Backup power guides
Can a power station run it, and for how long? Each guide covers one appliance with runtime tables, startup surge and practical tips.
Appliance guides
Can a power station run a refrigerator?Runtime by battery size, startup surge, and how long food stays safe.Can a power station run a sump pump?Startup surge, runtime in a storm, and when a dedicated backup pump is the better choice.Can a power station run a CPAP machine?Nights per charge with and without the humidifier, and why DC power lasts longer.Can a power station run a window air conditioner?Why AC drains batteries fast, what size works, and cheaper ways to stay cool.Can a power station run a space heater?Why electric heat drains batteries in minutes, and what to use instead.Can a power station run a chest freezer?One of the easiest loads for a battery, with runtimes of a day or more.Can a power station run a microwave?Why a 1,000 W microwave needs a 1,500 W power station, and how many minutes of cooking you get.Can a power station run a gas furnace?Blower wattage, runtime in cold weather, and the safe way to connect a hardwired furnace.Can a power station run a well pump?Why 240 V is the first hurdle, how big the startup surge is, and how much water a battery buys you.What size generator do you need to run a house?Running and starting watts for essentials, comfort and whole-home backup.How many solar panels to charge a power station?Calculator for panel watts and charging days, by battery size and sun hours.
Learn the basics
Watts vs. watt-hours: what's the difference?What the two numbers on every power station mean, and the one formula that connects them.LiFePO4 vs. lithium-ion (NMC): which power station battery is better?Cycle life, weight, safety and cold weather: how the two battery types compare for backup power.Pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave: which do you need?Why the shape of the power matters for CPAPs, fridges and electronics, and how to check what you have.Inverter generator vs. conventional generator: which is better for an outage?Noise, clean power, fuel use and price: how to choose between the two types of portable generator.Winter storm power outage: how to stay warm and safeStaying warm safely, protecting pipes and food, and what to power first when a winter storm cuts the electricity.