What size generator for a 2200 sq ft house?
Check, uncheck or adjust the typical device list below — watts, startup surge and battery size update instantly. Numbers come from U.S. DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer spec sheets, not marketing copy.
1. Check what you need to power
Refrigeration & Freezers
- 1
- 1
Kitchen
- 1
- 1
Heating, Cooling & Fans
Water & Pumps
Laundry & Cleaning
Electronics & Office
- 1
- 1
- 3
Medical Devices
Power Tools & Outdoor
Lighting
- 6
2. Your sizing
Assumptions: daily hours per device follow DOE / ENERGY STAR duty cycles; capacity adds a 25% margin. Check your appliance nameplates — actual draw varies by model.
3. Best matches from our 6-brand database
- EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3~$2,799
- rated 4,000W covers your 2,630W continuous load
- surge 8,000W covers your 3,496W start peak
- 1.3 days of your typical daily use (4,096Wh / 3,240Wh)
- 120/240V split-phase output
- Anker SOLIX F3800partial coverage ~95% of target~$2,199
- rated 6,000W covers your 2,630W continuous load
- surge 9,000W covers your 3,496W start peak
- covers about 95% of the target capacity for your selected duration (3,840Wh vs 4,050Wh recommended)
- 120/240V split-phase output
- EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plusexpandable system~$1,149
- rated 3,000W covers your 2,630W continuous load
- surge 6,000W covers your 3,496W start peak
- base 2,048Wh + expansion batteries (up to 10,000Wh) covers your 4,050Wh need
Static answer (crawlable summary)
Typical device list: Refrigerator (top-freezer, ~16 cu ft)×1, Freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft)×1, Router + Modem×1, LED Bulb (60W equivalent)×6, Microwave Oven×1, Coffee Maker×1, TV (50-inch LED)×1, Phone / Smartphone Charger×3.
Estimated from: Energy Star Certified Products · Mfr spec class: Netgear KB + measured (ARRIS SB8200) · Energy Star Certified Products (bulbs) · VT Extension table (DOE-derived) · Unbound Solar Power Table (secondary) — some household values are cross-checked class estimates (not single-model nameplates); check your own appliance nameplate before buying.
| Continuous load | 2,386 W |
|---|---|
| Startup peak | 3,496 W (driven by 1× Freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft)) |
| Daily energy use | 3,240 Wh |
| Recommended capacity | 4,050 Wh (25% margin included) |
| Minimum inverter | 2,630 W continuous |
Frequently asked questions
What size generator for a 2200 sq ft house?
For a typical setup (Refrigerator (top-freezer, ~16 cu ft), Freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft), Router + Modem, LED Bulb (60W equivalent) and Microwave Oven, plus 3 more devices), you need at least 2,386W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 3,496W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 4,050Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 3,240Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).
Which power stations can handle this?
Based on published specs, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, Anker SOLIX F3800, EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Plus (with expansion batteries) cover the 3,496W startup peak and deliver 1.3 days / about 95% of a full day / up to 3.1 days fully expanded of typical daily use. Check the comparison cards above for the full numbers.
Why is the startup surge higher than the running watts?
Motor-driven devices (fridge compressors, well pumps, air conditioners) draw 2-5× their running power for a split second at startup — measured as locked-rotor amps (LRA). On this page the biggest spike comes from the Freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft): a station that only meets the running load will trip or stall when it starts. Data sources: U.S. DOE Energy Saver, ENERGY STAR certified products, manufacturer spec sheets.