5000 BTU Air Conditioner and 1000 Watt Generators

[FRANK MOLIS]

Does anyone have any experience running a 5000 BTU window air conditioner on a 1000 watt generator?

I tried a Kenmore 70051, 5000 BTU, 4.5 running amp, 475 running watts, 11 EER unit
(Not sure of the start up watts or amps)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1&blockType=G1
on my cheap Honeywell 1000 watt max, 7.5 amp max inverter
HW1000i Honeywell Portable Electric Inverter Generator
and the inverter would not handle the start up of the compressor.

Does anyone know of a 5000 BTU window unit that has a low start up amp rating?

I'm sure the inverter would run the unit fine, the start up is the problem, and the inverter goes into overload as soon as the compressor kicks on.

Thanks
Frank

[Bob H]

Originally Posted by FRANK MOLIS

Does anyone have any experience running a 5000 BTU window air conditioner on a 1000 watt generator?

I tried a Kenmore 70051, 5000 BTU, 4.5 running amp, 475 running watts, 11 EER unit
(Not sure of the start up watts or amps)
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...1&blockType=G1
on my cheap Honeywell 1000 watt max, 7.5 amp max inverter
HW1000i Honeywell Portable Electric Inverter Generator
and the inverter would not handle the start up of the compressor.

Does anyone know of a 5000 BTU window unit that has a low start up amp rating?

I'm sure the inverter would run the unit fine, the start up is the problem, and the inverter goes into overload as soon as the compressor kicks on.

Thanks
Frank

Startup wattage for any new 5000 BTU AC will surge to 1200 watts to 1500 watts momentarily, and will average 900-1000 watts typically whenever its compressor kicks on. Note, that just with a new AC... as it gets older, it's energy needs goes up.

If that generator rated for just 1000 watt surge, and 700 watts continuous, it'll be maxxed out all the time just to keep the AC running. It won't last very long, as well as the AC. (ALWAYS take an AC's rating and add 20% for real world efficiency). 550 to 600 watts is typical, with 1200-1500 surge.

When considering any generator, always go by the adage that you can never get too much power. When you plan on just what you need, you'll always end up not having enough.

A comfortable margin of 1000 continuous / 1500 surge watts would suit your needs much better. With that capacity, your AC will not wear out your generator, and you can use your generator for more than barely keeping you cool.

ConwayBob