What Size Generator Do I Need for Furnace and Refrigerator? A Comprehensive Guide

When considering the appropriate size generator for your home's critical appliances like the furnace and refrigerator, it's essential to understand the power requirements of each device. This guide will help you determine the right generator size to ensure reliable power during outages.

Understanding Appliance Power Requirements

To choose the right generator size, you must consider the wattage requirements of both your furnace and refrigerator. These appliances vary in their power consumption, and it's crucial to understand the distinct needs of each to ensure proper operation.

Furnace

Gas or oil furnaces typically require minimal power to operate their burners and blowers. A generator producing a true 1800 watts of power is usually sufficient for most furnaces. However, it's important to note that specific models or makes may have different requirements.

Refrigerator

The wattage needed for modern refrigerators is relatively low. On average, a refrigerator/freezer typically requires around 600 to 800 watts to run. It's crucial to check the wattage specifications on the appliance or consult the manufacturer for precise requirements.

Calculating the Required Generator Capacity

To determine the appropriate generator size capable of powering both the refrigerator and furnace simultaneously, follow these steps:

Find the continuous power consumption of the refrigerator and furnace.

Identify the highest starting power value between the two appliances.

Add the continuous power consumption of the furnace and refrigerator to the highest starting power value.

Ensure the generator's capacity is sufficient to meet the combined power requirements.

Calculation Example

Let's take an example where one refrigerator and furnace combination is in question. Suppose the refrigerator has a starting wattage of 1600 and a running wattage of 200, while the furnace has a starting wattage of 1600 and a running wattage of 600.

In this scenario:

Starting wattage: 1600 (refrigerator) 1600 (furnace) 3200 Running wattage: 200 (refrigerator) 600 (furnace) 600

A generator with a capacity of 3.2 kW or more would be necessary to meet the combined power requirements.

Additional Tips for Generator Selection

There are a few additional factors to consider when selecting a generator:

Backup Power Needs: Determine your primary load requirements and add a buffer for potential future needs.

System Protection: Ensure the generator has appropriate overload protection features to prevent damage to your appliances and home electrical system.

Silent Operation: If noise is a concern, opt for generators with enclosed or ultra-quiet designs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right generator size for your furnace and refrigerator involves understanding and calculating their power consumption needs. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your generator powers your essential appliances effectively during outages.

References

What size generator do I need to run my furnace and ... - Quora
Choosing the Right Size Generator - The Home Depot
Solved! How Big of a Generator Do I Need - Bob Vila