Home Appliance Wattage Reference Tool
Check the typical running and startup wattage for over 30 common appliances, essential for sizing a generator, inverter, or battery backup system.
Add appliances to calculate total load
Check the appliances you want to run simultaneously to see total running watts, peak surge, and minimum generator size.
0 watts running
Select appliances above to see your total.
How to use this tool
Tap the appliances you want to run at the same time. The right panel updates instantly with total running wattage, peak startup wattage (accounting for motor surge), and the minimum generator size you'll need. Add a 20% buffer when shopping for a generator to avoid running it at 100% load continuously.
Tips for success
- Size to peak startup, not running. Motors draw 2-3× their running wattage on startup. The biggest single surge sets your generator floor.
- Stagger high-draw appliances. Don't run AC and refrigerator and well pump simultaneously. Manual load management cuts the generator size you need by half.
- Add 10-20% headroom buffer. Above your peak wattage protects your generator from continuous overload.
- Swap to LED lighting before an outage. Uses about 1/7th the wattage of incandescent. A whole-home swap frees up real generator capacity.
- Check the nameplate, not the catalog. Usually on the back or bottom. Older units draw 30-50% more than published averages.
Good use cases
Use this before buying a generator to confirm it can handle your must-have appliances, or when sizing a solar + battery backup system. Also useful for deciding what to power down during an outage to stay within your generator's capacity.
Running watts vs. startup watts, what's the difference?
- Running watts (also called rated watts) is the steady-state power an appliance draws while operating normally.
- Startup watts (surge or peak watts) is the brief spike in power required when a motor-driven appliance first turns on. This can be 2–3× the running wattage for refrigerators, AC units, and well pumps.
- Your generator or inverter must handle the startup surge, not just the running load. Size to the surge.
- Lighting, computers, and resistive heaters have no meaningful startup surge and can be sized to running watts alone.
FAQ
Why do different sources list different wattages for the same appliance?
Appliance wattages vary by model, age, and efficiency rating. A modern Energy Star refrigerator may use 100–150W while an older unit draws 200–400W. These values represent typical midpoints, always check your specific appliance's nameplate for precision.
Do I need to run all appliances at once?
No, and you shouldn't. During an outage, prioritize what truly matters: refrigerator, medical equipment, a few lights, and basic communications. Staggering high-draw appliances dramatically reduces the generator size you need.
Can I run a central air conditioner on a portable generator?
Typically not, central AC units require 3,000–5,000W running and 7,500–10,000W at startup, which exceeds most portable generators. Window AC units (500–1,500W) are much more feasible.
How many watts does a well pump need?
A 1/2 HP well pump typically needs 750–1,000W running and 1,500–2,000W at startup. A 1 HP pump needs 1,000–2,000W running and up to 4,000W at startup. Well pumps are one of the highest-surge appliances in a home.
What is the most efficient way to reduce my generator load?
Eliminate electric heating elements first, electric water heaters, electric ranges, and electric dryers are enormous loads (4,000–5,000W each). Switch to gas equivalents or skip them during outages. These single items often consume more than all other appliances combined.