GUIDES

Home backup power guides

Updated October 2026 · Educational guide, not electrical advice

Short, practical guides that explain the math and the safety questions behind home backup power. Each one uses the same assumptions as the HEA calculator, so you can check the results yourself.

• What size portable power station do I need for a power outage?

  Turn your appliance list into watt-hours and watts, then account for inverter losses, reserve and self-consumption.

• How long will a portable power station run a refrigerator?

  Use the EnergyGuide label to estimate runtime and check what matters for compressor startup.

• Can a portable power station back up my home electrical panel?

  Transfer switches, interlocks, split-phase 120/240 V and why back-feeding through an outlet is dangerous.

Home Energy Advisor is an independent pilot project. Some store links on this site are affiliate links: HEA may earn a commission on eligible purchases, and commissions do not change how equipment is compared. A favorable estimate does not certify an installation; connecting to a home electrical panel requires a qualified professional.