Will A 12000 Watt Generator Run A House?

The scenarios where you find yourself without power can be pretty frustrating. It is more than just an inconvenience; it can disrupt your daily routines, cause you financial harm, and sometimes harm your business operations too. Power outages can happen unexpectedly, so it is always wise to have some backup power source to rely on. Generators are a popular choice to provide power during emergencies. But, not all generators are the same, and you need to check if the generator you have or planning to buy will be powerful enough to meet your power demands. This article will go through the various categories of 12000 watt generators, and if they can provide enough power to run a house.

Understanding the power requirements of a home

The first and foremost factor to consider while choosing a generator is understanding your power requirements. You should know your home’s total power consumption to determine the size of the generator you need. The average US home uses between 9000 to 11,000 watts of power, and an additional 2000 to 3000 watts of power is needed to start the larger power tools and appliances like air conditioners or furnaces. So a generator that provides at least 12000 watts of power will be enough to run an average-sized house during emergencies.

Difference between portable and standby generators

Before selecting a generator, you need to decide whether you want a portable or standby generator. Both types of generators are capable of providing 12000 watts of power, but they work differently. A portable generator is a temporary solution that can be used to power specific areas of your house or small appliances during an emergency. In contrast, a standby generator is a permanent solution that is installed on your property and is designed to power your entire home during power outages.

What type of generator is suitable for a house?

A standby generator is a better choice if you want your generator to power your entire house. It is specially designed for homes and is permanently installed outside your house like an air conditioning system. It is connected to your house through a transfer switch or an automatic transfer switch (ATS) and runs on natural gas or propane. As soon as the power goes out, the ATS senses the power loss and enables the generator to start automatically. You do not have to do anything manually. It is the perfect solution for people who want a hassle-free backup power source that works seamlessly in the background. A standby generator can power your critical appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, and essential medical equipment, without any hassles.

Can a portable generator run a house?

A portable 12000 watt generator is a cheaper option, but it may not be the best choice for powering your entire house. A portable generator has to be manually started, filled up with fuel, and connected to your house through an extension cord or transfer switch. It can provide enough power to run your critical appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers during an emergency. But it may not be enough if you have a lot of power-hungry appliances like electric ovens or electric water heaters.

Factors that affect the runtime of a 12000 watt generator

The runtime of a generator is the time for which it can provide power on a full tank of gas. The runtime depends on various factors such as fuel capacity, fuel efficiency, and the load on the generator. A 12000 watt generator can provide power for up to 9-10 hours on a full tank of gas. However, this time can vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

Tips to increase the runtime of your generator

Choose a generator with a larger fuel tank that can hold more fuel.
Use your generator only for essential appliances and turn off non-essential appliances.
Run your generator at 50% or less of its rated capacity.

Use a fuel additive to improve the fuel efficiency of your generator.

Conclusion

To conclude, a 12000 watt generator is powerful enough to run an average-sized house during an emergency. The type of generator you choose depends on your specific needs and preferences. A standby generator is the best choice if you want your entire house to have a seamless power supply during an emergency. A portable generator is a cheaper option that can power your essential appliances. Regardless of the type of generator you choose, be sure to understand your power requirements, choose a generator with a larger fuel tank, and follow the tips mentioned above to ensure that you have a continuous power supply during emergencies.

Further reading: How Far Should A Portable Propane Generator Be From The House?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Will A 12000 Watt Generator Run A House?

Q: How much power does a typical house require?

A: The amount of power required by a house depends on the size of the house and the appliances used. A typical house may require anywhere from 3000 to 10000 watts to keep all appliances running.

Q: Will a 12000 watt generator be able to power all the appliances in my house?

A: A 12000 watt generator should be able to power most appliances in a house, including the refrigerator, stove, microwave, lights, and TV. However, it may not be able to power larger appliances like the water heater or central air conditioning.

Q: How long can a 12000 watt generator run on a full tank of gasoline?

A: The run time of a 12000 watt generator depends on the load it is carrying and the amount of gasoline in the tank. At 50% load, a 12000 watt generator can run for 8-10 hours on a full tank of gasoline.

Q: Should I invest in a 12000 watt generator for my home?

A: Whether or not you should invest in a 12000 watt generator depends on your individual needs. If your area experiences frequent power outages or you rely on electricity for medical equipment, investing in a generator may be a good idea. However, if power outages are rare in your area, a generator may not be necessary for you.