What Size Generator Do I Need To Run A Space Heater?

Many people use space heaters to stay warm during the cold winter months. But, it’s important to have a generator that can handle loads of your space heater if you don’t want to be without power at home.

You want something that will last, but also not breaks your bank account at the same time. Let’s take a look at some factors and considerations when deciding what size generator is best for running a space heater:

What size generator do you need to run a space heater?

Typically, a 2000 watt generator will be enough to run a space heater. However, this depends on the space heater capability.

As a rule of thumb, you will need 10 watts of heating power for every square foot of floor area in a room.

Above we make a table based on research. But you can find more accurate wattage consumption by doing some simple steps. There are a number of factors to consider.

The first thing you’ll need to do is estimate how much power your space heater will consume. This can be estimated by looking at the wattage on the back panel or on the side label inside the product packaging for most models, and then multiplying that figure by what it says in amps (A) in the “Amps” column.

If you have a generator that is in watts (W) and amps, then divide one by the other to calculate what size of generator it would be if it were rated in amps only. Which would be based on how much power your space heater needs as well.

So in order for a 2000-watt space heater to operate properly on one 15 amp circuit breaker (the maximum amps allowed by code), it will need at least an 1800 watt generator. For comparison, if that space heater were to be operated on one 20 amp circuit breaker, it would need a 2400 watt generator.

How Many Watts Does A Space Heater Use?

Most space heaters typically use on average 1,500 Watts of electricity. But it can vary depending on the amount of heat required.

Your needs increase- not only in terms of total wattage consumed and cost to run them but also because some devices are better at heating than others.

Some devices are more efficient and less costly to run, but might not be enough on their own for some jobs- like a space heater in an extra-large living room. It’s best to have the right size generator for your needs so you don’t waste money or overheat your home unnecessarily (or lose power during an emergency).

How Many Watts Does a 1500 Watt Heater Use?

A 1500 watt space heater will consume about 1250 watts of energy in an hour. That’s the same amount as a refrigerator! You might want to consider buying a larger generator if your home has high-energy consuming appliances, is big with tons of people living there or you live in an area that experiences frequent power outages.

Can a small generator run a heater?

Yes, a small generator can power an electric space heater. Small generators are often used for auxiliary heating on construction sites during the winter months.

Small to medium-sized gas-powered generators typically have the capacity of running one or two electric heaters at once with no problem. 

Large generators can produce enough electricity to run three or four large heaters at once.

If you have an installation that requires more than three or four electric heaters, a larger generator is necessary to power them all. 

A 5000-watt generator can produce enough electricity for six 500 watt space heaters; while a 20000-watt generator will be able to handle twelve 1000 watts each (hence the need for a larger generator).

The general rule of thumb is to use as many watts that the heaters need. So, if one heater needs 500 watts then enough generators should be supplied with power at 1000 watts each.

Alternatives to space heaters in a power outage

There are many alternatives to space heaters in the event of a power outage. One option is to purchase and install an emergency generator for your home or business such as the Generac EvoX Series Generator.

Safety tips for running a space heater off a generator

There are several safety tips to remember when using a generator to power your space heater. 

1. Keep the generator outside of the house, in an open area that can be easily accessed with plenty of ventilation and no obstacles nearby. Generators should not be used indoors or even near windows because they produce carbon monoxide, which is deadly.
2. Stay away from the generator if it’s running. 
3. Do not ever run a space heater while sleeping or leave kids unattended in the room with it on.
4. Run your space heaters for no more than one hour at a time to avoid overheating and tripping breakers, which can be dangerous as well.
5. Use a timer to turn the space heater on and off.
6. Install smoke alarms in every room near your generator. 
7. Do not run any other electrical appliances while using your generator, as this can overload it and cause injury or death from electrocution. 
8. If you have children or pets that like to chew on cords, keep them away from the generator too.
9. If you have a corded phone near your generator, unplug it in case of fire. 
10. Have someone on stand by to shut off power at the main breaker if something goes wrong with the generator and starts sparking or smoking. 
11. Keep all fuel tanks outside where they are least likely to leak.

Will a 1000 watt generator run a space heater?

A 1000 watt generator will only run a space heater for 20 minutes before running out of gas. If you want to power your space heater with generators, then you need at least 2000 watts or more. 

Can a 2000 watt generator run a heater?

A 2000 watt generator can run a space heater. A space heater is typically 1500 watts or less and many generators have the capacity to produce at least that much power. It all depends on what other appliances you plan to use with it, which will determine how much electricity your generator needs for fuel consumption.

FAQs

Final Words

There are a number of factors that will determine the size generator you need to run your space heater. We’ve put together this handy guide with some general guidelines for how many watts your space heater should be able to handle, and what size generator would be necessary to power it. If you have any questions about our information or want help determining which right sized generator is best for your needs, give us a mail!

You May Also Be Interested In

• What Size Generator For Travel Trailer?
• What Size Generator Do I Need For My House (Chart Added)
• What Size Generator Do I Need For My House Calculator!