What size generator do I need for hurricane season?
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
Heating, Cooling & Fans
- 1
- 1
Water & Pumps
- 1
Laundry & Cleaning
Electronics & Office
- 1
- 3
Medical Devices
Power Tools & Outdoor
Lighting
- 4
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
- Anker SOLIX F3800expandable system~$2,199
- rated 6,000W covers your 4,070W continuous load
- surge 9,000W covers your 5,856W start peak
- base 3,840Wh + expansion batteries (up to 26,880Wh) covers your 13,720Wh need
- 120/240V split-phase output
Static answer (crawlable summary)
Typical device list: Refrigerator (top-freezer, ~16 cu ft)×1, Freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft)×1, Window AC (12,000 BTU)×1, Dehumidifier (50-pint)×1, Sump Pump (1/2 HP, high-capacity)×1, Router + Modem×1, LED Bulb (60W equivalent)×4, Microwave Oven×1, Phone / Smartphone Charger×3.
Estimated from: Energy Star Certified Products · Energy Star Certified Products + mfr nameplate · Mfr spec: Zoeller M98 (fm0532) · 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 | 3,696 W |
|---|---|
| Startup peak | 5,856 W (driven by 1× Sump Pump (1/2 HP, high-capacity)) |
| Daily energy use | 10,974 Wh |
| Recommended capacity | 13,720 Wh (25% margin included) |
| Minimum inverter | 4,070 W continuous |
💡 Optimization: switch to an inverter window AC
Modern inverter (variable-speed) window ACs — every currently ENERGY STAR-certified 12,000 BTU unit — ramp their compressor instead of slamming it on. Swap the standard unit in this scenario for an inverter/Most-Efficient one and the same engine computes:
| Standard unit | Inverter unit | |
|---|---|---|
| Startup peak | 5,856 W | 5,806 W |
| Daily energy | 10,974 Wh | 10,574 Wh |
| Battery needed | 13,720 Wh | 13,220 Wh |
Inverter units also have no locked-rotor startup surge — often the difference between a small station tripping and running fine. In real-world part-load conditions they often draw 300–600W, below the certified rated-point value we use.
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do I need for hurricane season?
For a typical setup (Refrigerator (top-freezer, ~16 cu ft), Freezer (chest, ~15 cu ft), Window AC (12,000 BTU), Dehumidifier (50-pint) and Sump Pump (1/2 HP, high-capacity), plus 4 more devices), you need at least 3,696W of continuous power. The single biggest moment is startup: when 1× sump pump (1/2 hp, high-capacity) kicks on, the momentary draw peaks at 5,856W. For a full day of runtime we recommend at least 13,720Wh of battery capacity (your devices use about 10,974Wh per day, plus a 25% margin for a full day of use).
Which power stations can handle this?
Based on published specs, Anker SOLIX F3800 (with expansion batteries) covers the 5,856W startup peak and delivers up to 2.4 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 Sump Pump (1/2 HP, high-capacity): 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.