I would like to install the necessary components to connect a portable generator to my home. My understanding is I will need a power inlet for the generator connected to an additional main breaker and an interlock on the main breaker box. Am I missing anything?

That is what I did. I had an electrician do it. I installed easy start on my a/c to get its start amps down. I have been using my Ford f150 powerboost to power my entire downstairs since we lost power (about 4 days now). I think I am burning about 19 gallons of gas for 24 hrs of power generation. I have a 30 gallon tank so could probably go 1.5 days before needing to disconnect and drive somewhere to get gas.

How do I determine the amount of amps needed to run my whole house?

Your electricity bill should give you your average kWh usage… A = kWH / V * 1000. That's your total amps used. You could divide that down as far as you want, for example, divide that by 30 would give you your daily amps, divide it by 24 more and that would give you your average hourly amps. Keep in mind that is an average that includes off hours, I would triple that number to assume peak amps

I use a kit like this. It's on an exterior wall. I have a breaker connected to it in my panel that has the interlock installed.

https://rvfilluck.com/products/generator-extension-cord-50amp-12500w

As stated you can put a soft start on your AC to lessen the burden on your generator.

Go to the Generac website and use their sizing form. Simplest way to get that number.

Average isn't super useful for sizing since you need to cover peak demand. Using a calculator like someone else posted to cover your big users is better. If you want to reduce sizing requirements you could not use all the equipment at once (like only run 1 ac unit if you have 2, don't use the microwave, oven, and coffee maker at the same time, etc.).

I installed a switch similar to this.

Basic to power my water well, septic, fridge, microwave and an outlet.

Looking back I should've gotten something to push my water heater. I do have a small quiet generator to power a tv, coffee maker and some basic stuff.

INOX said:

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I installed a switch similar to this.

Basic to power my water well, septic, fridge, microwave and an outlet.

Looking back I should've gotten something to push my water heater. I do have a small quiet generator to power a tv, coffee maker and some basic stuff.

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What's the reasoning for going this route vs just an interlock?

An interlock kit is cheaper and will let you pick and choose what to power by manually flipping the breakers. What I choose will likely be different in January vs July….

Get a bigger generator? Can leave more/everything on.

One thing to keep in mind is how far away you can get the generator to minimize the noise. We bought a fifty foot, fifty amp cord and that sucker was EXPENSIVE, but well worth it. We spent a little over $400 in 2021. I just looked it up and they are about $600 now. We spent over $700 dollars to get the house connection wired up with the interlock, added breakers and moving the main breakers to align with the interlock.
We hadn't had to use it before this week, and we're very grateful to have it that far away.

Add a whole home surge protector installed at the breaker box. Make sure you turn off all the breaker switches in addition to the interlock switch, once generator is running, then turn on each breaker individually.