What size generator do you need to run a window air conditioner?

Question

What size generator, 1000 to 2000 watt, do you need to run a small window air conditioner, 5000 to 6500 btu?

Answer 1

Forget about the BTU.

Read the AC Specification label, and see how many cooling watts this AC required, double this number and buy your generator with a greater number.

for example: if the AC cooling watts are 750 Watts, you need to buy a 1500 Watts or greater generator, the AC will use what it needs from watts.

Answer 2

1 HP = 746 watts

1.5HP= 1120watts

if yours is 1hp 2000 watts will do

the amps will comsump 4.5amps to your baby

Answer 3

Minimum size to run it for a period of time is at least 3 KW, larger is better.  A generator should be run at 45-70% of full load rating. A 3KW will put out about 12.5 amps per leg, so it will full load one leg at 120 volt.

Answer 4

Read the ID label on the air conditioner.  It will tell you how much amperage it uses to operate.  Get a generator with at least one and a half more amps rating.  This will allow for the extra surge when the unit is starting up

Answer 5

measure the room, then go to a home depot or lowes, and they can help you get the size.

Answer 6

An air conditioner the size you're looking for is designed to operate on a 15A 120V circuit.  That means it has a max draw of about 1800W.  The startup surge can be higher, so I would get a generator at least 3000W.