If you’re looking to run an air conditioner off a generator, you’ll need to make sure you have the right size generator. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right size of generators for your air conditioners.
Checkout this video:
Introduction
In this post, we will discuss what size generator you need to run an air conditioner. We will also look at some factors that you need to consider before purchasing a generator.
There are a few things that you need to take into account when trying to determine the size of the generator needed to run an air conditioner. The first is the starting wattage of the air conditioner. The second is the running wattage of the air conditioner. Lastly, you need to take into account any other appliances or electronics that you might want to run off of the generator in addition to the air conditioner.
The starting wattage is the amount of watts required for the air conditioner to start up. The running wattage is the amount of watts required for the air conditioner to continue running. These two numbers can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the back of the air conditioner. It is important to note that most generators are not 100% efficient, so you will want to select a generator that has a higher wattage rating than your needs.
In addition to taking into account how much power your appliances use, you also need consider what else you might want to power with your generator i.e. lights, refrigerators, etc… If you plan on powering multiple items with your generator, then you will need add up all wattages required and purchase a generator with a wattage output higher than that number.
It is also important purchase a generator that has features like low oil shut off and circuit breakers; these features help increase safety when using your generator.
How Much Power Does an Air Conditioner Use?
An air conditioner uses a lot of power and you need a generator that can handle the load. The size of the generator you need to run an air conditioner depends on the type of air conditioner you have. A window unit will use less power than a central air unit. A portable air conditioner will use the least amount of power.
Central Air Conditioners
Most central air conditioners are rated according to their seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER). The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the system is. An AC with a SEER of 13 is about 20% more efficient than a model with a SEER of 10. A central air conditioner also has an Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The EER is determined by dividing the cooling output (in British Thermal Units [BTUs]) by the power input (in watts) during a set period of time, usually an hour. Central ACs tend to have EERs between 9 and 11.
Window Air Conditioners
While a central air conditioner is powered by an outdoor compressor, a window air conditioner has its compressor contained within the unit that sits in your window. This type of air conditioner typically uses about 700 to 1,200 watts of power.
What Size Generator Do You Need to Run an Air Conditioner?
If you want to use a generator to power an air conditioner, you need to make sure that you get a generator that is big enough to handle the load. The size of the generator you need depends on the size of the air conditioner. A small air conditioner will require a smaller generator, while a large air conditioner will require a larger generator.
Central Air Conditioners
central air conditioners use a lot of electricity, so you’ll need a generator that can provide enough power to keep your unit running.
The first step is to find out how much power your AC unit uses. This information is usually listed on a sticker or tag on the unit itself. Once you know the wattage, you can choose a generator that can provide that much power.
Keep in mind that the wattage listed on your AC unit is the maximum amount of power it will use. In most cases, your AC will use less power than this when it’s running normally. However, it’s always good to choose a generator that can provide more power than you need, just in case.
If you’re not sure which generator to choose, contact a local dealer or contractor who specializes in generators. They can help you select the right model for your needs.
Window Air Conditioners
Most portable generators can handle the start-up surge of a typical central air conditioner, but not all can run one continuously. To select the right generator size, you need to know how much power your central air conditioning unit consumes. Start by finding the model number and serial number of your air conditioner. The model and serial numbers are usually on a label on the front grille or on the left or right side cabinet panels. An example might look like this:
Model Number: A1B2-3456-78
Serial Number: 1234A567B8
With that information in hand, visit the website of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to find out how much power your unit consumes in watts (W). The specific model you have may not be listed, but you can find similar models and estimate from there. For instance, if you have an 1,100-watt window unit, look for 1,200-watt units in the AHAM consumery use ratings and select a generator with at least that much power output capacity. Once you’ve done that, check with your utility company to see how many watts they recommend for a backup generator for your home because their figures may be different from AHAM’s.
You should now have a good idea of what size generator you need to run an air conditioner. If you have any other questions or need help selecting the right portable or standby generator for your needs, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you further.
Conclusion
If you have a window unit air conditioner, you can use a smaller generator that produces around 2,000 watts of power. If you have a central air conditioning system, you’ll need a generator that produces at least 5,000 watts of power. To be on the safe side, choose a generator that produces 10 percent more power than you need.