How Much Power Do I Need?
Home Applications
Homeowners can often power most household appliances using between 3000 and 6500 watts.
If your home has a smaller furnace and city water, you can generally expect that 3000-5000 watts will cover your needs.
If you have a larger furnace and/or a well pump, you will likely need a 5000 to 6500 watt generator.
To determine your basic home power needs, start with these three questions:
1. Do you use city or well water?
Well pumps require a larger 240 volt generator (3800 watts or above).
2. Is your heating system electric, heat pump, or gas or oil forced air?
Gas or oil forced air systems can get by with a very small generator – as little as 2500 watts. The power needed is based on the size of the furnace fan motor. Electric furnaces and heat pumps typically need 15,000 watts or more to run and cannot be powered by a portable generator.
3. Is your hot water heater electric, gas, or oil fired?
Gas or oil fired heaters use less power – as little as 2500 watts.Electric heaters often require at least 4500 watts.
Recreational Applications
RVers: The primary factor you need to consider is the size of your AC unit(s).
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The EU3000 Handi and EU3000is will power most 13,500 BTU AC units
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Larger AC units may need two EU2000i’s paralleled together.
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The EU6500is works well for fifth wheels and RVs with dual AC units
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The AC’s needs may vary based on many factors, including the ambient temperature and the efficiency of your model. We can help you to select the best generator for your individual situation.
Campers, Tailgaters, and Boaters:
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- Usually 1000-2000 watts will handle most needs.
- Check the power requirement of your blender, coffee pot or other appliances you want to use.
Industrial Applications
Industrial power needs range widely, based on what kind of tools you are using. To determine your power needs, start with a quick wattage estimate. Simply choose the tools you will be using and add up the wattage. Keep in mind that wattage required for starting a tool or appliance with a motor will be much higher than the watts required to run the device.
Super Quiet Power.
Honda's inverter generators are substantially quieter than traditional models. Eco-Throttle also reduces the noise level on our inverter generators. Because the engine is not running at full speed constantly, it is much quieter.
Special sound dampening materials and quiet Honda engines also help to make our inverter generators incredibly quiet.