Tiny houses are more efficient when opting to spend less on living expenses. You need approximately 4000 watts to power tiny houses each day.
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How many watts run a tiny house
Growing up, before my family moved to New York, we lived in a tiny house in Minnesota. At that time, we did not need so much space as I was the only child. We had few appliances in the house. I remember we would power the house using solar panels. A tiny house uses 4000 watts daily, which is significantly lower than residential homes. It would be best to consider factors before settling on how you will power your tiny house, highlighted in the review below. Read on to learn about the different power sources of tiny houses.
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How many watts does a tiny house use?
You may have considered moving to a tiny house, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. Tiny houses save a lot of money since you need a few appliances that charge a small number of watts. Depending on the kind of appliances you use, a tiny house runs on approximately 4000watts a day.
To come up with a conclusive approximation of the number of watts needed to run your house, you will have to analyze your home appliances. If you have few appliances, you will need a few watts compared to having a lot. Select a power source that will provide enough energy for your most vital needs.
Below is a table showcasing home appliances and the number of watts they use.
APPLIANCE | WATTS |
42 inch TV | 60W |
Coffee Maker | 800-1400W |
Air Cooler | 80W |
Ceiling Fan | 70W |
Clothes Dryer | 1000-4000W |
Electric Stove | 2000W |
Deep Freezer | 19W |
Dishwasher | 1200-1500W |
Desktop | 100-450W |
Electric Shaver | 20W |
Air Conditioner | 2600W |
Fridge | 100-220W |
Gaming PC | 300-600W |
Freezer | 30-50W |
Home phone | 5W |
Humidifier | 40W |
Toaster | 800-1800W |
Electric iron | 1000W |
Microwave | 600-1700W |
Oven | 2150W |
Vacuum Cleaner | 450-900W |
Sources of power for a tiny house
There are various ways you can power a tiny house. They are solar panels connecting to a grid and generators. The most preferred methods are through renewable sources, which are solar panels. You can power a tiny house with five to ten solar panels.
When you opt for solar panels, you may have to consider the roof’s size, the location and accessibility to sunlight, and costs. Using these as reference points, you can decide what is best for you and your family.
Unlike before, generators are available in various sizes, and some are portable. Owners of tiny houses may opt for portable generators which can power up to 4,000W. Portable generators come in handy as backup during emergencies, but in case they can power a tiny house.
You should note that you will likely face challenges when opting for either solar panels or generators. You are limited from powering many appliances simultaneously, and the type of weather may not allow for the maximum generation of solar energy.
Many people these days opt for off-grid sources for tiny houses. Especially for those moving around, one prefers a power source that you can carry around. However, there is an option of selecting to connect to the grid, which may limit transportability.
What should you consider when looking for power sources for a tiny house?
Selecting a power source for your tiny house is a crucial aspect to consider. You have to make a decision that will favor your lifestyle. If you make a wrong choice, you may have to go back deep into your pockets and set up a better source of power.
You should first consider the number of watts your tiny house needs. Analyze how many watts your home appliances need to conclude. A tiny house does not carry many appliances, and those available may require a few watts. Consider doing away with appliances that carry less importance in a home, such as a dishwasher, microwave, or coffee maker.
If you opt for solar panels, you have to consider the accessibility, location, and position of the house to sunlight. The wrong positioning of the house will affect the amount of energy the solar panel will produce. On a dull day, there may be no electricity production at all. However, you can manage that by choosing a location directly under the sun.
Another critical point to consider is the cost. Some sources are more costly than others. Setting up and buying solar panels may cost you more than anticipated. While investing in quality generators may be expensive. The cheapest option is connecting to the grid, which is not efficient.
Consider the size of your house’s roof; set up a solar panel if you have enough surface area. However, if the space is small, opt for a generator instead. The design of the roof will determine how you will position the solar panels if it is flat or has a slanting position.
The kind of appliances you will opt for will impact the type of power supply you select. If you have a high number of appliances that require charging, invest in a powerful power source. Another aspect to consider is the climate of the area.
Conclusion
Over time, tiny houses have slowly replaced the residential home type of living. People across the US opt for this since it cuts finances, such as paying high electricity bills. Powering a tiny house can be stressful; however, having accurate information and guidance can be a seamless experience. As highlighted, you will require 4,000W to run a tiny home. If you compare that which runs a residential home, you realize it is a low amount. Consider factors such as climate, costs, accessibility, and location when selecting the best power source.
FAQ Section
Can you use a solar panel to power a tiny house?
Yes. Solar panels are the most favorable sources of power for tiny houses.
How many solar panels do you need to power a tiny house?
You may need up to 10 solar panels to power a tiny house effectively.