Power Consumption of Household Appliances
Are you looking for a backup generator for your household? Then you need to know how much power you will need. That is why we have decided to create this list of rough estimates of wattage consumption of most common household appliances that people want to keep running at all costs.
We hope these tables will help you to better estimate how big and powerful generator you will need as a backup for your household. Do not forget to check each appliance / power tool in your home individually to see the precise wattage consumption.
Essential Appliances
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Pump | 4,700 W | 4,500 W |
| Humidifier (13 Gal.) | 175 W | 0 W |
| Electric Water Heater | 4,000 W | 0 W |
| Well Water Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,000 W | 2,100 W |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,200 W | 3,600 W |
| Window AC (12,000 BTU) | 3,250 W | 9,750 W |
| Central AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,500 W | 4,500 W |
| Central AC (24,000 BTU) | 3,800 W | 11,400 W |
| Sump Pump (1/3 HP) | 800 W | 1,300 W |
| Sump Pump (1/2 HP) | 1,050 W | 2,150 W |
| Furnace Fan Blower (1/3 HP) | 700 W | 1,400 W |
| Furnace Fan Blower (1/2 HP) | 800 W | 2,350 W |
| Garage Door Opener (1/2 HP) | 875 W | 2,350 W |
| Common Light Bulb | 75 W | 0 W |
| Space Heater | 1,800 W | 0 W |
| Ceiling Fan | 60 W | 70 W |
Kitchen Appliances
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Toaster | 850 W | 0 W |
| Microwave | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Refrigerator / Freezer | 700 W | 2,200 W |
| Coffee Maker | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Electric Stove (8" Element) | 2,100 W | 0 W |
| Deep Freezer | 500 W | 1,500 W |
| Electric Can Opener | 170 W | 0 W |
| Dishwasher | 1,500 W | 1,500 W |
| Food Processor | 400 W | 0 W |
| Electric Kettle | 1,200 W | 3,000 W |
| Food Dehydrator | 800 W | 0 W |
| Fryer | 1,000 W | 0 W |
| Pressure Cooker | 700 W | 0 W |
| Rice Cooker | 200 W | 500 W |
Laundry Appliances
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes Dryer (Gas) | 700 W | 1,800 W |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | 5,400 W | 6,750 W |
| Hair Dryer | 1,250 W | 0 W |
| Iron | 1,200 W | 0 W |
| Washing Machine | 1,150 W | 2,250 W |
| Curling Iron | 1,500 W | 0 W |
| Electric Shaver | 15 W | 20 W |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 200 W | 700 W |
Entertainment Appliances
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop | 300 W | 0 W |
| Stereo | 450 W | 0 W |
| Television | 500 W | 0 W |
| VCR / DVD Player | 100 W | 0 W |
| Video Game System | 40 W | 0 W |
| Monitor | 200 - 250 W | 0 W |
| Home Internet Router | 5 W | 15 W |
| Home Phone | 3 W | 5 W |
Other Appliances
| Household Appliances | Rated (Running) Watts | Additional Surge Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Clock Radio | 50 - 200 W | 0 W |
| Fax | 60 - 80 W | 0 W |
| Printer | 400 - 600 W | 0 W |
| Security System | 500 W | 0 W |
| Garage Door Opener (1/2 HP) | 875 W | 2,350 W |
| Copy Machine | 1,600 W | 0 W |
| Cell Phone Battery Charger | 25 W | 0 W |
| Outdoor Light String | 250 W | 0 W |
| Electric Mower | 1,500 W | 0 W |
| Paper Shredder | 200 W | 220 W |
| Projector | 220 W | 270 W |
| Scanner | 10 W | 18 W |
| Electric Strimmer | 300 W | 500 W |
| Treadmill | 280 W | 900 W |
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About the author
Matthew
handyman, loves science
Hands behind everything you see around. Matthew is the ultimate handyman. He is the expert to all things related to generators.
When he compares the machines, he uses his comprehensive research skills combined with attention to details. If you need to pick new generator, he is your man.