What will a 2,000-watt generator run?
With 2,000 running watts, a generator covers small loads, but on the generator makers' charts the start-up surge of a refrigerator or pump is more than a typical 2,000-watt generator's starting watts. It can't run a window air conditioner, a refrigerator, lights and Wi-Fi, which needs about 2,028 running watts.
We take 2,000 as running (rated) watts. The generators we compare make 1.22 to 1.35 times their running watts to start, so we allow 2,440 starting watts, the cautious end. Your generator's own starting (peak) figure is on its label.
Outage combinations
| Running at once | Running W | Starting W | 2,000 W? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi, TV and phones | 1,046 | 2,896 | Check labels |
| Gas furnace blower, refrigerator, lights and Wi-FiWired in: needs a transfer switch | 1,428 | 3,278 | Check labels |
| Sump pump, refrigerator, lights and Wi-Fi | 1,828 | 3,828 | Check labels |
| Window air conditioner, refrigerator, lights and Wi-Fi | 2,028 | 4,028 | No |
| Well pump, refrigerator and lightsWired in: needs a transfer switch | 1,810 | 3,810 | Check labels |
| Refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker | 3,450 | 5,300 | No |
| CPAP with humidifier, refrigerator, lights and phones | 947 | 2,797 | Check labels |
| Furnace blower, refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, lights, Wi-Fi and TVWired in: needs a transfer switch | 3,326 | 5,326 | No |
| Well pump, sump pump, furnace blower, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, lights, Wi-Fi and TVWired in: needs a transfer switch | 5,846 | 7,846 | No |
| Electric water heater, refrigerator, furnace blower and lightsWired in: needs a transfer switch | 6,410 | 8,260 | No |
| 3-ton central air conditionerWired in: needs a transfer switch | 6,000 | 18,000 | No |
"Check labels": it runs once everything has started, but the charts' cautious start-up surge is more than 2,440 watts. Modern appliances often start with less, so check your generator's starting watts and the amps on the appliance label (amps × 120 = watts).
One appliance at a time
| Appliance | Running W | Starting W | 2,000 W? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 750 | 2,600 | Check labels |
| Freezer (chest or upright) | 750 | 2,600 | Check labels |
| Gas furnace blower (1/3 to 1/2 HP)Wired in: needs a transfer switch | 600 | 1,800 | Yes |
| Sump pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000 | 3,000 | Check labels |
| Well pump (1/3 to 1/2 HP)Wired in: needs a transfer switch | 1,000 | 3,000 | Check labels |
| Window air conditioner (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 | 3,200 | Check labels |
| Microwave | 1,500 | 2,800 | Check labels |
| Coffee maker | 1,200 | 1,200 | Yes |
| Electric space heater | 1,500 | 1,500 | Yes |
| CPAP with heated humidifier (and heated tube) | 67 | 67 | Yes |
| Home oxygen concentrator | 325 | 325 | Yes |
| Electric water heater (50 gallon, 240V)Wired in: needs a transfer switch | 5,000 | 5,000 | No |
| Central air conditioner (3 ton)Wired in: needs a transfer switch | 6,000 | 18,000 | No |
Want your own list? Use the generator calculator →
Generators around 2,000 watts
Ready.gov says to use a generator ONLY outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows, never in a home or garage. Fit carbon monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level of your home. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet: wired-in loads need a transfer switch fitted by a qualified electrician. See our generator safety guide.
Questions
Will a 2,000-watt generator run a refrigerator?
Once it is running, yes: a refrigerator needs up to 750 running watts. The charts' cautious start-up figure (about 2,600 watts) is more than the roughly 2,440 starting watts a 2,000-watt generator may make, so check your generator's starting watts and the amps on your refrigerator's label.
Can a 2,000-watt generator run a house?
It can run small loads, not the whole house. A window air conditioner, a refrigerator, lights and Wi-Fi needs about 2,028 running watts, more than it makes. Wired-in loads such as a furnace or well pump need a transfer switch fitted by a qualified electrician.
Will a 2,000-watt generator run central air?
No. DTE Energy's guide puts a 3-ton central air conditioner at 6,000 running watts and about 18,000 watts to start. That takes a standby generator sized by an electrician.
Other sizes
Sources (4)
- Champion Power Equipment: Choosing a generator (wattage chart)
- DTE Energy: Appliance usage guide and generator worksheet
- Energy Star certified product datarefrigerators, freezers, TVs, room air conditioners, light bulbs
- Ready.gov: Power outages