What size standby generator is needed to power an entire 1,500 square foot home during a power outage? | | 5-10 kW | 5% | | 10-15 kW | 15% | | 15-20 kW | 35% | | 20-25 kW | 45% | | | | | Question: What size standby generator is needed to power an entire 1,500 square foot home during a power outage? Top Answer (45% of 20 votes): 20-25 kW.
Answer: 15-20 kW Explanation: To power an entire 1,500 sq ft home—not just essential circuits—you typically need a 15–20 kW standby generator. Whole-home coverage means the generator must handle:
All lighting and outlets
Refrigerator and freezer
Microwave and small appliances
Furnace blower or air handler
Possibly central AC (depending on tonnage)
Water heater (if electric)
Laundry equipment
General household load diversity
A 10–15 kW unit is perfect for essential circuits, but once you include HVAC, kitchen loads, and simultaneous usage, the demand increases significantly. That’s why most installers size whole-home systems in the 15–20 kW range for homes around 1,500 sq ft. | | EcoWise Electric LLC | Answer: 20-25 kW Explanation: This depends on whether the house is all electric, has energy efficient appliances and the type of lighting connected. | | ElectriTech, Inc. | Answer: 15-20 kW Explanation: Depending on how many appliances are being connected to a smaller home standby generator system it is possible to power entire home with a 15 to 20 kW generator. | | Power Now Solutions , Inc. | | | ProMatcher | Answer: 15-20 kW Explanation: Depends on the electrical load of the house and air conditioning etc. Most of the ones I did used a 17kw without AC or small AC, 20kw with bigger central air. | | DiBiagio Electrical Construction llc | Answer: 20-25 kW Explanation: Again, there considerations that need to be determined for the most accurate size requirement. | | Dependable Generators | Answer: 15-20 kW Explanation: Depends on the size of the central air conditioning units | | Mohrmann Electric Co.Inc. |
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