Let’s look at the basics: 12000 watts is a lot of power. In fact, it’s enough to cover the energy needs of most small homes – given that the average home requires between 3000-5000 watts to run all its basic appliances and electronics.
However, keep in mind that 12000 watts will still likely not suffice for larger homes, as a generator with this capacity can typically only supply around 8-10 separate circuits (which are essential for supplying electricity throughout your home). In addition, certain larger appliances such as air conditioners may require more than 12000 watts to operate.
Introduction to 12000-Watt Generators
12000-watt generators are one of the most popular sizes on the market. They offer plenty of power for most applications, including running a house.
In this article, we’ll give you an introduction to 12000-watt generators and how they can be used to power your home.

A 12000-watt generator is a great choice for many people. They offer enough power to run most appliances in a home, including air conditioners and refrigerators. If you’re looking for a generator that can handle your home’s needs, a 12000-watt model is a good option to consider.
Planning and Safety Considerations
When it comes to powering your home with a generator, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
First, you need to make sure you have the right size generator for your needs.
Second, you need to make sure you have a safe place to store and operate your generator. You need to be aware of the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and take steps to prevent it.
When choosing a generator, you need to consider the wattage required to power your home. The average home requires about 7,500 watts of power.
However, this number will vary depending on the size of your home and how much electricity you use. It’s important to choose a generator that can provide at least this much power.
You also need to find a safe place to store and operate your generator. Never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Ideally, the best place to store and operate your generator is outside in a well-ventilated area away from any buildings or people.
Be aware of the potential dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and take steps to prevent it. Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home and keep them close by when operating your generator.
Also, make sure anyone operating the generator knows the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if someone begins showing signs of exposure (e.g., headaches, dizziness, nausea).
Finally, it’s important to regularly maintain your generator to ensure it is running properly and safely. This includes checking the oil and fuel levels, as well as cleaning and inspecting all parts.
Backup Power Basics: How Much Electricity Does Your House Use?
When the power goes out, a generator can keep your home running until utility service is restored. But how do you know how much power you need?
You’ll need to calculate the wattage of all the devices you want to keep running. A good rule of thumb is that a 100-watt light bulb uses about 1 amp of electricity at 110 volts.

So, if you have 10 100-watt light bulbs, they will use 10 amps. Now let’s say you want to run a refrigerator that uses about 750 watts, or 7.5 amps. You would need a generator that produces at least 7500 watts, or 75 amps, to keep the fridge running.
The average American home uses about 900 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month, or about 30 kWh per day. This means your generator would have to produce about 30 kilowatts (kW) of power to keep your home running during an outage .
It’s important to consider these estimates when shopping for a generator. Make sure the model you choose is rated to produce enough power – both continuous and peak levels – for your needs. Check with your utility company or an electrician if you’re unsure.
Can a 12000 Watt Generator Run a House?
As you can probably imagine, a 12,000 watt generator is more than enough to power an entire house. In fact, you could easily run multiple appliances and devices simultaneously without any issues whatsoever.
That being said, it’s important to note that you’ll need a generator that produces at least this much power in order to have any chance of running a typical household. Anything less and you’ll likely be left in the dark.
It’s also important to take into consideration the other components associated with using a generator to power your home. Depending on the size of your house, you may need additional transfer switches and electrical boxes in order to get everything running correctly.
Additionally, if your generator is producing more than 12,000 watts, you’ll want to make sure that all components are up to code.
Advantages of a 12000 Watt Generator
There are many advantages of owning a 12000 watt generator.
For one, it can provide you with backup power in the event of an emergency. If your power goes out, you’ll still be able to keep your lights on and your fridge running.
Additionally, a generator can be a great addition to your camping gear. It can provide you with power for cooking or charging devices while you’re away from home.
Another advantage is that it can help you save money on your electricity bill. If you have a large home or run a business, you may be able to offset the cost of your generator by using it during peak times when electricity rates are higher.
Finally, a 12000 watt generator is powerful enough to run multiple appliances and tools simultaneously, so you can save time by not having to switch between them. With the right setup, you can take care of all your energy needs in one place.
Recommendations for Purchasing a 12000 Watt Generator
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a 12000 watt generator.
First, make sure the generator is rated for at least 12,000 watts.
Second, choose a generator that has an automatic shut-off feature.
Third, select a generator that is fuel efficient. Fourth, purchase a generator that is backed by a good warranty.
In addition, purchase a generator that is rated for outdoor use and special consideration should be given to the fuel type you will use.
Diesel generators are often more economical to run than gasoline generators but they require more maintenance and have higher upfront costs. Natural gas is also an option, but access to a natural gas line may be limited in some areas.
Finally, consider hiring a professional electrician to install and maintain your generator for best results.
FAQs
Is a 12,000 watt generator good?
A 12,000-watt generator is powerful enough to run most household appliances and systems. This includes items like your furnace, well pump, refrigerator, and air conditioner. In a pinch, it can even power up your home’s lights and small electronics. Of course, you’ll need to factor in the wattage of each appliance or system you want to run before making your final decision.
Will a 12 000 watt generator run central air?
Yes, a 12,000 watt generator can run central air. Central air conditioners typically use about 3,500 watts of power, so a 12,000 watt generator can easily handle the loads. Keep in mind that the actual power usage of your air conditioner will vary depending on the size of your home and the climate. If you live in a hot climate, your air conditioner will likely use more power than if you live in a cooler climate.
Will a generator run a house?
A generator will not run an entire house. However, it can provide power to certain appliances and devices in a home that use less than 1,000 watts combined. For example, a TV, laptop, and some lights may be able to operate off of a generator with this wattage.
How long will a 12000 watt generator run?
A 12000 watt generator will run for approximately 8 hours on a full tank of gas. This is assuming that the generator is being used at its maximum capacity of 12000 watts. If the generator is being used at a lower wattage, it will run for a longer period of time.
How big of a generator do I need to run my house?
If you’re looking to power your entire home with a generator, you’ll need a model that produces at least 7,500 watts. Some of the most popular whole-house generators on the market today are in the 10,000 to 12,000-watt range. These units can typically handle the essentials—lights, refrigerator, sump pump, etc.—during a power outage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a 12000 watt generator can run a house depending on the size and needs of the home. Small to medium-sized homes with fewer than 5000 square feet and basic appliances may be able to use this type of generator for all their power needs. However, it is important to remember that larger generators are necessary for bigger homes with more power requirements. Ultimately, determining if a 12000 watt generator will be enough comes down to understanding your specific energy consumption and purchasing the appropriate backup power solution accordingly.