Updated at: 24-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

The typical households experience power outages on some occasions and for some period. But, blackouts triggered by severe weather may go on for many days or weeks. When this happens, you still want your air conditioner to work so you can be cool and comfortable throughout the event.

Power outages occur occasionally and last a certain amount of time in the average home. However, severe weather-caused blackouts can last for days or even weeks. You still need your air conditioner to keep you cool and comfortable even if the power goes out.

Size Of Generator Required For 5000 BTU Air Conditioner

Having an air conditioner in a home or building can have an enormous effect. On hot summer days, for example, you might turn on your air conditioner to keep yourself from melting in the sun. In addition, the ability to sleep in an air-conditioned environment is useful to some persons with medical conditions.

A 5000 BTU air conditioner may be a key factor in helping persons with respiratory and cardiac conditions. Thus, investing in generators is a must so that whatever happens, you can still have a power source in your home.

What Size Generator Is Needed To Run An RV Air Conditioner?

Now, how much power do I need in order to run a 5000 BTU air conditioning unit? A 2000-watt generator is the most ideal choice. However, the price ranges from $300 to $1,200. It is easy to see that nearly all 5000 BTU air conditioners run on a generator of between 500 and 600 watts. Consequently, you’re more inclined to believe that the additional power is unnecessary.

Reasons Why A 5000 BTU Air Conditioner Needs A 2000 Watts Generator

Consider the following factors to understand why a 5000 BTU air conditioner requires a 2000 watts generator:

Reason #1. Wattage specifications

The operating and starting wattages of the vast majority of air conditioners are specified in two different ways. Furthermore, the wattage used for continuous operation is a smaller figure. As a result, 5000 BTU air conditioners normally require between 500 and 600 watts of power to run. However, it has a capacity of 2000 BTU in the outset.

The initial watts are not included in this figure.. It is the amount of electricity needed to run the air conditioning equipment that determines the wattage. The beginning wattage of an AC is typically substantially higher because to the large amount of energy required to switch on the turbine. The amount varies depending on the model.

But there are a few 5000 BTU air conditioners with a starting power need of 1000 watts. Some appliances may require more than 1200 watts of power to operate. If you frequently use an air conditioner, you’ll save money on electricity.

Reason #2. Evaluation of effectiveness

Air conditioner output impedance influences the sort of generator you should choose. High-powered gadgets can operate with fewer watts than low-powered ones, resulting in a higher need for electricity. Additionally, this 5000 BTU air conditioner has a 10 percent energy efficiency rating. A 2000 watt generator is needed to power it.

Reason #3. Duration of air conditioner

The duration of your 5000 BTU air conditioner will also influence the amount of electricity it requires. Power consumption is typically higher in older models. As a result, newer vehicles use less power because of technical advances.

Maintaining the health of your unit is essential. It will lose its potency if you don’t use it or check it regularly. A failure to perform routine maintenance might also contribute to future problems.

Reason #4. Home location

The size of your home is critical when determining how much electricity your air conditioning equipment will require. As an example, the temperature in your area and the altitude of your home could affect your electricity use.

Air conditioners use more electricity at higher altitudes. A little extra water is needed if you use them in the heat.

Using a 2000 watt generator to power your 5000 BTU air conditioning unit will help you avoid these complications. However, it can still meet the demands of your air conditioner for more energy at certain times of the year or year-round periods.

Champion 4000 Watt Inverter Generator

The Champion 4000 is one of the most recent generator models from the Champion brand, which has improved its technology. The Champion 4000 is a solid generator for air conditioning, although being less powerful than the others. Fuel alternatives and cutting-edge technologies are often found in Champion generators at a reasonable price. However, this option has one clear drawback.

Power

  • 4000-watts of initial power and 3500-watts of continuous power

Performance

  • At a 25% load, gasoline has a runtime of up to 17 hours.

Technology

  • Start-up can be done wirelessly.
  • The 224cc engine has a moderate amount of power.
  • The quick touch panel makes it simple to operate the controls, such as the economy mode, to improve fuel economy.
  • Dual USB adapters and battery charging cables are included with the 120V 30A RV (TT-30R), two 120V 20A residential outlets (5-20R), and a 12-volt DC automotive outlet.
  • With the optional Parallel Kit, you may connect up to two inverters or digital hybrids with a normal 50-amp RV outlet to improve your power output.

Fuel

  • Carburetor: 2.9-gallon capacity

Portability

  • Dimensions: 23.524.820.5 (inches)
  • Inches: 97 pound
  • Wheels are included with the package.

Noise

  • In other words, 64 decibels

Safety

  • Shutting down the engine when the oil level is too low.
  • A three-year limited warranty, as well as lifelong access to free technical assistance, are included.
  • Compliant with CARB

Pros

  • Inexpensive in comparison to several alternatives
  • Silent- The Champion 4000 has a noise level of 64 dB, which is lower than most other options.
  • With a lightweight design and a wheel kit included, this is one of the more convenient solutions.

Cons

  • Other options are more powerful. This isn’t a proper backup generator for your house. Only a few items can be powered at once.

Westinghouse WGen9500DF

As a result, many generator owners have hailed the Westinghouse WGen9500DF as the best one they’ve ever owned. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons.

Power

  • 12,500 starting watts and 9,500 running watts.

Performance

  • Running time on gasoline is 12 hours at a 25% load.
  • A 20-pound propane tank can power the generator for seven hours.

Technology

  • Engine displacement: 457 cubic centimeters, one-cylinder, overhead valve
  • Powered by electricity from afar
  • All outlets have rubber covers for additional safety, including two GFCI 120V 5–20R standard household outlets, one transfer switch ready 120V L14-30R, and one RV ready 120/240V 14–50R.

Fuel

  • It can run on either gasoline or liquid petroleum gas, depending on your preference.
  • Fuel tank capacity of 6.6 gallons

Portability

  • Dimensions: 27x26x26.5 inches
  • 211 pounds is the maximum weight limit.
  • Wheels are included with the package.

Noise

  • It has an output level of 74 decibels

Safety

  • Low-oil shut-down through automatic means
  • Limited warranty: 1-3 year period
  • Extension cords help to keep the generator away from potential threats by extending it 25 feet (unless someone trips over the cord, of course)

Pros

  • With a maximum output of 9,500 operating watts, this generator is capable of powering a wide range of household equipment.

Cons

  • Unpleasant (74dB)
  • A lot of weight (211 lbs)

DuroMax XP13000EH

When it comes to high-performance generators, the DuroMax XP13000EH takes the cake. As well as some significant advantages and disadvantages, this generator offers enough capacity to serve as a reliable backup power source for a home.

Power

  • 13,000 watts during start-up and 10,500 watts at run-time

Performance

  • At 50% load, gasoline has a runtime of 10.4 hours.
  • With a 50 percent load, propane has a 6.6-hour run time.

Technology

  • Intense 500cc OHV two-stroke power
  • 120/240V 50A heavy duty outlet, 1 120/240V 30A twist lock outlet, 1 120V 30A twist lock outlet, and 2 120V 20A domestic outlets are available.

Fuel

  • Generator that can be used with either gasoline or propane as a fuel source.
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8.3 gallons

Portability

  • These are the measurements in inches, not decimal points: 30
  • Weight: 234 pounds

Noise

  • It has an output level of 74 decibels

Safety

  • Generator surges are avoided because to Surge Arrest technology.
  • New generators come with a 3-year limited warranty; certified refurbished generators come with a 90-day guarantee.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency gave its approval.
  • CARB Compliant

Pros

  • Great power output with 10,000 operating W is sufficient for a true standby generator and important domestic equipment, such as air conditioning and heating systems
  • Reliability- DuroMax XP13000EH has a long-term reliability track record.
  • Safety – this generator has been approved by both the CARB and the EPA, which means it is safer for you and the environment than other models. Preventing harmful power surges is made possible by Surge Arrest, a useful technology.

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Bulky and heaviest.
  • This generator has a tendency to corrode over time.

What Generator Size To Run an Air Conditioner? -

Durostar DS10000E

In addition to powering air conditioners, this DuroStar DS10000E generator can also handle a variety of other domestic appliances and outdoor activities.

Power

  • 100,000 Watts during start-up and 8,000 at run-time

Performance

  • At 50% load, gasoline has a runtime of 10.4 hours.
  • Fueled with propane: 8.6 hours of use

Technology

  • 389 cubic centimeter (OHV) four stroke engine
  • Panel includes GFCI outlets for two 120V domestic circuits, a 120V 30A twist-lock outlet for the twist-locking of other circuits and a 120V 50A twist-lock outlet. For charging external batteries, the panel has a voltmeter and 12V DC charging ports

Fuel

  • It can run on either gasoline or liquid petroleum gas, depending on your preference.
  • Fuel tank capacity: 8.3 gallons

Portability

  • Aspects: 40x29x27.5 inches
  • Body mass index (BMI): 220
  • Wheels are included with the package.

Noise

  • 72 dB of idle noise reduction aid

Safety

  • Using Surge Arrest technology, the generator can withstand power surges without being damaged.
  • Certified by the EPA
  • Compliant with CARB
  • Approved by all 50 states.

Pros

  • Superb power output, enough to power large household appliances as well as outdoor work or recreation demands, with an output of 8,000 operating Watts.
  • Eco-Friendly:

Cons

  • Heavy

How To Tell the Size of Generator Needed

It is exhausting to be without air conditioning for long periods of time during power outages. If so, you’ll need a standby generator to keep your home running in the event of a power outage. Do you lose power when it’s hot outside? Afterwards, you’ll need to keep essentials like the air conditioning running. For your generator choices to be safe, you must:

You need to know that there are two types of generators on the market: standby and portable. Portable generators can be moved from one location to another, whereas backup generators must be installed outside and connected to the power line in order to function.

Smaller and lighter portable generators are the most common. If you’re a significant user of electricity, fixed or standby generators are a fantastic option. They’re also less expensive and more convenient to utilize.

Both offer advantages and disadvantages, which might aid you in making a decision.

In order to minimize frustrations, the ideal choice for a whole house generator is a stationary or standby one, even if portable generators can run constantly for up to 10-20 hours (depending on the generator model). You will have the following experiences as a result of this:

Since the largest portable generator has only 12,000 watts of power, the additional power is needed. Even when huge central air conditioners are running, the equipment will not exceed its wattage limit. This is enough to rule out most of the smaller portable generators.

-Unlike portable generators, this one requires less maintenance. As long as the energy usage is never surpassed, you’ll be able to save money on your utility bills. It’s not uncommon to run out of fuel and to spend little time on routine maintenance.

As a second step, learn how generators are made.

Generators have also benefited from the current advancements in engineering technology. The units are available in a variety of sizes.

Size isn’t a physical measurement, but rather a measure of the amount of power it produces. It is possible to measure power in terms of watts (W) or kilowatts (kW).

Is the scope of the generator relevant? When overworked, machinery will either shut down or overheat. As a result of these dangers, the generator and other home appliances may be damaged. You’ll also end up overpaying if you get a generator that’s too powerful for what you require.

You may have to break the bank because of the unit and operating charges. It’s not a bad idea to get the assistance of a qualified electrician for the inspection. More information on generator sizing can be found here.

How to Decide the Right Generator Size

When it comes to purchasing a generator, it’s not a good idea to simply walk into a store and order whatever is on sale. To help you out, here are some things to keep in mind:

1) Identify Your Requirements

Air conditioner model and size, as well as the power requirements of each component, all influence the size of the generator you’ll need. Start by determining the starting and running watts of the device you intend to power with a generator. In order to determine the precise amount of electricity required, it is imperative that you obtain an accurate estimate.

Consider the amount of time your appliance will be in use before making a purchase. To get the most out of your generator, it’s crucial to know what size it is and how long you can run heavy appliances on it.

2) Calculate Size Of Generator You Need

The size of your generator should be determined by determining what you want to run in the event of a power outage. What’s great is that, depending on the output, a generator can power just about anything, even enormous ones.

A complete consumption rate must be known before selecting the generator size needed to power your air conditioners. Central air conditioners can be powered either alone or in conjunction with other appliances.

If it’s just your air conditioner, you’ll need to know its capacity. If you want to know how much weight the appliance has, you can find a label on the owner’s manual. Because 1 ton is equal to 3,500 watts, the running wattage is calculated by multiplying the item weight by 3,500.

Only the starting or surge wattage is provided by this method. In other words, the number you see is the total wattage needed to turn on the device.

With this information, you can figure out how big a generator you’ll need to power an air conditioning unit. To turn on and run properly, most ac units need between 2000 and 3000 watts of power. When it comes to figuring out how much power you’ll need, you’ll need the right generator.

3) Power Load Planning & Management

In the event that you need to power a number of vital home appliances, look for a generator that can start up multiple devices. Be sure to include any initial wattage for any machines you want to have on. Add that up.

Finally, purchase a generator that is more powerful than the sum of the two units. You won’t have to deal with power fluctuations, and you’ll have a reliable source of power for your house all the time. As a bonus, your air conditioner and other appliances will be safe from harm as a result of this.

Advantages Of Selecting The Right Generator Size

The size of your generator should correspond to the size of your house. In the event of a power loss, it should be powerful enough to keep your appliances operating for several hours while remaining compact enough to fit in your home. Here are a few obvious advantages you’ll get from figuring out what size generator to buy based on your specific requirements:

Not a single out-of-the-blue failure

– No blackouts as a result of size overload

— Longer generator life expectancy

– Guaranteed results

A hassle-free repair process

A longer service life for power systems

– Ensured personal protection.

Do you think it’s possible to include the wattage of all the devices that will be running at once? The greater the startup rating, the more energy you’ll need to get things up and running.

Inductively loading a generator with appliances such as washers, refrigerators, and power items would necessitate additional wattage to start all the equipment, so you can evaluate the power requirements by determining how many gadgets will be powered.

Have a question about Westinghouse WGen9500DF 12,500/9,500-Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator with Remote Start and Transfer Switch Outlet for Home Backup? - Pg 1 - The Home Depot

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will a 12000 Watt Generator Run Central Air?

Central air conditioners can be powered by a 12,000 watt generator. A three-ton central air conditioner requires at least 7,200 beginning and 5,400 operating watts, thus 12,000 watts is plenty to power the appliance.

Will a 10000 Watt Generator Run Central Air?

Yes, a 10,000-watt generator is more than plenty to power a central air conditioner. 10,000 watts is more than enough for a 3-ton central air conditioner to start at 7,200 watts and run at 5,400 watts.

Will a 9500 Watt Generator Run Central Air?

Yes, a central air conditioner can be powered by a 9,500-watt generator. A 3 ton central air conditioner requires at least 7,200 beginning and 5,400 operating watts, thus 9,500 watts is enough.

Can a Whole House Generator Run Air Conditioner?

As long as the generator generates more than 7,200 beginning Watts and 5,400 running Watts for a 3 ton or greater ac unit, then a whole house generator may run an air conditioner.

Air conditioners require at least 2,800 starting Watts and 1,800 operating Watts from even the smallest generator.

How to Get The Power Details For Your Equipment?

Your device’s documentation plate or owner’s guide should have all the answers you need. Make a list of all the steps necessary to start and run each appliance. In certain circumstances, peak wattage is not important, but in others, it is.

You’ll be unable to run your computers if they use more power during surges than the generator is able to supply.

In order to figure out what size generator you need to run an air conditioner during a power outage, you can total the wattage of all the appliances you need to keep running during a power outage.

Make sure to keep in mind that some machines draw extra watts while running before bringing in a calculator. Calculations might be thrown out of wack by not taking into account surge watts.

What’s the Average Air Conditioner Wattage?

More powerful central air conditioners, such as 3 ton units, require at least 7,200 starting and 5,400 operating watts, whereas window units require at least 2,800 starting and 1,800 running.

Consider the Outside Temperature

Increasing the outdoor temperature and humidity reduces the generator’s output because it takes more power to activate your air conditioner.

That implies you’ll need a lot of power to run your air conditioner. As a result of the high temperature, the generator will have a poor energy rating.

Every air conditioner has a constant temperature input, which is typically measured at 35C outside and 27C indoors with 50% humidity.

The device’s electrical energy requirements rise as the temperature rises. If you’re looking for a fuel-efficient and compact generator, there are a number of popular options available.

Some models will operate well with a central air conditioner, taking into account factors like temperature that can have an impact on the device’s performance.

– Reduced risk of asset loss

Where Should You Buy Your Generator?

Additionally, you will be investing in a piece of equipment that will serve as a source of electrical power for your business or house in the future. The moment may come during a disaster, therefore finding a decent bargain is an important consideration that should not be overlooked. The location of the generator deal is influenced by a number of factors, including:

– Numerous years of practical knowledge

— When necessary, provide full service.

– Technician certification

The use of high-quality machinery and equipment

— Helpful and well-informed support staff or office workers

– Products were tested prior to shipping.

– Consistently low costs and quotations

Maintaining Your Generator on a Regular Basis

In order to avoid costly breakdowns or having to replace your generator, you must maintain it at all times. You can extend the life of your generator with a few simple maintenance procedures.

Check the oil on a regular basis.

– Lubricate all moving parts.

Use a vacuum to remove any dust that has accumulated on your generator.

Take out the spark plugs and do it again

Make sure the air filter is cleaned out

-Keep it in a secure location.

So, Which is Best?

Air conditioners can easily be powered by any of the aforementioned generators. Let’s take a look at the top generators for each area, and see which one is best for you.

Performance

Out of all of the generators, the Westinghouse Wgen9500DF is the most efficient. At 9,5000 operating watts, this dual fuel generator is powerful enough to serve as a real standby generator for the home.

Will a 2000 Watt Generator Run a 5000 BTU Air Conditioner? RV Answers.

Price

Despite being the least powerful of the options, the Champion 4000 Watt Generator is the cheapest at roughly $800 and up.

Portability

The Champion 4000 Watt Generator weighs just 97 pounds, making it the lightest on the market. It’s also lightweight and portable thanks to the included wheel kit. If you’re on-the-go, the Champion is the best choice.

Safety

Option XP13000EH is the most secure. This one is CARB-compliant, EPA-certified, and approved in every state (Including California). Additionally, the generator’s Surge Arrest technology safeguards it from power spikes.

Noise

At just 64 decibels, the Champion 4000 Watt Generator is the quietest. However, there is still some noise in the background. If noise is important to you, there are other generators with noise levels in the 50s and even no-noise solar generators to consider.

Conclusion

Just to review. Generators that can power air conditioners were mentioned today. For example, if you’ll be utilizing it for other tasks as well, which additional features are most important to you?

  1. Inverter Generator Champion 4000 Watt
  2. WGen9500DF by Westinghouse
  3. Portable Generator DuroMax XP13000EH
  4. Portable Generator by Durostar DS10000E

Since the Champion 4000 Watt Inverter Generator is the most cost-effective, portable, and quiet generator on this list, we recommend it.

The Westinghouse WGen9500 is the best option if you’re looking for the most power.

The Champion will not work with a central air conditioner that weighs more than 3 tons. If this is the case, I’d recommend the DuroMax XP13000EH or the Westinghouse WGen9500DF.