, and then measure each appliance. But to answer your question, the Champion 8750 Inverter, would more than likely work, depending on the startup watts required by the AC unit.
amzn.to/3ndMdXI
Let us know if you have any other questions and thanks for watching!