Medium-sized emergency generators are great at protecting families without busting the budget.

These gas-powered generators typically range from 3,000-5,000 watts.

They will restore power to most of your mission-critical survival appliances, like a refrigerator, sump pump, furnace fan, lights, etc.

Mid-sized gas emergency generators won't, however, power your entire home. Nor do they pack a big enough punch to turn over a central air conditioner.

Wattage Management

Since medium emergency generators produce limited electricity, you'll need to manage how many appliances are connected to the generator so it doesn't overload.

The best advice is to avoid powering too many motorized appliances (refrigerators, sump pumps, well pumps). While unlikely, the electric surge could pop the generator's circuit breaker if two motorized appliances start simultaneously.

Your best bet is to rotate the larger appliances. For example, run the refrigerator for an hour. Then run the well pump. Then run the deep freezer.

Yes, it requires a little more effort, but you'll still be the envy of the block during the next blackout.