What Size kVA Generator Is Needed to Run A House?

What Size of kVA Generator Is Needed To Run a House?

In an era where everything depends on a continuous supply of electricity to operate, operate or recharge, it is highly inconvenient to lose electricity due to load shedding, power outages, repairs and maintenance, storms or any other reason. It's even worse when the power is out for hours (or even days), but generators can help a lot.

Having a reliable backup generator can give you peace of mind, knowing you can jumpstart it in the event of a power outage. However, choosing the appropriate size generator for your needs is essential, ensuring that your equipment continues to operate in the event of a power outage or electrical emergency. You want a generator that is just enough or underpowered.

What Is kVA?

If you add up the maximum wattage required by the equipment, you get the total power requirement in kilowatts (kW). Kilowatts are the power the load needs to produce sound work output.

Generators are rated in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). KVA measures the output capacity that the generator can produce under regular operation, which tells you the total amount of electricity used in the system.

In a 100% efficient system, kW = kVA. However, electrical systems are never 100% efficient, so not all of the system's apparent power is used to produce sound work output.

The required kVA should be at least 3 to 5 kVA for an average home. Three kVA to 5 kVA can quickly run all home appliances, including air conditioners, refrigerators, and other heavy power items.

How Do You Calculate the Generator Size Needed to Run a House?

What size generator will run your whole house? Since total wattage determines the correct generator size, ensure you understand the devices you need to power and their power requirements.  

So, to calculate the power requirements to run a whole house, take inventory of the devices you want to run on the generator. To calculate the size of the generator you need to power your entire home, follow these three steps:

• List the devices you need to power with the generator

• Calculate the combined power requirements

• Convert kW to kVA

Step 1: List the Devices You Need to Power with the Generator

Begin by listing all the appliances you plan to power with the generator and their starting and running wattage, including essentials like refrigerators, heaters, or air conditioners.

Running (rated) wattage: Running is the continuous energy required to keep the appliance running.

Starting (surge) wattage: Starting wattage is the additional watts needed for the first few seconds to start a powered device and is usually higher than the running wattage.

Wattage information can usually be found in the owner's manual or the device's information plate. Gathering all appliances' starting and running wattage information is essential to understanding the overall requirements. The following table shows information on some common appliances' starting and running wattage.

 Step 2: Calculate Combined Power Needs

Calculate the total running power of all the devices you need to power, considering the device with the highest starting power. Add up the starting and running power of all the devices you need to power from step 1, and you will have a rough idea of the generator size you need.

Add up the running power of all the appliances - this is your total running power.

The appliance with the highest starting power will be your peak power demand.

Your generator must provide power for both needs to keep your home running smoothly.

Here is an example:

180W (refrigerator) + 1500W (heating system) + 240W (light) + 350W (computer) + 100W (TV) = 2370W

• The highest starting power, or peak power, is for the heating system, which is 3000W.

• Therefore, a generator that can handle at least 2370W of running power and 3000W of starting power is needed. Remember that these numbers are estimates, and your appliances' power consumption may vary.

Step 3: Convert kW to kVA

If you add up the maximum wattage required by your appliances, you get the total power requirement in kilowatts (kW).

In a 100% efficient system, kW = kVA. However, electrical systems are never 100% efficient.

If you know the efficiency of your electrical system, you can convert between kVA and kW. An electrical system's efficiency is expressed by a power factor between 0 and 1.

International standards set the power factor for generators at 0.8.

• The formula for converting kW to kVA is as follows:

Kw/power factor=kWA

• If the total power demand in step 2 is 3kW, then the kWA value is:

3kW/0.8=3.75kWA

Why Does a Generator Size Matter? 

Why is it important to choose the appropriate generator? When we talk about the "size" of a generator, we refer to its power: how much electricity it can produce. 

You should know that every device in your home, from a simple light bulb to a heavy air conditioner, requires a certain amount of electricity. However, the risk of not correctly sizing a generator is that it needs to be underloaded or overloaded.

Risk of Underloading

People often overestimate their power needs and end up with their generator at a lower load than it was designed for. An oversized generator can handle a heavy load but also uses more fuel. Not only does a large generator limit its overall efficiency, but it can also damage the generator and the equipment it is connected to.

Large generators also cost more to start up and to maintain later. This excessive production can also lead to unnecessary environmental impacts in our environmentally conscious world.

Risk of Overloading

Prolonged overloading of a generator can cause just as much damage as undercharging. Not to mention that overloading can significantly reduce the life of a generator. 

Constantly using a small generator at maximum capacity to meet energy needs can cause the generator to fail quickly, leading to frequent and costly repairs or premature replacement. For this reason, sellers usually recommend buying a generator with much more power than you need.

What Types of Generators to Run a House?

Different types of generators are suitable for other needs. For example, powering a home is very different from powering a business on an industrial scale. It is, therefore, essential to understand the various types of generators before choosing a generator. Currently, conventional generators are generally divided into the following categories:

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators use unique technology to produce clean and sustainable energy. In general, inverter generators are quieter, more fuel efficient and safer. Consumers can buy inverter generators of different sizes. Large inverters can power an entire house, medium inverters can power an RV, and small inverters can power a camper or boat.

Portable Generators

Unlike large backup generators, portable generators are small and can be taken to campsites or stored in a car in an emergency. Although their more compact size makes them portable and affordable, portable generators cannot power an entire home or construction site.

Standby Generators

Standby generators can also be used as whole-house generators, generating enough electricity to power an entire house or building in an emergency. Since backup generators are designed to provide a lot of power, they are large machines. Therefore, the price of backup generators is usually higher.

Gasoline Generators

Gasoline generators are popular for home and commercial use because they tend to be affordable compared to other generators. Gasoline generators can also be unreliable in an emergency, as gasoline may not be available during a power outage.

Diesel Generators

Diesel is typically cheaper than petrol, so it's more cost-effective in the long run. Diesel can be used in cold weather. However, the oil pump can stop working if there is a power failure.

Natural Gas Generators

Natural Gas Generators are efficient at first but can cost more over time. Connecting the generator to the gas pipeline involves higher installation and maintenance costs.

Propane Generators

Propane generators are very reliable because propane is available during power outages. Propane is also easy to store and works well in cold weather. However, propane burns three times faster than diesel, which costs more. Propane is also highly flammable, so it must be handled with care.

Solar Generators

Solar generators are an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious because they produce no emissions and are safe to use at home. Solar energy offers a clean, renewable energy source that can significantly lower your carbon footprint. 

If you want to try solar power with a limited budget, consider investing in a solar generator first. We highly recommend the Jackery Solar Generator, which combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to fully exploit solar energy.

The table below shows eight different types of generators and their applicability.

Jackery Solar Generators Explained

Choosing the correct size generator for your home might take time because it depends on how much energy you use and what items you need to power. Here, Jackery Solar Generators excel as an adaptable remedy. During emergencies or outages, their high-capacity models, such as the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, provide enough electricity for necessary appliances and gadgets.

The Portable Power Station maximises solar energy capture and storage when used with Jackery Solar Panels, guaranteeing you will always have electricity available. Its numerous output connections enable different devices to be charged simultaneously, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

By evaluating your household's energy requirements and matching them with Jackery's adaptable generators, you may reduce your dependency on conventional fuel-based systems and attain peace of mind.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus easily adjusts to any circumstance. This generator offers customised solutions whether you're working remotely in the woods, camping for the weekend, or experiencing an unplanned power outage.

The 2000 Plus can be expanded with additional battery packs, taking its base 2 kWh up to an impressive 12 kWh. This extended capacity covers everything from short power outages to longer outdoor trips. With an output expandable to 3000W, it outperforms many standard 2 kWh models, powering almost any essential household appliance and giving you greater flexibility.

2kWh: Ideal for one-day outdoor excursions.

4kWh: Provides hours of power for professional equipment or tools.

12kWh: A week's worth of off-grid electricity for your house.

Designed with ultra-quiet operation, the Explorer 2000 Plus delivers energy without noise or emissions. Whether at home or off-grid, you can use this generator comfortably while reducing your overall energy consumption, making it a perfect addition for environmentally conscious users.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

Compact yet powerful, the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a reliable backup for everyday and emergency use. Its portability, power, and efficiency blend make it a valuable tool for energy savings at home.  

With a capacity of 1264Wh and a 2000W output, the Jackery 1000 Plus supports up to 99% of household devices. It's expandable up to 5 kWh with additional battery packs, offering 1-3 days of power in case of outages. Imagine running essentials like your fridge, lights, and even laptops without using grid electricity.

1.25 kWh: Support your weekend outdoor adventure power needs.

5 kWh: Charge low-to-high appliances for several hours at the same time.

Featuring advanced solar charging, the Explorer 1000 Plus reaches full power in just 4.5 hours with four SolarSaga 100W solar panels. It also supports rapid wall charging, fully charging in only 1.7 hours. This flexibility lets you choose the fastest, most convenient way to power up, giving you quick and reliable energy whenever needed.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Generator

Choosing a generator may seem simple, but several aspects must be considered. When selecting a generator, you must consider size, noise, runtime, and other factors. To choose the right generator, you should carefully consider the various factors mentioned below:

Size

The primary consideration when choosing the right generator is the total power required. Because you need a generator big enough to meet your power needs safely and efficiently.

Generators vary in electrical capacity, so consider whether you need a small, medium or large generator.

To help you choose the right generator, the table below shows different sizes and their everyday use.

(Data Source: cdpower)

Physical Size

Most types of generators mean there are a variety of sizes to choose from. Portable generators are usually small and easy to move around, so you can take them camping or store them in your garage for use at home. Large standby generators are typically stationary in a single location and provide backup power for large buildings such as homes, construction sites, and hospitals.

Power

Generators use different fuel types, including gasoline, natural gas, diesel, and propane. Each type of fuel has advantages and disadvantages. 

Diesel generators are generally more fuel efficient, saving you money in the long run. But propane works well in cold weather and can even be used during power outages when oil and gas pumps don't work. In addition to traditional fuels, environmentally friendly solar energy can be used for power generators.

Noise Level

Depending on the type of business and location, consider the noise level requirements of your generator. If you work on a construction site, noisy generators may be acceptable. However, you may want a quieter model if you plan to use it at outdoor festivals or in suburban areas with noise restrictions. Unlike gas generators, which are noisy and disruptive, solar generators make almost no noise when they work.

Brands

Some of these generator brands have excellent reputations for customer satisfaction and reliable product delivery. Learning more about the generator brand's history is recommended because this will guide you in choosing where and what to buy.

Generator Maintenance You Should Be Aware Of

Like any mechanical device, a generator requires proper maintenance to function optimally and serve you when you need it most. Regular generator maintenance is essential to maintain its reliability and extend its life. Here are the main things you need to know about keeping your generator:

Keep Your Generator Clean

If you clean your generator regularly, it will stay upright. Even more concerning, a dirty generator can make potential problems like oil leaks harder to detect.

• Wait until the engine cools down before cleaning.

• If you notice heavy wear or yellow/brown stains after cleaning, you should replace the filter.

Take Care of Your Fuel System

If you have a gasoline generator, you should be aware of its effects on your fuel system. You may need to clean your fuel filter as part of your monthly maintenance routine. If gasoline is left in the equipment's fuel system for a long time, it can begin to deteriorate or produce a varnish that clogs the system.

Software and Firmware Updates

Keeping the software and firmware updated for optimal performance is essential if your generator has electronic controls.

Periodic Inspections

You can perform inspections monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. If any issues arise, you can fix them before they become a problem and successfully avoid safety hazards.

• Battery Inspection: The generator's battery should be inspected and tested regularly.

• Electrical System: Electrical components, such as wiring, controls, and connections, need to be inspected regularly for signs of wear or damage.

• Load Testing: Regular load testing helps ensure the generator can handle its rated load.

• Cooling and Air System: The cooling system, including the radiator and coolant level, must be checked regularly to prevent overheating.

FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the size of the kVA generator used to run a house.

1. What size generator can run an air conditioner? What about a refrigerator?

For an air conditioner, buy a generator with at least 3,000 watts to ensure it will start properly.

Generators running 800-2000 watts can power a refrigerator, but you should check the wattage requirements for your specific refrigerator model.

2. Can a generator be used in all weather conditions?

While standby generators can generally withstand extreme weather conditions, the manufacturer's operating and maintenance guidelines must be followed. Generators should be operated in a well-ventilated, covered area not directly exposed to inclement weather conditions.

3. How do you ensure your generator doesn't overload when multiple appliances start simultaneously?

To prevent overloading, consider using a generator with built-in overload protection. Staggering the hours that high-powered appliances run is also an excellent way to avoid overloading your generator. The simplest way to prevent overloading your generator is to purchase and use a generator with a higher capacity than you anticipate needing.

The most important thing to follow is the 80% rule, as most generators can only sustain 80% of their maximum power for extended periods. If you continually run your generator at over 80% of its capacity, you risk shortening its life and potentially damaging its equipment.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right generator is often confusing, leaving many of us overwhelmed and uncertain. "What size kVA generator do I need to run a house?" is the most common question people ask when buying a generator. After all, choosing the right generator can mean saving time and money. After reading this blog post, you have a general idea of choosing a suitable generator. So try to select a suitable generator based on the content mentioned in the article!