Is it safe to run a space heater on a generator? Many people ask themselves this question during cold winter months.
While the answer is not black and white, running a small space heater (less than 1500 watts) for short periods is generally okay.
It may be unsafe if there are any open flames nearby as they can cause an explosion or fire hazard.
If you’re using a larger space heater, such as those that use 5000 watts or more, then it’s best not to use them at all as they’ll quickly drain your gas supply and potentially damage your generator due to overheating.
Can You Run a Space Heater on a Generator?
Running a space heater on a generator is not advisable. But it can be done if the generator uses 2000W to stay safe.
Generators are designed to produce power for appliances and tools that require a steady supply of electricity. These include lights, refrigerators, radios, and other everyday items.
These generators have built-in circuit breakers to prevent your home from being overloaded with electricity.
The problem with running an appliance like the space heater on the generator is that it will cause the circuit breaker in your home to trip when it detects too much power going into it. This will result in you losing all power until you reset the breaker again.
How Many Watts Does a Space Heater Use?
A space heater will use anywhere from 500 to 1500 watts. A lot of them can be adjusted for settings. But you should have your hand on it before running it on a generator because they are very dangerous.
Even if the wattage is lower than what the generator outputs at full capacity, don’t forget that generators take time to speed up and even longer to cool down.
It would be best not to run any appliances with coils or heating elements of these machines.
That’s because this prolongs their recovery times immensely, thanks to all the heat being generated by those components in small spaces.
What Size Generator to Run a Space Heater?
It depends on the wattage of your space heater. If you’re using multiple appliances, it is best to get a generator with more power than you require.
The best option is a 1500-watt electric heater. To begin your furnace blower, you’ll need three times the running wattage.
What is the Best Generator to Run a Space Heater?
Here is a great generator we recommend that you can use to run a space heater.
A-iPower SUA2000Iv 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator
Pros
- It is lightweight, as it only weighs 46 pounds. This offers users portability.
- Quiet operations at only 58 dB
- Ideal for camping, travel, and tailgating.
- Includes the complete A-iPower “Low idle” technology for an extended run time.
Cons
- Battery run time is not reliable
- Durability is questionable
The A-iPower SUA2000Iv 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator is an ideal option to consider because it produces 2,000 starting watts. It also produces 1,600 running watts of clean and safe power for sensitive electronics like phones, laptops, televisions, and plenty of other electronics.
The generator is also equipped with a low oil alert light and low oil automatic shutdown that enables it to keep performing better year-after-after. It also features a 79cc OHV 4-Stroke engine that provides an abundance of power supply yet running a super-quiet operation.
When it comes to portability, you can fully count on the A-iPower SUA2000Iv 2000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator. It weighs only 46 pounds, making it suitable for travel, camping, and many other outdoor activities.
Will a 1000 watt Generator Run a Space Heater?
Absolutely! A 1000-watt generator can only power space heaters up to 750 watts. The majority of space heaters operate at 1500W but have a lower power option of 750W. Therefore, you can use that low-power setting.
Will a 2000 watt Generator Run a Space Heater?
Yes, a 2000-watt generator can run a space heater. But it depends on the type of generator and whether you’ve got the right power cord.
Large generators can handle more energy than smaller ones. So, if your house has central heating, then that’s probably the best option for you – plug into a home!
If there isn’t enough power coming out of your socket, look at how much current your space heater uses. Most 1200-2000 watts heaters use between 12 and 21 amps.
Can a Solar Generator Run a Space Heater?
Yes, it’s possible to use a space heater with solar panels, but not directly. To operate a space heater using solar energy, you must install and link different components, including a battery and inverter.
A solar generator is a great way to power your home during an emergency. However, it may not be able to run all of the appliances in your house.
A heater will draw too much electricity for the small amount generated by a solar generator.
You may need something with more battery storage or one that can plug into the main grid power source if you want heat without running out of power.
Best Space Heater to Use with Generator
Here is an excellent space heater we recommend that you can use with your generator.
Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor Propane Heater
Pros
- The heater is easy to control, which makes it user-friendly.
- It energy-efficient
- It is a compact and portable mini heater that you can use in many places.
- Safe and reliable room heater
- It’s also quite durable
Cons
- Not durable enough
- Unfortunately, the space heater is noisy
If you’re looking for a user-friendly heater, then the Mr. Heater F232000 MH9BX Buddy Indoor Propane Heater is the right option to consider. This space heater features an easily adjustable knob on its right side to make it easy to turn it on when you want.
When it comes to energy efficiency, it also stands out. It can help you save your electric bills since its primary purpose is to heat a small space.
Portability is also another factor that makes it ideal. It measures approximately 7.7 x 13.4 x 15 inches and weighs only 9 pounds. Therefore, this means that it’s not only compact but also very easy to carry anywhere.
It’s also one of the safest space heaters out there. This makes it the perfect solution for heating enclosed spaces such as large tents of up to 200 sq. ft. It also features an auto shut-off if tipped over, if the pilot light goes out, or if it detects low oxygen levels.
Safety Tips for Running a Space Heater Off a Generator
Some of the best safety tips for running a space heater off a generator include:
- Never run a generator indoors. Ensure that it is far from home, and place it in an open area where any fumes can dissipate quickly. Afterward, don’t forget to check on your family members for carbon monoxides poisoning symptoms such as headaches or nausea.
- You should also avoid running a space heater off a generator near flammable substances like gas cans or dry brushes, which could cause fires if the heat sparks up flames nearby.
- Be aware of children and pets during this process because they may play too closely with cords and become electrocuted due to accidents involving generators.
- Ensure you use a high-quality extension cord with your heater. Extension cords of low quality are frequently responsible for fire incidents. When you connect a space heater to your house’s power supply rated at 1500W, you should never use an extension cord. However, using a 2000W generator is somewhat safer.
- Consider using a generator with at least 2000W. Never accept less! Only generators with a capacity of 2000W or more can safely accommodate space heaters. The more power your generator has, the lesser the chance of a fire or blowing a fuse.
- Ensure you start the generator before you plug in the space heater. The good news is that most space heaters have power settings. Therefore, when you plug in your space heater, go ahead and increase the power gradually until you get to 1500W. You can skip this step if your space heater doesn’t have power settings.
Alternative Heat Sources without Electricity
Since most 2000W generators typically last for a maximum of 3 hours, it’s important to have a backup plan when that happens.
While you may argue that reducing the space heater’s power may help the generator last longer, that’s still not going to be a final solution.
That’s because reducing the space heater’s power to 750W may only make it last to a maximum of 8 hours.
The best alternative, in this case, is a propane heater. That’s because propane heaters are relatively safe to use indoors. Also, they don’t need electricity, plus they are more efficient and affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you should use the generator to run the space heater. The generator can provide enough power for both items, and you will be able to keep your house warm in case of a winter storm.
Hopefully, you’ve learned something from this post. But if you happen to have any questions or feedback regarding our post, you can reach out to us through email. We’ll be happy to help!