8000 running Watts or startup?
The Generlink MA23-S would be perfect. It has a max. running wattage of 8500 W and built-in surge protection. It will easily handle a fridge, some lights and AC or furnace. A gas furnace only needs power for the blower. Same for a power vented hot water tank. That's the model I'm going to get. I need to power my well pump as well. There's a 40 Amp version that has a 10,000 W max., but the electrician said the extra cost is not worth a gain of only 1500 W.
With the Generlink, you can turn on and off breakers as needed, as long as the total load doesn't exceed the 8500 W or the running wattage of the generator. With a dedicated generator, you need to pre-select the circuits you want and wire them into a pony panel and install a transfer switch. They also cost 4x+ the cost of a Generlink/generator combination.
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Use this tool to determine running and startup Wattage requirements.
https://www.championpowerequipment.com/generator-selector/power-needs/?primary-use=Home Essentials
Check your local electrical codes to see if they are permitted and you also need to float the neutral on the generator.
https://www.electricgeneratorsdirec...ipping-a-Generator-With-a-Bonded-Neutral.html