Can A Portable Generator Run an Air Conditioner?

Not all portable generators are suitable for powering up your air conditioner. You have to consider several factors before buying a suitable generator for it. So if questions like “Whether a portable generator can run an A/C?” “What generator size is best for the A/C unit?” “How many Watts generators are unfitting for running an A/C?” are pulling you back. Then this article is worth reading as it includes all the necessary information you should know before purchasing a portable generator.

So can a portable generator run an air conditioner? Of course, it can! But if your air conditioner requires 5,000 starting watts and 5,500 running watts, then you must confirm that your portable generator can produce higher watts as compared to the “starting and running” watts. As a suggestion, a 7,000 Watt portable generator could be a better option for you.

For higher wattage, Champion Dual Fuel Portable Generator can be your best choices!

What is a Portable Generator?

A typical portable generator is a diesel or gas-powered device that provides temporary electricity. The system consists of a small turbine, allowing it to produce usable electricity to a limited wattage level. All you need to do is plug the appliances into the portable generator sockets or professionally wire them into your home’s sub-panel. Once done, start the generator and bring life to your appliances.

What Size Generator Do I Need to Run My Air Conditioner?

First, you need to understand that when someone talks about the generator’s size, the person usually refers to its electrical output. Keep in mind that generators are measured in kilowatts (kW) or watts (W). So that makes 1 kW equals 1,000 W. Overloading or under loading a generator can destroy your appliances, as well as the generator itself.

Calculating the Generator Size to Run Your Air Conditioner

To know what generator size you need to run your air conditioner, you must find the A/C’s unit wattage (Watts).

Following are the two steps you need to follow to find out the “surge wattage” or “starting wattage,” which means the required watts your air conditioner needs at the beginning

1. Find the Tonnage of Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units) and tons. To find that, look for the information in the operator manual, or contact the manufacture with the model number (it’s mentioned on the manufacturer label) to get details.

If you’re A/C is measured in BTUs, you can get the tonnage (ton) just by dividing it by 12,000 (12,000 BTUs = 1 ton). So, for instance, your unit is 42,000 BTUs, which means your air conditioner is 3.5 tons.

Here’s the calculation: 42,000 / 12,000 = 3.5 tons or tonnage

2. Calculating Your Air Conditioner’s Wattage

Now, multiply your air conditioner’s tonnage by 3,500 (as 1 ton equals 3,500 watts) to get the wattage. In this example, the obtained wattage is 12,250.

Here’s the calculation: 3.5 x 3,500 = 12,250W

After knowing your air conditioner’s starting watts, you can easily find the right generator size to power up the unit. In this scenario, a 15kW or 15,000 watts generator would be an ideal choice.

Nevertheless, make sure you’re not running any other appliance with the same generator size, or else the generator won’t work.

What Size Generator Do I Need to Run Basic Appliances and Air Conditioner Together?

Before suggesting any size, let’s assume the starting and running wattages few basic appliances with a two-tonnage air conditioner.

That means a 25kW generator is perfect for running all the listed appliances. So, if you’re planning to run your essential appliances along with an air conditioner, you’ll need to look for a high kW generator.

Note: The above figures used for starting and running wattages are just for explanation. Although they match the real wattages, there could still be a slight difference when in the figures. Therefore, it is always wise to read the user manual. Or contact the manufacturer to know watts for each of your appliances.

Can You Run an Air Conditioner Off a Generator?

Well, yes, you can. Running an air conditioner off a generator is possible. As a matter of fact, many households are involved in such a practice. But again, assure your generator is strong enough to provide the required watts. Failure to do so would make things complicated for you.

Will a 2000 Watt Generator Run an Air Conditioner?

Unless it’s a medium-sized window air conditioner, then a 2000 watt generator will be good enough to run it. On the other hand, if you’re using a central air conditioner or a split-system A/C, such size is insufficient to run an air conditioning unit.

How Many Watts Does it Take to Run an Air Conditioner?

It depends on several factors, such as the manufacturer, model’s unit, and whether the unit is new or second-hand. But when estimating generally:

• A central air conditioner takes 3,500 Watts per hour
• Large window air conditioners take 1,440 Watts per hour
• Small window air conditioners consumer 500 Watts per hour
• Medium window air conditioners demand 900 Watts per hour
• Central air conditioner along with compressor and “fan-only” feature takes 750 Watts per hour

What is the Difference between Running Watts and Starting Watts?

Running watts, also known as “rated watts,” are those watts, which are needed continuously to keep appliances running. At the same time, starting watts are the extra watts required for a maximum of three seconds to start any motor-driven items, such as a refrigerator or an air conditioner.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that you can run an air conditioner by using a portable generator. But make sure your generator can handle the wattage required by the A/C. That is why always buy a portable generator by calculating the tonnage and watts. Doing so will save you from technical troubles in the future.