A diesel generator can absolutely power a house. Without question, when sized and installed properly, it can provide enough power for your entire home. And in today’s world, where frequent outages and prolonged power outages are more common than we'd like to admit, diesel generators have become a go-to for homeowners looking for reliable backup power.
You might be prepping for hurricane season, living off the grid, or just trying to keep your HVAC system running during cold weather blackouts. Whatever your reason, one thing’s clear: diesel whole house generators are well suited for serious backup and primary power situations.
Our team at General Power will dive deeper into why diesel generators might be a better fit than gas powered generators, how to choose the right generator size based on your power needs, and what kind of fuel efficiency, installation, and maintenance you can expect. Let’s get into it.
Key Takeaways
- Diesel generators can reliably power an entire home when properly sized and maintained.
- They are more fuel efficient than gas or propane, especially under heavy or continuous loads.
- Whole house diesel generators are ideal for off-grid living, emergency preparedness, or homes with frequent outages.
- Proper sizing is critical, too small risks overload, too large wastes fuel and increases costs.
- Diesel excels in cold climates where gas lines may freeze or gasoline degrades.
- Noise and upfront installation costs are trade-offs, but newer models offer quieter operation and better emissions.
- General Power’s EGSA certified engineers help homeowners choose the most cost-effective, fuel-efficient diesel generator for their unique needs.
Why Diesel Instead of Gasoline or Propane?
Choosing between diesel, gasoline, and natural gas? It's not just about fuel sources, it's about your intended use, operating costs, and how much you value cost effectiveness and long-term durability.
Why we prefer diesel generators:
- Fuel efficient: They burn less fuel to provide power, especially under heavy loads.
- Built for endurance: Great for extended periods of use, even when powering multiple appliances or essential appliances like medical equipment and air conditioning.
- Lower operating costs over time: Despite slightly higher installation costs, they often save money on fuel costs and replacement costs in the long run.
- Cold-weather reliability: Unlike natural gas lines that can freeze or gasoline that degrades, diesel fuel performs well in harsh conditions.
Where they fall short:
- Noise levels: Unless equipped with noise reduction features, these units can be loud, especially in residential areas or suburban areas with noise ordinances.
- Initial cost: Upfront installation costs are typically higher than smaller generators or portable generators.
- Emissions: Not as clean as solar panels or other fuels, though newer models are improving.
So yeah, diesel generators aren’t for everyone, but if you want rugged, cost-effective, reliable power that won’t quit when you need it most, they’re tough to beat.
When Diesel Generators Are Best For Powering Homes
Here's where context matters. Can a diesel generator power a house full-time? Yes. Should it? That depends.
- Backup power: Most homeowners use a whole house diesel generator for power outages or extended power outages. These systems keep the lights on, the fridge cold, and the furnace humming when gas lines fail or the grid goes dark.
- Primary power: For off-grid homes or remote properties, diesel is sometimes the main act, providing a continuous power supply where utilities aren’t an option. Just know it requires careful planning for a continuous fuel supply and regular maintenance.
Portable vs. Standby Diesel Generators
Now let’s talk about different types of generators. You’ve got two main options.
Portable Diesel Generators
- Rated under 10kW - good for small appliances, power tools, and essential loads.
- Handy during emergencies but not a long-term solution.
- Ideal if you’re managing frequent outages and only need to keep a few things running.
Standby Whole House Diesel Generators
- Installed permanently with an automatic transfer switch.
- Delivers enough power for your entire home, even during extended periods without utility service.
- Ideal for those who experience prolonged power outages, live off-grid, or just want the peace of mind that comes with full-home coverage.
Picking the right generator size and type comes down to several factors: your power needs, fuel costs, installation space, and how often you expect to rely on the system.
Sizing a Diesel Generator to Power a House
Why Sizing Matters
Generator size is everything. Too small, and you’ll trip breakers or risk damaging equipment. Too large, and you’re wasting fuel and money. Think of it like buying shoes. You want the right fit, not too tight, not too loose. It’s the same with your diesel generator. Undersized units:
- Can’t power all your essential appliances.
- Lead to wear-and-tear, costly repairs, and shortened lifespan.
Oversized units:
- Run inefficiently when underloaded.
- Increase fuel consumption and operating costs.
How to Estimate Your Household Power Needs
You’ve got to crunch the numbers. Here’s how to do it without a headache:
Step-by-step sizing guide:
- List your loads: Think HVAC systems, refrigerator, washer/dryer, lights, medical equipment, small appliances, and internet gear.
- Check wattage: Use the label or owner’s manual to get the running and surge watts.
- Add it up: Calculate your total wattage, don’t forget starting power for larger items.
- Factor in future growth: Planning to add a pool heater or EV charger? Size up accordingly.
Common Sizing Examples
- 6.5kW Diesel Generator: Typically sufficient for small to mid-size homes with modest loads. Think fridge, lights, TV, maybe a window AC.
- 20kW–25kW Whole House Diesel Generator: Covers everything from HVAC systems to kitchen appliances and more. Great if you want your entire home powered, no sacrifices.
Load Management Tips
Here’s where a little planning goes a long way. Smart load strategies include:
- Prioritize smartly: Focus on essential appliances first, especially during frequent outages.
- Don’t overdo it: Avoid running the oven, dryer, and HVAC all at once if using smaller units.
- Upgrade your switch: A load-managing transfer switch can help distribute power evenly across circuits, protecting both the generator and your home.
Now for the part people often overlook: the noise. Compared to natural gas generators or even some gas powered generators, diesel units tend to make more of a racket. It’s not unbearable, but in residential areas or suburban neighborhoods with noise ordinances, you might want to invest in noise reduction features like an acoustic enclosure. These upgrades help muffle the engine's deep rumble and make your generator a better neighbor.
When Is a Diesel Generator the Right Choice for Your Home?
We’ve worked with homeowners, farmers, and remote property owners who absolutely depend on diesel generators to stay powered through storms, blackouts, and everything in between. So when is it a good fit?
- If you live in a remote location without natural gas lines or access to the grid.
- If you experience frequent outages or extended power outages, and candles just aren’t cutting it anymore.
- If your entire home runs on multiple appliances, high-voltage equipment, or critical medical equipment.
- If you want a cost effective, long-lasting power solution that prioritizes fuel efficiency.
Diesel generators are well suited for powering homes that can’t afford interruptions. And if you're using other fuels like propane or natural gas, diesel might still win out when it comes to fuel costs, reliability, and storage.
Find the Right Diesel Generator for Your Home with General Power
Choosing the right diesel generator for your house isn’t just about picking a size, it’s about understanding your home’s total power needs, backup priorities, and long-term usage. At General Power, our engineers are ready to help you evaluate essential appliances, HVAC demands, fuel efficiency goals, and installation requirements.
Whether you need a whole-house solution or something smaller, we’ll guide you through every factor to make sure your generator is the perfect fit. Contact us today to get started.
Final Thoughts: Can a Diesel Generator Power a House Reliably?
Let’s bring it full circle. Can a diesel generator power a house? Yes. And not just any house, a well-powered, fully functional, family-sized home with a fridge full of food, a heater running during cold weather, and HVAC systems humming like clockwork. But it only works if you take the time to:
- Choose the right size generator based on your total wattage and intended use.
- Match your fuel sources with your needs for continuous power supply.
- Keep up with the maintenance tasks so it’s ready when it counts.
Diesel still has a strong place in today’s backup power market, especially when power outages are becoming more common and more expensive. If your goal is reliable power, fuel efficiency, and long-term performance, then a whole house diesel generator might just be the best decision you make for your home.
If you need help picking the right size generator for your house, reach out to us at General Power, our team of EGSA certified engineers are standing by ready to help. Whether you’re building an off-grid retreat or just want peace of mind for extended power outages, we’re here to help you find the most fuel efficient, cost effective solution for your home.