Power outages are more than an inconvenience—they disrupt your life, compromise safety, and can cost you money. And with extreme weather and aging infrastructure leading to more frequent blackouts, this problem is only getting worse.
A standard home battery can power essential devices—lights, a refrigerator, WiFi, and chargers—for one to two days in an average-sized home. But if you live in a larger home or an estate, even running the basics will drain your battery much faster than you expect.
So, how do you stretch your battery life during an outage? The key is smart energy management. But first, let’s cover the basics.
How Big of a Battery Do You Need?
Your home battery size depends on two key factors:
- Stored Capacity: How much electricity your battery holds at once. Most home batteries store between 10-20 kWh. (Many systems are expandable, so you can add more capacity if needed.)
- Power Output: How much electricity your battery can discharge at a time. Most systems provide between 5-8 kW of continuous power.
Think of your battery like a rainwater cistern:
- Stored capacity is the size of the cistern (how much water it holds).
- Power output is the size of the drain pipe (how fast the water flows out).
A small cistern with a wide pipe empties quickly. A large cistern with a small pipe lasts longer—but can’t run as many devices at once. Finding the right balance is crucial.
How Much Power Does Your Home Actually Use?
The average U.S. household consumes 30 kWh of electricity daily—but your home battery likely holds only 10-20 kWh. That means without careful management, you’ll run out of power fast in an extended outage.
The solution? Intelligent load shedding.
Instead of running all appliances, a smart home system like Savant lets you prioritize essential devices automatically. For example, you can:
✔ Keep your fridge, WiFi, and key lights on.
✔ Shut down non-essential loads like the microwave, dishwasher, and laundry.
✔ Reduce HVAC usage to conserve power.
Here’s how much power common household devices use:
- CFL lightbulb: 12W
- WiFi router: 6-10W
- Refrigerator: 150-400W
- Microwave: 1,000W/hr
- A/C Unit: 5,000W/hr
Want to calculate your home’s energy use? Try this home energy calculator.
How Can You Recharge Your Battery Faster?
If your battery is grid-tied only, it lasts until it’s depleted. However, if paired with solar panels, you can recharge during the day and rely on stored power at night—stretching your battery life significantly.
This is why solar + battery storage is a game-changer. Instead of running out of power in 24 hours, you can stay powered for days with the right system.
Why Savant Power is the Smartest Backup Solution
Blackouts are no longer rare—they can last hours or even days. That’s why Savant Power’s home battery backup system gives you true energy independence, storing power from the grid or your solar panels so your home stays powered when the utility fails.
Unlike traditional battery systems, Savant Power’s advanced energy management software makes it easy to:
✔ Automatically prioritize essential devices (so you don’t have to shut things off manually).
✔ Keep medical devices running while other appliances pause.
✔ Ensure your fridge stays cold while your HVAC powers down first.
And because Savant’s modular design lets you start small and expand as needed, you can customize your backup system to fit your exact energy needs—whether you’re working from home, rely on medical equipment, or just want peace of mind.
Ready to Stay Powered, Protected, and Prepared?
Don’t wait for the next blackout. Take control of your home’s energy today.
See how Savant’s home battery backup can work for you.
