Help Ags, I don't have much experience with generators, have an old gas Ryobi generator (8125/6500), outside plug, but looking today to order a tri-fuel so I can run natural gas.

The house is a one-story, 2500 sq ft, 1 A/C (maybe 4-ton, 16 seer, will be adding soft-start). Gas stove, heater. 15 x 32 pool w/ heater/spa.

Looking for one to run the A/C, fridge, fans, one TV, don't really care about running the pool pump.


Will this one cut it (running nat gas).... 12,000 / 9,500
[url=https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/collections/traditional-generators/products/wgen11500tfc-tri-fuel-with-co-sensor][/url]https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/collections/traditional-generators/products/wgen11500tfc-tri-fuel-with-co-sensor


Earlier today I ordered this bad boy from Amazon.... 14,400 / 11,600
[url=https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/collections/traditional-generators/products/wgen14500tfc-tri-fuel-with-co-sensor][/url]https://westinghouseoutdoorpower.com/collections/traditional-generators/products/wgen14500tfc-tri-fuel-with-co-sensor

But now I'm having second thoughts -- overkill? I may cancel and order the smaller one tonight (tax free) so please help!

Thanks Ags!

Your largest load by far is your HVAC compressor unless you own a variable speed unit. If you get a soft start you can greatly reduce your required Locked Rotor Amps (LRA). You can find your number on the manufacturer's data plate on the outdoor unit.

That said, I have a 2400sqft house with 3 ton and 2 ton units and own the Westinghouse 11500TFc which is more than enough with the soft start installed.

ETA- The 14500TFc is an awesome unit designed for a much longer service life than the single cylinder model. I was tempted to buy it last year but couldn't justify it based on the infrequent use I put on my generator. I spent a couple hundred on the soft start and pocketed the difference.

You will be fine with that unit. I have a Honda unit close to the same power. I ran my home fine without an issue. However, I did not run my ac unit. I have purchased window units for my home and use them instead in selected rooms. I ran my unit for a couple of days last year and never missed a beat. Just had to cut off hot water heater, HVAC and electric stove.

The smaller one should run that no issues with a soft start

Soft start or hard start should work fine.

Have you had the interlock installed for your panel?

Yes I had the interlock installed for the Ryobi.

I'll probably stick the larger Wearinghouse I ordered.

It doesn't need anything upgraded on the breaker panel, correct? Whatever worked for the Ryobi should be good to go for the bigger Westinghouse?

LeftyAg89 said:

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It doesn't need anything upgraded on the breaker panel, correct? Whatever worked for the Ryobi should be good to go for the bigger Westinghouse?

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You are going to want a ss2-50p amp inlet and matching breaker if you do not already have one. If you have a 30amp inlet and breaker you will be limited to 30A X 240v = 7.2kW

FWIW I have a Westinghouse 10500 and just had to get the CO2 sensor replaced after only running it about 2 hours and owning it for 7 months. The repair shop was full of Westinghouse's and the tech said they keep him in business. If I could go back and do it over again, I'd be more patient and order a Duromax.

I got the 12.5 Genmax tri fuel inverter last year after much research, hooked to gas line quick release T-connect and 50amp interlock via inlet and runs whole home (3T HVAC w/hard start, don't confuse hard vs soft, most actually need hard, 2500sqft, electric dryer, etc.) at running <5W during Beryl. Sized using https://shop.emporiaenergy.com/products/emporia-vue-3 to see by circuit what my loads are. Anything 8W+ running should be more than enough for typical house, esp if gas heater/stove/water heater. So much cheaper and more manageable then Generac style alternatives.

Yes had it backwards, see hard referenced a lot, most want to soften initial surge to slow hard start, I.e, micoair easystart

If you can swing the price difference for the 14500, you'll be able to run just about anything and everything in your house on generator power, including your pool pump.

I have a similar house profile, 4-ton AC with soft start, two fridges, no pool, and my 11500 handles it all without issue, settling around 50-60% steady state capacity with everything running.

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But now I'm having second thoughts -- overkill? I may cancel and order the smaller one tonight (tax free) so please help!

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I don't think I've ever heard someone who was running their house on a generator after a widespread power outage say "man, I wish I wouldn't have bought such a big generator." With that size, you should be able to live normally, and after your first needed use, you'll be glad you are able to do so when the rest of the area isn't. It goes a long way with remaining sane when there's an extended outage.

Also,I see there's quite a bit of price difference, but you should really be asking yourself if the extra is worth not risking the wife being uncomfortable. If the answer is "hell yeah!" you chose wisely.

Have you considered a Tesla battery or 2 instead?