Yellow and black generator on open grassy field under stormy sky

August 19, 2025

What Size Generator Do I Need for a Storm?

When storms hit and the lights go out, don’t let your fridge become a science experiment. Short answer? You’ll need a generator between 2kW and 10kW, depending on what you want to power. Generators come in all shapes and sizes—keep reading to find the right one for your home (and your nerves).

Maroon portable generator running in heavy rain outside a house

Assessing Your Specific Power Needs: Beyond Just a Storm Calculator for Your Generator

You could punch numbers into an online generator calculator, sure.
But here’s the thing—they don’t know your life.
They don’t know about your partner’s must-have espresso machine or the kids' obsession with the Wi-Fi.
Sizing a generator properly means getting personal with your day-to-day needs.
It's less about theory and more about reality.

Prioritising Essential Appliances: What Size Generator Do I Need to Run a Refrigerator and Other Must-Haves?

Let’s talk priorities.
During a blackout, your spa jets probably don’t matter—but your fridge definitely does.
Same goes for a few lights, your internet router, maybe a fan, and your phone charger.
To keep those essentials running, a generator between 2kW and 5kW usually does the job nicely.
It’s about keeping the basics going—not living like royalty (yet).

Understanding Running Watts vs. Starting Watts for Your Generator’s Load

This part catches people out.
Running watts are the steady power your appliances need to stay on.
Starting watts are the extra juice needed to get them going, especially if they’ve got a motor.
Think fridges, washing machines, and air cons—they all want a little kick at the start.
Always account for that bump when choosing your generator.

Creating a List of Critical Appliances and Their Wattage Demands

Grab a pen or open your Notes app.
Write down the appliances you need during an outage.
Here’s a cheat sheet:

Fridge: 600W running / 1200W starting
Lights (5 bulbs): 250W
Phone charger: 10W
Wi-Fi router: 20W
Laptop: 100W
TV: 150W

Add up the numbers.
Then give yourself a buffer—just in case everything decides to start at once.

What Size Generator Do I Need for My House Chart: A Visual Guide to Power Needs

A chart’s not magic, but it can sure make things clearer.
It helps you line up your appliance needs with the right generator capacity.
Simple, visual, and way easier than guessing.

Interpreting Generator Sizing Charts for Typical Home Appliances

Appliance	Running Watts	Starting Watts
Fridge	600W	1200W
Microwave	1000W	1000W
Portable Heater	1500W	1500W
Washing Machine	500W	1000W
Laptop	100W	100W

Remember, you won’t run all of them at once.
Unless you're throwing a blackout party.

The Role of a Generator Sizing Calculator in Estimating Your Requirements

Sizing calculators are a decent starting point.
Plug in your appliances and get a rough wattage estimate.
But be smart—don't include every appliance you own.
Stick to your must-haves, then add a 10–20% buffer to be safe.
It’s not a maths exam—just be practical.

Yellow portable generator on green grass outside a suburban house

Sizing Your Generator for Residential Properties: From Small Homes to Large Demands

No two Aussie homes are the same.
A tiny flat in Brisbane doesn’t need what a five-bedroom home in rural Victoria does.
The good news? There’s a generator for every setup.
You just need to match your home’s needs to the right size.
Let’s break it down.

What Size Generator Do I Need for a 3 Bedroom House? Typical Power Scenarios

For a 3-bedroom house, you’re likely looking at 5kW to 8kW.
That covers lights, the fridge, a few outlets, and maybe even a small AC unit.
If you're only worried about food and phones, 5kW might cut it.
If you want comfort during a storm, go for something closer to 8kW.
Think about what blackout-life looks like for your household.

Estimating Power Needs for a 1500 sq ft House Generator

A house around 1500 square feet will often need:

Essentials only: 5kW
Essentials + comfort (microwave, heater): 6–7kW
Full home backup: 10–12kW or more

Choose what suits your lifestyle—and budget.
No shame in starting small and upgrading later.

What Size Generator to Run a 2000 sq ft House: Expanding Your Backup Power Strategy

Got a bigger house?
You’ll want a bigger generator.
For 2000 square feet, aim for at least 7kW for basics.
Want to run more appliances comfortably? Go with 10–15kW.
Bigger space, bigger needs—it’s that simple.

Considering Higher Output: When a 25000 Watt Generator Might Be Necessary

Now we’re getting into beast territory.
A 25kW generator isn’t your average backyard unit.
It’s for homes that need to stay fully powered—no compromise.
Ideal for those with medical gear, home offices, or just a taste for uninterrupted comfort.
It’s backup power with bells and whistles.

Understanding the Capabilities of High-Wattage Generators for Whole-Home Backup

With 25,000 watts, you can run:

Air conditioning
Kitchen appliances
Laundry machines
Lighting and electronics—all at the same time

It’s like the storm never happened.
Except maybe for the wind howling outside.

When a 25000 Watt Generator is Ideal for Extensive Power Requirements

This size makes sense if:

You live in a big home (3000+ sq ft)
You have high-wattage medical equipment
You can't afford a second of downtime (hello, remote workers)

Yes, it’s expensive.
But if you need it, you really need it.

Man inspecting a large standby generator beside a house

Choosing the Right Type of Generator for Storm Preparedness

Now that you’ve got a wattage in mind, let’s talk type.
There’s more than one way to keep your lights on.
Portable? Standby? Something in between?
Here’s how to choose.

Portable Generators: Versatility and Capacity for Storm Backup Needs

Portable generators are like the Swiss army knife of storm prep.
Handy, compact, and relatively cheap.
They're great for powering a few essentials until things calm down.

Advantages and Limitations of Portable Generators for Emergency Use

Pros:

Affordable
Easy to move
No permanent setup needed

Cons:

Manual start (often in the rain!)
Limited capacity
Can be noisy

They’re the perfect “get-you-through-the-night” solution.
Just don’t expect luxury living.

Factors to Consider When Selecting a Portable Generator for Your Storm Plan

Before you buy, ask yourself:

Is it light enough to move alone?
How loud is it?
How long does it run on a tank?
What fuel does it use?

Oh—and make sure you’ve got a safe outdoor spot to run it.
Never indoors. Ever.

Standby (Whole-House) Generators: Automatic and Comprehensive Storm Power Solutions

This is the VIP treatment.
Standby generators kick in automatically when the power drops out.
They’re fixed in place, always ready, and can power everything if sized right.

Benefits of Automatic Operation and High Power Output for a Standby Generator

You don’t lift a finger.
The generator senses the blackout and turns on by itself.
It powers your lights, fridge, air con—whatever it’s connected to.
Perfect if you’re away from home or just want peace of mind.
It’s backup power, the easy way.

Installation and Fuel Considerations for a Permanent Generator Setup

Standby generators need a bit of work up front.
They must be installed by a licensed sparkie.
They usually run on natural gas or LPG.
And yep—maintenance is a must.
But when a storm hits, you’ll be grateful.

Fuel Type and Availability: Ensuring Your Chosen Generator Stays Fueled During a Storm

Fuel isn’t just about price—it’s about what’s available when the storm rolls in.
Can you store it? Will your servo even be open?
These are the real questions.

Pros and Cons of Gasoline, Propane, Natural Gas, and Diesel for Your Generator

Fuel Type	Pros	Cons
Petrol	Easy to find, works in many models	Short shelf life, messy storage
Diesel	Long runtime, efficient	Noisy, heavier, expensive
LPG	Cleaner, easy to store	Slightly lower power output
Natural Gas	Unlimited if piped in	Not available everywhere

Choose the one that makes sense for your setup—not just your wallet.

Fuel Storage and Management Strategies for Extended Storm Outages

A few quick tips:

Store petrol and diesel safely in approved containers
Rotate stored fuel every 3–6 months
Keep LPG tanks topped up before storm season
Never rely on refuelling after the storm has hit

Planning ahead beats panic buying every time.

Conclusion: Sizing Your Generator Correctly for a Storm Provides Peace of Mind

You don’t need to power the world—just your world.
By understanding your needs, picking the right size, and choosing a generator that fits your lifestyle, you’ll stay safe, comfortable, and connected.
Storms don’t wait, so why should you?

Get your generator sorted now, and next time the lights go out, you’ll be the house on the street still cooking dinner.