Updated at: 26-10-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

Knowing how much energy is needed to run a 3-ton air conditioner is a good rule of thumb. For reference, because 1 kilowatt (1 kW) is equal to 1000 watts, a 3-ton air conditioner would need about 14 kW of power (14000 watts). Because air conditioners rely on electricity to function, many different units of measurement are in use.

The watt or the kilowatt is one measurement used to measure how much energy is needed to power an item like an air conditioner. There is much more information to be gained from reading on this topic.

Number Of Watts Used By A 3 Ton Air Conditioner

How many watts does a 3 ton air conditioner use? When shopping for an air conditioner, the majority of us check for the unit’s tonnage or weight. The watts needed to power it, for example, is more information that might be helpful. Tons of heat can be translated into British Thermal Units (BTUs). To rephrase, it has the potential to raise conversion rates.

Power Consumption of AC | How Much Power Does An AC Use?

Please don’t be hesitant to contact us if you have any questions. The amount of electricity a 3-ton air conditioner uses varies with the type of air conditioner being used. All three manifestations will be recognized and explored separately. Below, you’ll find a summary and comparison of key differences between three 3-ton air conditioners with varying features and power needs.

Type #1. 3-ton central air conditioner

This unit generates 36,000 BTUs an hour of heat. Its cooling capacity is sufficient for a 1,800 square foot house. This only has an impact on the most southern parts of the country. This 3-ton air conditioner requires about 3500 watts per hour to work efficiently.

Even so, it is strongly recommended for residences in the Midwest and the Northeast. The optimal square footage for these 3-ton units is between 600 and 2100 ft.

It’s acceptable to seek out heavy-duty equipment if you believe it will be of use to you. The 3-ton air conditioner with this wattage can be called the most powerful and rapid in cooling speed because it uses the most electricity.

Type #2. 12000 BTU window unit

Some of it is considered to be quite a lot. However, depending on the components, some of these could weigh as much as three tons! This air conditioner is considered a standard size appliance. The size of the second one is less than the first one. It’s distinct from the original in a few respects, chief among them being reduced size and roughly reduced BTU rating of 12,000.

This is an excellent way to bring the temperature down in a single-spaced room at home. Twelve thousand window units are ideal for completely cooling apartments and larger rooms, provided that they are bedrooms. It can’t manage the length and width required, thus it can’t be used in convention centers.

These 12,000 BTU units can effectively cool down spaces as little as 400 square feet in size, and as large as 600 square feet. These 12k devices only need 1200 watts per hour of power. That’s about fifty percent of the number of the first type we had. However, the first choice is better for larger rooms, and this one will do for smaller ones, despite the fact that it appears to be less expensive.

Amount Of Watts On Generators To Sustain This 3-Ton Air Conditioner

While we appreciate the convenience of our air conditioners, we are aware that there is not always a power source available to let us live more comfortably. Portable air conditioners are well-known and recognized around the world due to their portability and simplicity of operation. Gaining your money’s worth requires purchasing a generator with enough BTUs to power your air conditioner.

One generator capable of providing 6500 watts of power is required to run a 3-ton air conditioner. The expense of a generator makes it unnecessary to invest in one. Other than that, you need to keep an eye on it to ensure it’s functioning properly.

How Much Would A 3-Ton Air Conditioner Cost?

A three-ton air conditioner requires a generator with a minimum of 6,500 watts of power. The expense of a generator makes it unnecessary to invest in one. Otherwise, regular checks to ensure it’s still operational will be required.

How Much Does It Cost To Run an Air Conditioner?

The Cost Equation

In order to run a 3-ton air conditioner, a generator of at least 6,500 watts is required. A generator can be bought as an extra, although it’s not required because of the high cost involved. In addition to these duties, it also requires regular upkeep and testing to ensure it is operating as intended.

The following costs are based on median electricity rates in Ohio and are by no means exhaustive. If you are a resident of another state, it is recommended that you research the specifics of your own rates.

So, let’s say you’re curious about the expense of maintaining your air conditioning unit in the city of Columbus, Ohio.

What if it’s so hot outdoors that you have the air conditioner on for 10 straight hours every day? (in the course of a day).

The current average price per kilowatt hour in Columbus, Ohio is $12.65.

Would you call that a scam? Alright, it’s time to start throwing around bigger numbers.

Important Equipment Numbers Needed

The total amperage is what runs the air conditioning units. This is what you must know:

  • AC 2 ton load, 15 amps
  • The current needed to power a three-ton air conditioner is eighteen.
  • The AC current required to power a four-ton load is 21 amps.

Air conditioners require a standard 240 volt electrical outlet, which is something to keep in mind. You should modify your approach if it’s different. ‘

This data allows us to calculate the overall wattage use. Here comes the exciting part: crunching some numbers! Let’s use a typical three-ton air conditioner as an illustration.

It has a power output of 4,380 watts.

Multiply this figure by 1,000 to get your energy use in kilowatt-hours.

Powering 4,320 requires 4.32 kilowatt hours each hour.

Calculating Using Your Electricity Costs

Let’s check out the electricity rates in the meantime.

In Columbus, Ohio, the price of electricity is 12.65 cents per kilowatt-hour, or 54.65 cents per hour.

To rephrase, using the figures given above, the hourly cost to operate a standard three-ton air conditioner is 55 cents.

The sum of these seemingly insignificant details might add up to a significant burden. We need to do some more math and see what we get.

One hour of air conditioning costs 55 cents, therefore running it for 10 hours a day costs $5.50.

Let’s pretend the temperature is high for the full thirty days of this month. So:

If you leave your air conditioner on for 10 hours a day, it will cost you $5.50 per day x 30 days = $165 a month.

Combined with other electricity-related costs, this can easily drive up your monthly bill.

Variables To Consider

If you reside in a different state or your electricity is more expensive per kilowatt hour, adjust the above amounts to estimate how much it will cost to run your air conditioner.

Don’t forget this:

The 7 Best Energy-Efficient Air Conditioners

Customers of today have a rocky history with air conditioners. They are lifesavers in hot regions and during heatwaves because they keep us cool and comfortable.

Despite this, they impact the ecosystem in two main ways that exacerbate global degradation. For starters, air conditioning requires a lot of energy to run, and until we can power our homes entirely with renewable energy, that means burning fossil fuels. In addition, hydrofluorocarbons, which are frequently found in air conditioners, are extremely potent greenhouse gases that can be emitted during maintenance or disposal. If you’re getting rid of an old air conditioner, make sure you do it right.

Although progress has been made in creating ecologically friendly air conditioners, there is still a ways to go. When looking for a replacement air conditioner, one that uses less electricity could make the biggest difference. These days, the most efficient models consume about 30 percent less electricity than standard models, which is great news for your your bills and the environment. To lessen your impact on the environment, you may try turning off the air conditioner for longer periods of time and instead relying on some low-tech alternatives.

These air conditioners are currently at the forefront of the market when it comes to energy efficiency.

Best Overall: Lennox XC25

The Lennox XC25 is the most effective piece of central air conditioning machinery currently available. EnergyStar has recognized this air conditioner as the most efficient for 2020 due to its innovative features.

Unlike many other central air conditioning systems, the Lennox XC25 includes three stages with two different speeds instead of just one. The speed adjustments occur in precise 1 percent increments (low and high). There is no change in temperature even if the device is turned on and off often. The XC25, for instance, is noticeably quieter than competing models thanks to its humidity management features (normal regions, dry areas, or coastal).

Gaining an Introduction to Energy Star Ratings

In order to maximize the efficiency of your new air conditioner, it is recommended that you contact EnergyStar for advice.

EER, CEER, and SEER ratings are three ways efficiency can be evaluated. An Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 12 or higher is recommended for air conditioners. The Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER) is the standard established by the Department of Energy for window units in 2014. This standard considers both operational energy use (EER) and standby power usage. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a standard efficiency metric for central air conditioners (SEER). The SEER rating is assigned to central air conditioners, whereas the EER and CEER ratings are assigned to individual room air conditioners. The higher the product’s star rating, the better it is.

Air conditioners have a BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating that indicates how much heat they can remove from the air. A higher BTU value indicates a more potent appliance.

Runner Up: Amana AVXC20

The new Amana ACXC20 is one of the most energy-efficient central air conditioners on the market, with a SEER rating of up to 24.5. By automatically adjusting the compressor’s power and RPM levels, inverter technology allows it to work less when the system temperature hits a certain threshold.

The product comes with a lengthy guarantee. EnergyStar has recognized the best AVXC20 in energy efficiency for this year.

3 Ton Rheem 14 SEER R410A Air Conditioner Split System (Classic Series) | National Air Warehouse

Best Budget: Keystone KSTAW05CE

The Keystone KSTAW05CE, a 5,000 BTU window unit with an energy-saving mode, a sleep mode, three fan settings, and a sleep mode, is a more cost-effective alternative to the Keystone KSTAW05CE, which does not have the EnergyStar rating.

The LED screen, timer, and remote control are merely extras. The Keystone has an annual running cost of $40 and a CEER rating of 12.1. Using the air conditioning in a large room comes with a few inconveniences.

Best Portable: Whynter ARC-14SH

The Whynter ARC-14SH has a heater, dehumidifier, and fan, but it also has a number of functions that minimize the unit’s impact on the environment (however, a cooling-only version is available). The auto drain feature of the 14,000 BTU device allows it to recycle moisture while cooling an area of up to 500 square feet.

Moreover, R-32 refrigerant is utilized, and it saves 10% more energy than the alternatives. Air filters may be easily cleaned when they become clogged with dust or debris, which can assist keep the air quality at a constant high level. The Whynter comes complete with an exhaust hose, window kit, and programmable remote.

Best for Small Rooms: Frigidaire 6,000 BTU Window-Mounted Air Conditioner FFRE063ZA1

When choosing an air conditioner for a room, it’s not always better to go with a bigger one. As a result, the air in a smaller room will feel more humid and sticky than it would in a larger one. When cooling spaces between 150 and 250 square feet in size, the Frigidaire Energy Star 6,000 BTU is an excellent choice.

This energy-efficient window unit has an EER of 12.1 and operates on 110 volts; its temperature and fan speeds are easily adjustable with the included remote (or the main panel). In addition, there are three different cooling speeds, a 24-hour timer, and a sleep mode.

Best Window: LG Electronics 14000 BTU Dual Inverter Window Air Conditioner with Wi-Fi Control

An LG 14,000 BTU window air conditioner with twin inverter technology, with a CEER rating of 14.7 and up to 25% greater efficiency than necessary, is among the recipients of an EnergyStar 2018 Emerging Technology Award.

There’s just 44 decibels of noise, which is far lower than average, and the yearly cost of operation is only about $68. With a remote, touch panel, or even Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, adjusting the temperature is a breeze, no matter where life takes you. The 800 square foot space can be cooled by the LG unit using the R32 refrigerant.

Best for Large Rooms: Senville SENA-24HF/Z Mini Split Air Conditioner

Mini splits, which are used for cooling in the summer and heating in the winter, are another option. They are typically hung on an outside wall in a ductless layout that helps save room and transmit heat between indoors and outdoors. The SENA-24HF micro split is a fantastic do-it-yourself alternative because of its SEER rating of 20.5 and its capacity to cool spaces between 1,200 and 1,450 square feet in size. Unit has a dry setting, a turbo setting, and a heating setting, and it has a BTU output of 24,000.

Google Home compatibility and Wi-Fi connectivity (or remote control) are two more features. Features such as self-cleaning, an integrated dehumidifier, a programmable thermostat, and a refrigerant leak detector come included.

A mini-split system requires a hole to be drilled in your wall for the refrigerant tubing that connects the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler, as well as hardwiring into your home’s electrical system. Hire a professional if you aren’t comfortable doing the job yourself.

How to Use an Air Conditioner Economically and Save on Your Electric Bill

Many creative strategies exist for both maintaining a comfortable temperature and reducing energy costs. But when the summer’s heat truly sets in, cranking up the A/C could be a good idea. If you maximize the efficiency of your air conditioner, you may avoid overheating and save money at the same time.

As an alternative to the common ice fan hack, you can save money and get similar results by closing vents and moving furniture. To help you cut costs on your air conditioning bill this summer, we’ve compiled a list of 13 simple tips that everyone can do.

1. Don’t confuse your thermostat

Central air conditioners are smart, but they can’t figure out why it’s so hot; all they know is that it is. The Melbourne, Australia-based appliance repair and installation company 21 Celsius says that having heat-generating items like lamps, TVs, and other devices close to an air conditioner or thermostat might trick the air conditioner into thinking the room is warmer than it actually is.

2. Cover up your AC unit

Air conditioners are not as efficient in direct sunlight as they are in the shade. Applying an awning or other form of shade is recommended by 21 Celsius to reduce the risk of heat stroke.

3. Clean your filter

When air conditioning systems are overworked, filthy air filters could be to blame. In order to reap the long-term financial benefits of a Daikin air conditioner, it is recommended that the filter be replaced and cleaned on a regular basis.

4. Refrain from heat-producing activities

Brandi Andrews, founder and CEO of National Air Warehouse, says that many homes overheat because of cooking and baking. To avoid overworking your air conditioner, you may also keep your home comfortable by only turning on the oven when absolutely required. She suggests you consume raw meals so you don’t have to use any extra energy cooking. Things like cooking, ironing, and running the dishwasher should be left until dusk, when it is typically cooler outside.

5. Don’t fidget with your thermostat

Andrews suggests setting the air conditioner to a constant temperature when cooling a space. If you wait long enough, the temperature will decrease to a pleasant level, so she suggests “simply leaving your thermostat at a beautiful, comfortable setting.” Relax in front of a fan while you wait. Combining the use of a fan and air conditioning can significantly improve the cooling effect. ”

6. Check your humidity

Most people think their HVAC system is suitable for all their heating and cooling needs, but as Ferguson HVAC Category Sales Specialist Jeff Spencer points out, “You need also consider the humidity level in the living space.” “Comfort is impossible without adequate humidity,” he says. It’s like going into a doctor’s office where the air conditioning has been turned up to 11, but you still feel icy cold because of all the moisture that has been sucked out of the air. So, what is the solution? Spencer suggests a dehumidifier if you’re looking to reduce humidity alongside the temperature.

7. Don’t go overboard closing off vents

Closing down too many vents at once could reduce the effectiveness of your HVAC system. According to Spencer, it’s a frequent misperception that covering the vents in rooms you don’t use can reduce your cooling costs. However, your system was designed to meet the needs of your entire home, so if you cover off too many vents, it will be less effective and efficient. Make sure the blinds are drawn and the door is locked, and then check to see that there are no pieces of furniture covering the vents in the empty room.

8. Check your installation and service your unit

When comparing the electricity costs of running a well-maintained equipment to running a neglected one, you will notice a difference. Allowing cool air to escape is a quick and easy way to run an air conditioner inefficiently. The life of your air conditioner and your monthly energy bills will both benefit from an annual inspection of your insulation. Despite its seeming insignificance, a leak can have a major impact, according to JH Martin Mechanical owner Wesley Martin.

9. Get a programmable thermostat

If you know you’ll be gone for long stretches of the day, this is a great buy. On a day when the temperature outside is 90 degrees, it takes much less energy to keep the inside of a home at 80 degrees than it would to keep it at 72 degrees. Martin argues that if you’re out for more than five hours at a period, turning off your air conditioner to “relax” is not a good idea.

10. Inspect your ducts

If your ducts are blocked, dirty, or no longer insulated, the cool air you pump through them won’t feel as refreshing. If you don’t feel comfortable attempting the repair yourself, contacting a local HVAC professional is your best and safest alternative.

11. Rearrange your furniture

Incredibly obvious as it may appear, consider how air will circulate when putting up your new sofa or bed frame. Look for items of furniture that may be resting atop central air vents and preventing cold air from entering the rooms. There is no required downtime, and the outcomes are seen right away.

12. Turn it off when you leave

It’s great to come home to a cool apartment after a long day, but leaving the air conditioning on can rack up a hefty bill while you’re away. If you don’t want to come home to a sauna, close the windows and pull the blinds.

13. Don’t forget the fan

Using a fan with your air conditioner helps increase its efficiency. It’s considerably more cost-effective to strategically place a few of these throughout the house than to run the air conditioner all day.

FAQs

What size generator do I need to run a 3 ton AC unit?

A 3-ton air conditioner (30 Amps, 36,000 BTUs) calls for a generator with a minimum of 14 kW. A 4-ton (48,000 BTUs, 40-Ampere) air conditioner requires a 17 KW generator.

Will a 7500 watt generator run central air?

A 7,500-watt generator is sufficient to run the fundamentals of your home over an extended power outage. The most important reason to acquire a 7,500-watt generator is because it can run a central air conditioning or heating system.

How many kwh is a 3 ton AC unit?

Let’s use a typical three-ton air conditioner as an illustration. It has a power output of 4,380 watts. Multiply this figure by 1,000 to get your energy use in kilowatt-hours. Powering 4,320 requires 4.32 kilowatt hours each hour.

How many watts does a 3.5 ton AC use?

The average home with 2,000 square feet requires a 3.5-ton air conditioner. This small air conditioner uses about 3,500 watts per hour while operating in cooling mode. It takes about 750 watts of power per hour for a central air conditioner’s fan to run on its own.

How many amps does it take to run a 3 ton AC unit?

How many British thermal units (BTUs) a unit of an air conditioner using 11.18 amps can cool. Amplifiers at 24,000 BTU/ton at 7.45 volts/amperes; 2.5 tons at 30,000 BTU; 3.0 tons at 36,000 BTU; 11-18 watts per ton; 3.5 tons at 42,000 BTU; 13.04 watts per ton; and so on.

Will a 5500 watt generator run central air?

In theory, a 5500-watt running generator might power a small central air conditioner (which is modern and energy efficient), but in practice, we recommend an emergency window air conditioner because 5500-watt generators may not have enough starting power to run a central air conditioning system.

Carrier 3 Ton, 13 SEER, Air Conditioner Condenser, 208/3

What size generator do I need to run my AC and refrigerator?

One should have a generator with a minimum rated power of 1,800 watts as a bare minimum. A home with an annual energy use of 6800 watts should have a generator with a starting amp rating of 7,500, whereas a home with an annual energy use of 8200 watts should have a generator with a starting amp rating of 9,500.

What will a 3500 watt generator run in a house?

In the event of an electrical blackout, 3,500 watts is enough to power the essentials. To power a typical household’s fridge, freezer, and lighting, at least one thousand watts of electricity is required.

How much of a house can a 6500 watt generator run?

The 6,500-watt generator is sufficient to run any standard home appliance.

Will a 12 000-watt generator run a house?

As little as 12,000 Watts of power can be used to provide enough energy to run an entire home. Lights, fans, TVs, freezers, laptops, and even space heaters are all examples of devices that can be plugged into an outlet and used normally.

How many amps does a 3.5 ton AC draw?

What you’re looking at is a little over 30 amps at 240 volts. Every organization has unique requirements. To reiterate, this is only a broad statement. The actual wattage will change based on the current ambient temperature and the home’s thermostat setting.

Will a 12000 watt generator run a 4 ton AC unit?

The 15,000/12,000-Watt portable generator by Champion Power Equipment, model number 100111. Generac is a safe bet if you need a 5 ton unit. Champion Power Equipment 100111 is an economical option with its 4 tons of AC power.

How big of a generator do I need to run central air?

The average central air conditioner uses 3,500 watts of power per hour (12,000 BTUs). A portable generator with an output of 6,000 to 6,500 watts is a good middle ground for using this specification.

Will a 12000 watt generator run a 3 ton air conditioner?

Compared to the 3500 watts used by a three-ton central air conditioner, the 1200 watts used by a 12,000-watt window unit each hour is quite a little lower.

How many square feet will a 3.5 ton AC unit cool?

Square Footage per Unit: 1,650-1,800 (Ton) 3.5 Ton 1,650-1,800 sq. ft. Space Required to Accommodate a Three-Ton Air Conditioner is Between 1,400 and 1,600 Square Feet

How many watts is a 4 ton AC?

However, the precise number of Watts needed for a 4-ton air conditioner is determined by factors such as the model and the frequency with which it is utilized. It consumes about 4 kilowatts of power, or 14,000 watts. If you must use a generator, a 17-kilowatt model is the best choice.

How much electricity does a 3 ton heat pump use?

There are 12,000 BTUs in a ton. A 3-ton heat pump has the capacity to remove 36,000 BTUs of air every hour. Such a heat pump requires a 7.200-watt power source for startup and a 5.400-watt power supply for normal operation.

How many amps does a 24000 BTU air conditioner use?

A two-ton central air conditioner can use as much as 20 Amps.

How many amps does a 4 ton AC draw?

A 4 ton, 13 SEER heat pump condenser has an infinitely variable draw.

How long will a 5000 watt generator run on 5 gallons of gas?

A generator can run for roughly 8 hours on just 5 gallons of gasoline. Don’t make any guarantees with this fuel.

Will a 7000 watt generator run central air?

Central air conditioners and other appliances that need a lot of power to get going won’t start up on a 7000 watt generator.

Will a 9000 watt generator run a house?

A 9,000-watt generator should be sufficient to run your essential home appliances. It can be used to run your home’s electric appliances such as your lights, appliances, and even a small central air conditioner. Multiple devices can be powered by a 9,000-watt generator simultaneously.

Conclusion

How many watts does a 3 ton air conditioner use? Intuitively, this is a major worry whenever one goes shopping. The wattage of your appliances is a useful indicator of the quality of your purchases. When the wattage is higher, so does the cost. Would you like to find out more about what factors into the wattage of an air conditioner? If you want to know how much energy an air conditioner uses each hour, read this article.