Can a 2200 Watt Generator Run an 8000 BTU Air Conditioner?
When it comes to running an 8000 BTU air conditioner (AC) with a 2200 watt generator, several factors need to be considered. Often, air conditioners are rated based on their cooling output rather than the power required to achieve that output. This can be confusing, so it's crucial to understand the difference and what the actual power draw and current draw of the AC are before connecting it to a generator.
What You Need to Know
Air conditioners are typically rated in BTUs, which give us an idea of their cooling capacity. However, the power (in watts) required to run these units is equally important. Generators are often rated in watts or kilovolt-amperes (KVA), and it's crucial to ensure that the generator's power output matches or exceeds the AC's power requirements.
Generator Power and AC Requirements
The EU2000i, for example, with a power rating of 2000 watts (or 2.5 KVA), has successfully powered several 8000 BTU window units. An 11000 BTU unit could also be run, although it was not a pleasant experience, especially if you need to run the compressor without the eco throttle turned off. This indicates that quality generators and newer models of air conditioners can handle such loads with relative ease.
Calculating the actual power requirements of an AC is essential. The 8000 BTU unit, for instance, draws approximately 700 watts during continuous operation if it has a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of around 15. However, the momentary surge current needed to start the compressor can be three times the continuous run current. Most generators can tolerate a surge demand of 10 or more, suggesting that a 2200 watt generator should be sufficient to start and run a modern 8000 BTU air conditioner, provided no other appliances are drawing significant power.
Comparing AC Power Draw
The efficiency of an air conditioner can also vary. A typical 9000 BTU unit delivers about 2500 watts of cooling and draws around 1000 watts of electrical power. This gives a coefficient of performance (COP) of about 2.5, which is not very efficient. More efficient AC units can achieve a COP of 3.5, which would mean the 2500 watts of cooling would require only about 700 watts of electrical power.
Conclusion
While a 2200 watt generator might be able to run an 8000 BTU air conditioner, it's important to note that the generator's power output and the AC's starting and running power requirements need to be carefully matched. Other factors such as the age and efficiency of the AC unit, as well as any other appliances being powered by the generator, should also be taken into account. If the generator is of sufficient quality and is used with a modern, energy-efficient AC unit, it should be possible to run the air conditioner successfully.