Can Whole Home Generators Handle Blackouts in Lake Country, WI?

Lake Country, WI, is no stranger to power outages, from blizzards to thunderstorms. Blackouts can last hours—or even days—depending on the severity of the storm. In these cases, a whole-home generator can be a lifesaver, keeping critical systems running until the power returns. But can a generator handle everything in your home, and which size is best suited to your needs? Here’s a quick guide to answer those questions.

What Can a Whole-Home Generator Power?

The good news is that a whole-home generator can supply power to any device that uses electricity. You decide what gets priority in an outage. Most homeowners choose to power essentials like their refrigerator, heating system, water pump, and garage door opener, as well as lights and communication devices. Generators provide electricity immediately when the grid goes down, keeping your home safe and comfortable.

However, even the best generators have limits. These systems are designed for emergency power, not to run every device in your home at once. While powering your entertainment center might be nice, you’ll want to prioritize heating, lighting, and appliances during long blackouts, especially in Lake Country’s cold winters.

What Size Generator Do You Need?

Generators come in different capacities, measured by kilowatt (kW) output, depending on your home’s size and the devices you need to run. Generally, backup generators for residential use fall into these categories:

• 7 kW: Suitable for smaller homes or running essential devices only.
• 10 kW: Good for moderate-sized homes with more devices.
• 20 kW: Best for larger homes needing to power multiple systems or high-wattage appliances.

For example, in an average Lake Country home of around 2,500 square feet, 6 kW is usually sufficient to run essentials like a heater, refrigerator, and lights. If you’re unsure, here’s a quick wattage guide for common appliances:

• Refrigerator: 1,200 watts
• Lighting: 1,000 watts
• Television: 300 watts
• Central AC (4-ton unit): 8,500 watts

Using these numbers can help you determine which generator is right for your home, especially when planning for Lake Country’s severe winter conditions.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Generator

Blackouts can be inconvenient at best and dangerous at worst. A whole-home generator offers peace of mind, keeping your household powered and safe through extended outages. However, choosing the correct generator size is crucial to ensure it meets your needs without overloading or falling short.

At Generator Supercenter of Lake Country, we can guide you through selecting, installing, and maintaining the ideal generator for your home. With our range of high-quality products, local expertise, and professional installation, you can count on reliable support and power when you need it most. Give us a call at 866-516-7199 to learn more about our generator solutions and how we can help you stay prepared for Lake Country’s next blackout.