What Size Generator Do I Need For A 3 Bedroom House? (2024)

Pondering the right generator size for a 3-bedroom house? The answer isn’t always straightforward.

Navigate the maze of factors influencing your choice with our detailed guide. From power consumption to local regulations, ensure uninterrupted power for your home.

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What Size Generator Do I Need For A 3 Bedroom House?

For a 3 bedroom house, it’s recommended to have a generator with at least 5,000 watts to power essential items. To run more appliances or larger homes, a generator with 7,500 watts or more is advisable. This ensures all basic needs are met during a power outage.

Based On Family Members

As you always don’t run all the appliances at a time, you can just keep an eye on running watts before buying a generator. Below we have added the major appliances you can use at a time at your limited power generator.

Based On Major Appliances

Easily Calculate Your Wattage

Manually Calculate Your Appliances Wattage

Above we keep it simple for you. Also, you can do it manually to keep it most accurate. This is not quite as difficult a question to answer as it seems.

The first thing that we need to do is work out what the current usage in watts is for all of the electrical appliances in your house, add them up, and then add another 30% on top for unplanned use, (e.g. refrigerator compressor kicking in.)

Read More: What Size Generator To Run 5 Ton AC Unit?

Different Types of Generators Suitable for a 3 Bedroom House

There are different types of generators that you can choose from for your 3 bedroom house.

Portable Generators

Portable generators are generators that you can move around and store easily. They are usually powered by gasoline or propane.

They are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. You just need to plug them into your appliances or devices using extension cords.

Standby Generators

Standby generators are generators that are permanently installed outside your house. They are usually powered by natural gas or propane.

They are more expensive and require professional installation and maintenance. They offer many benefits over portable generators.

Inverter Generators

Inverter generators are generators that use advanced technology to produce cleaner and more stable power.

They are usually powered by gasoline or propane. They are more expensive than portable generators but cheaper than standby generators.

Diesel Generators

Diesel generators are generators that use diesel fuel as their source of energy.

They are usually used for industrial or commercial purposes but can also be used for residential purposes.

They are more expensive than other types of generators but offer some advantages.

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Calculating the Required Generator Size for a 3 Bedroom House

To calculate the required generator size for your 3 bedroom house, you need to follow these steps:

Inventory of Electrical Appliances

The first step is to make a list of all the electrical appliances and devices that you have and want to use during a power outage.

You can use this appliance wattage chart as a reference to find out the average wattage of each appliance or device.

Your total wattage calculation will look like this:

Total Wattage Calculation

Add up the wattage of all the appliances and devices that you want to run at the same time. This will give you the total wattage that you need from your generator.

For example, if you want to run a refrigerator, freezer, TV, laptop, and lights at the same time, you need a generator that can provide at least 2,000 watts.

Consideration of Starting and Running Watts

The starting watts are the amount of power that an appliance or device needs to start up.

Some appliances and devices, especially those with motors or compressors, need more power to start up than to keep running.

For example, a refrigerator may need 1,200 watts to start up but only 200 watts to keep running.

Importance of Buffer Capacity

You need to add some buffer capacity to your total wattage requirement. This is because your appliances and devices may not run at their exact rated wattage all the time.

They may fluctuate depending on the load, temperature, voltage, and other factors.

A good rule of thumb is to multiply your total wattage requirement by 1.25. This will give you a 25% buffer capacity for your generator.

For example, if your total wattage requirement is 2,000 watts, you should look for a generator that can provide at least 2,500 watts.

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4 Best Generators For a 3 Bedroom House

1. Generac iQ3500-3500 Watt Portable Inverter Generator

Generac, known to be a leader in portable generators, has recently launched Generac iQ Series.

Perfect for home emergency power needs and RVing. It is considered the world’s quietest generator when used in Eco-mode.

The advantage of the Generac IQ 3500W Portable Inverter Generator is the touchscreen interface, which displays the operating information in an easy-to-read format.

Generac IQ3500 delivers quieter, smoother, and more reliable performance with its ultra quiet engine design (40% quieter than Honda) thanks to a 4 pole alternator, it is equipped with a Total Harmonic Distortion of less than 3%.

This generator also features Diamond Fused Technology which will deliver the ultimate in overload protection, ensuring more starting power when you need it most.

Generac IQ3500 is designed to handle up to a 3.0 kW electric start/inverter generator transfer switch; plus, it has an outstanding fuel economy of 5 hours on 1.1 gallons of gas at 50% load.

This generator weighs 109.1 pounds, which is actually lighter than the Honda EU2000iS.

This Generac IQ3500 portable inverter generator provides enough power to supply you with sufficient electricity during power outages or blackouts in your home, RV, or job site.

With its power inverter, you don’t need to connect it to a transfer panel.

Generac IQ3500 is designed for simple operation with an electric start/run/stop button and an eco-mode switch.

Also, it has an electric recoil start system and a wheel kit for easy portability. It runs at 120 volts and can run almost 300 hours on a gallon of gas at a 25% load.

2. Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator

If you are looking for a good generator that will power up your bedroom, store, office, and even your house in case of an emergency, then this Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is the perfect one.

The Westinghouse iGen4500 Super Quiet Portable Inverter Generator is rated for 4500 watts of continuous power (4000 watts surge rating), and 3700 running watts at less than 3% THD in normal mode.

It’s Auto Idle Control System saves fuel and reduces wear. It features an easy to start system with outstanding noise reduction.

So you don’t need to worry about waking up anyone when using it in your bedroom at night.

An LED data display allows you to monitor and control features such as an hour meter, low oil warning, voltmeter, overload, and high temperature protection. It also comes with a recoil system for safety during startup.

This generator is powered by a 3.4 gallon tank that offers up to 18 hours of run time at 50% load. With its heavy duty handle, it is easy to carry and transport.

It has an electric start with a key for safety.

It also features reconditioned parts and top of the line technology which guarantees that you’ll be enjoying its outstanding performance for many years to come.

Just take note that the LED data center will display “no fuel” when the tank is empty.

Many of its users have commented that it can power up their bedroom and even the whole house for emergencies.

It’s also proved to be an excellent choice if you plan to use it on a camping trip.

It is also user friendly as it only weighs 92 pounds and can be carried around easily. It’s gas-powered and does not need any electricity to operate.

It has a locking mechanism for the gas tank which provides safety while carrying it around.

This generator is also best for people who live in areas that are prone to natural disasters.

Even if the power goes out, you can get your computer running again as long as you have this Westinghouse generator to help you out.

It is a good alternative source of power in case your home gets affected during bad weather, which can knock out all your electronics and appliances that are connected to the main grid.

It will also make sure that you have some light so that you can go about looking for medical supplies if it turns out that someone gets hurt in the process.

Even if you plan to use it for recreational purposes, this Westinghouse generator is still perfect for you.

It provides clean and quiet power that doesn’t interfere with your electronics or household appliances, which makes it an ideal companion for those who are interested in camping out.

3. WEN GN6000 6000-Watt Portable Generator

Wen GN6000 Portable Generator is perfect for emergency and power outages.

It is small in size and you can carry it anywhere easily. As this model works on a 4-stroke engine, the noise level generated by it will be less as compared to that of 2 stroke engines.

Durable construction and reasonable price are two main factors that make people buy this portable generator.

If you have a limited budget then don’t go for any other product as Wen GN6000 will satisfy your requirements completely.

The noise level generated by it is satisfactory, so using it in the bedroom is possible.

One more important factor that makes this generator popular is its portability as it is compact in size and designed with wheels that make moving from one place to another easier and convenient.

It can easily be carried while you are traveling or on camping trips. You don’t have to worry about power cuts during such trips.

This reliable and handy power generator is perfect for you in these situations.

The engine of this machine runs smoothly and delivers the required power.

Moreover, it has an eco-friendly design that makes it environment-friendly with no emission of harmful gases.

So using this device will not harm our environment or cause any hazard to the surroundings. It has been certified to meet California Energy Commission standards.

This 6000 starting watts and 5000 running watts Portable Generator is safe to use and durable in construction.

It has a 3.4 gallon fuel tank which provides up to 7.5 hours of runtime at half load with comfortable noise levels for sleeping, study or leisure purposes.

You can enjoy the power from this generator while sitting outside your house in a small garden as it is designed with a wheel kit and handle kit that makes transporting easy.

The major highlights of this portable generator are: It has a 4-stroke engine that generates low noise level.

It is manufactured to provide you long lasting service. Since it features Eco friendly design, using it will not lead to any environmental hazards.

This generator has 3.4 gallon fuel tank capacity that provides 7.5 hours of runtime at half load and 50% noise level.

It also features wheels and handles for easy transportation from one place to another.

4. Pulsar PG7500 Portable Gas-Powered Generator with Electric Start

Pulsar PG7500 gas powered generator is a great unit to have in your home.

Its features make it a convenient and useful addition even if you don’t need an extra power supply. It is also compact so you can easily carry it anywhere with ease.

The Pulsar PG7500 Portable Gas-Powered Generator is a powerful gas generator which contributes up to 6,000 watts/7,500 starting watts output.

It is loaded with a maintenance free battery and has a built-in electric starter in case you need it.

There’s no need to hassle yourself by pulling the recoil cord when starting this powerful generator.

Speaking about the power supply, the Pulsar PG7500 Portable Gas-Powered Generator gives out a total of 6 outlets.

Out of these 6, 4 are 120 volts, 1 is 120V twist-lock outlet, and the remaining is 120v/240 volts twist lock.

You can charge several appliances at the same time without any problem thanks to this impressive feature.

It also includes a Digital Meter which helps you monitor your power supply capacity. So you know whether it is already time to add more fuel or not.

For continuous operation, the Pulsar PG7500 Portable Gas-Powered Generator has a fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gallons which allows it to run for up to 13 hours on ½ load.

This is made possible through the use of its 4 strokes, air-cooled engine which operates at 3600 RPMs.

It has an agreeable weight of 184 pounds, which makes it easy to carry or transport.

With dimensions of 32 x 23 x 21 inches, carrying it should not be a problem even for the physically challenged.

Enclosed in the Pulsar PG7500 package are the unit itself, manual book, tool kit, and 100% pure gasoline with a stabilizer as well as a funnel that you can use when adding fuel.

This gas powered generator is for you if you are looking for an economical and easy way to power your appliances during power outages or brownouts without the hassle of starting up a complex diesel generator that needs some initial tune-up and regular maintenance.

Since it is portable, it does not require any special permits to operate, you can just keep it in your garage or perhaps inside the attic and use it only when needed.

Other than power outages, this generator is also great for camping, outdoor events such as picnics and parties where electricity supply may be limited or not available at all.

This unit will definitely come in handy to provide a good power supply for all your basic needs such as charging your cell phones, laptops, TVs and so on. It is also a great generator for people who need electricity in remote areas.

Factors Influencing Generator Size Selection

Power Consumption and Needs

Understanding power consumption is paramount. List all appliances and devices you need during an outage.

Consider the frequency of usage and power consumption of each. This step ensures you select a generator with adequate capacity.

Remember, necessities like lights and refrigerators take precedence over luxury items.

Fuel Efficiency and Type

Analyzing fuel efficiency is crucial. Different generators operate on different types of fuel.

Compare fuel availability, storage requirements, and consumption rates of each generator. Fuel efficiency determines the operational cost of the generator.

A generator with high fuel efficiency may cost more but will be economical in the long run.

Noise Level

Evaluating noise levels is essential. Generators produce noise, affecting peace and comfort.

Noise-sensitive individuals and those in populated areas should opt for quieter models. The decibel level of each model affects user comfort.

Quieter generators are typically more desirable in residential areas to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Budget and Economic Factors

Budget considerations play a major role. Some generators offer more benefits but are more expensive.

Balancing budget constraints with desired benefits is essential. A higher initial investment in a quality generator can result in long-term savings.

Consider both initial cost and operational cost when selecting a generator.

Installation and Maintenance

Ease of installation and maintenance are vital considerations. Some models require professional installation and regular maintenance.

Others can be installed and maintained by users. Regular maintenance checks are essential for ensuring longevity and optimal performance.

Choose a model whose installation and maintenance requirements align with your capabilities.

Local Regulations and Zoning Requirements

Local regulations can impose restrictions. Different areas may have rules on noise levels, emission standards, or generator type.

Adherence to local zoning laws is mandatory. Non-compliance can lead to legal repercussions.

Ensure your generator meets all local standards and regulations to avoid legal complications.

Environmental Impact and Emissions

Environmental consciousness is crucial. Some generators emit more pollutants than others. Opt for eco-friendly models with lower emissions.

The environmental impact of a generator is a significant consideration. Prioritize sustainable models to minimize harm to the environment.

Warranty and Brand Reputation

The warranty and brand reputation are indicative of reliability. Reputable brands usually offer longer, more comprehensive warranties.

Check brand reviews and warranty terms thoroughly. Reliable brands with strong warranties provide peace of mind and assurance of quality.

Weather Conditions and Climate

Local climate affects generator performance. Some generators are suited to extreme temperatures, while others are not.

Consider weather patterns and temperature ranges in your area. A generator that operates efficiently in your local climate will ensure a consistent power supply.

Future Power Needs and Scalability

Anticipating future needs is wise. Scalable generators can adapt to increasing power demands. Assess whether your power needs may increase in the future.

Upgradeable models offer flexibility and adaptability. Selecting a scalable generator allows for adaptability to future power consumption increases.

Space and Location

Availability of space is also a determining factor. Generators need adequate space for installation and operation.

Measure available space before making a selection. The generator should fit comfortably in the available space.

Consider the location and ensure there is ample space for the generator to operate efficiently.

Portability and Size

Portability is an important consideration. Some people may need to move the generator between locations.

Check the weight and dimensions of the generator. A portable generator is beneficial for those who need mobility.

Select a suitably sized and portable generator if mobility is a priority for you.

FAQs on What Size Generator For A 3 Bedroom House

Final Verdict

Choosing the right generator size for your 3-bedroom house is vital for uninterrupted power.

By understanding your power needs, local regulations, and budget, you’ll make an informed choice.

Remember, it’s not just about size but efficiency and adaptability too. Your home deserves the best, and so do you.