This comes as no surprise that there are several types of generators and not all of them will allow you to power your air conditioner.
This should be your primary consideration when purchasing a generator for an air conditioner that is the appropriate size for a 2.5-ton air conditioner.
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What Size Generator Do I Need To Run 2.5 Ton AC Unit?
For a 2.5 ton AC unit, you’ll require a generator capable of producing at least 7500 watts. Considering the starting wattage or surge power, a generator capable of producing up to 6000 to 8000 watts momentarily is advisable to ensure smooth operation.
Chart for the generator sizes of 2.5 Ton AC:
| Capacity | Sizes | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 7.5 kW | DuroMax Gas or Propane Powered Generator |
| Average | 10 kW | Champion Power Equipment Generator |
| Maximum | 20 kW | Westinghouse Home Backup Portable Generator |
How To Choose A Generator To Run An 2.5 Ton Air Conditioner?
Consider the following factors when purchasing a generator to power a 2.5-ton air conditioner:
Fuel
The fuel is the most critical component that allows the generator to work effectively, and you intend to use it to power your air conditioner.
You’ll need a generator with a large fuel tank or one with two tanks added for this.
You’ll need to use a lot of gasoline to run the air conditioner, so be sure you have enough storage.
Installation
You should get an aircon generator that your house electrician can easily install.
Your home electrician would be familiar with your wiring and would find it simple to install the generator.
Repairing the generator would be tough, and you would have to pay a hefty price to hire a skilled electrician.
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Automatic Transfer Switch
If you need to purchase a standby generator, you won’t have to worry about the transfer switch.
If you want to get the best generator for operating your air conditioner, you should get a transfer switch with it instead of extension cables.
There are other advantages, such as not having to manually turn on the generator after a power loss because the transfer switch does it automatically.
Efficient Operation
Generators allow you to keep up with your priorities even when the power goes out.
After a power loss, your air conditioner can still operate, thanks to a module known as the AC power control module which immediately shuts down the circuits with lower priority.
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What Type of Generator Do I Need To Run A 2.5 Ton AC?
We can recommend you to use the following 2 types of generator for a 2.5 ton AC.
Portable Generators
Portable generators are generators that you can move around easily. They are usually small to medium in size and have wheels or handles for convenience.
They run on gasoline or propane and have outlets for plugging in your appliances or devices.
Portable generators are good for camping, tailgating, or emergency situations when you need temporary power.
They are not very quiet or fuel-efficient and they need regular maintenance and refueling.
Standby Generators
Standby generators are generators that are installed permanently in your home or business.
They are usually large in size and have their own fuel tanks or natural gas lines.
They are connected to your electrical panel and automatically turn on when there is a power outage.
Standby generators are good for providing continuous and reliable power for your essential appliances or devices.
They are very expensive to buy and install and they need professional installation and maintenance.
Inverter Generators
Inverter generators are generators that use advanced technology to produce clean and stable power.
They are usually small to medium in size and have built-in inverters that convert DC power to AC power.
They run on gasoline or propane and have outlets for plugging in your appliances or devices.
Inverter generators are good for powering sensitive electronics, such as laptops, TVs, or phones.
They are more expensive than conventional generators and they have limited power output and run time.
Diesel Generators
Diesel generators are generators that run on diesel fuel. They are usually medium to large in size and have fuel tanks or diesel lines.
They have outlets for plugging in your appliances or devices.
Diesel generators are good for providing long-lasting and durable power for your heavy-duty appliances or devices.
They are very noisy and polluting and they need regular maintenance and refueling.
Gasoline Generators
Gasoline generators are generators that run on gasoline. They are usually small to large in size and have fuel tanks or gasoline lines.
They have outlets for plugging in your appliances or devices.
Gasoline generators are good for providing versatile and affordable power for your general appliances or devices.
They are not very efficient or eco-friendly and they need frequent maintenance and refueling.
Calculating the Power Requirements for a 2.5 Ton AC Unit
Understanding Wattage vs. Starting Wattage
Wattage tells us the power an appliance uses during normal use. Wattage is on the AC unit’s label or manual. An AC with 3500 watts uses this power when running.
Starting wattage is power used during startup. Multiply the wattage by 1.5 to 2 to get this number. An AC with 3500 watts might need 5250 to 7000 watts at startup.
This starting power is vital. It’s called the surge power. Your generator must handle this surge. If not, damage can occur.
Importance of Surge Power
Surge power is extra power from a generator for a short time. It’s on the generator’s label or manual.
A generator with 4000 watts running power and 5000 watts surge power gives 4000 watts always and 5000 watts briefly. This brief power helps start appliances.
A generator must have the surge power to match the AC’s starting wattage. If not, issues arise. The circuit might trip.
The generator might overheat. The AC unit might get damaged.
How To Keep A Generator Safe To Run A 2.5 Ton AC?
We suggest you some safety tips to run your 2.5 AC unit.
Choose the Right Generator Size
Choosing the right generator size is crucial when running a 2.5-ton AC. A too small generator won’t be able to handle the load, while a too large one will be a waste of money.
To determine the right generator size, you need to calculate the wattage requirement of your AC unit.
Check the Fuel Source
Before running the generator, you need to ensure that you have enough fuel to keep it running.
Make sure that you have the right type of fuel for your generator and that it’s stored in a safe place.
It’s also a good idea to have extra fuel on hand, in case of emergencies.
Keep the Generator Dry
Generators are designed to be used outside, but they’re not waterproof. To keep your generator safe, you need to keep it dry.
Make sure that it’s placed on a dry surface and that it’s covered with a tarp or other waterproof material if it’s raining.
Use a Transfer Switch
A transfer switch is an essential safety feature when using a generator to power your AC unit.
It ensures that the generator is isolated from the grid and prevents back feed, which can be dangerous for utility workers.
Make sure that the transfer switch is installed correctly and that it’s tested regularly.
Maintain the Generator
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your generator running smoothly and safely. Make sure that you change the oil and filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
Check the air filter and clean it if necessary. Also, inspect the generator for any signs of wear and tear, and replace any damaged parts as needed.
Keep the Generator Away from Children and Pets
Generators can be dangerous, especially for children and pets. Make sure that the generator is placed in a secure location, away from areas where children and pets play.
Also, make sure that the generator is turned off and cooled down before refueling it.
Best Generator To Run 2.5 Ton AC Unit
1. DuroMax XP12000EH Generator 12000 Watt Gas or Propane Powered Home Back Up
- Powerful DuroMax Engine: the XP12000EH is powered by a DuroMax, 457cc OHV engine.
- Dual fuel technology: the ability to run on propane or gasoline allows the freedom and flexibility of fuel choice. Protects your investment by automatically shutting the generator off when it senses that the oil is low
- Plenty of power: with 12,000 starting watts and 9, 500 running watts, This unit can handle heavy loads from lights and a refrigerator to a home air conditioner and high amperage power tools.
- Maximum power: with DuroMax MX2 technology, get the maximum power from each of the 120 volt receptacle. Choose between operating the generator at both 120 V and 240 V Simultaneously, or at 120 only with full power.
- Powering everyone anywhere: like all DuroMax generators, the XP12000EH is EPA and CARB approved For use in all 50 States.
- Engine Type: 4-Stroke
2. Champion Power Equipment 15,000/12,000-Watt Portable Generator
- Ultra-Powerful – At 15,000 starting watts and 12,000 running watts, enjoy up to 9 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline with a noise level of 78 dBA from 23 feet
- Electric Start – Trust the reliable 717cc V-Twin Champion engine with its battery-included electric start featuring a reliable toggle switch, plus built-in Cold Start Technology for easy starts in cold weather
- Covered Outlets – One 120V 30A locking, a 120/240V 30A locking, a 120/240V 50A and four 120V 20A GFCI outlets, plus Volt Guard built-in surge protector prevents overloads and keeps your appliances and equipment safe
- Lift Hook – Designed for safe and easy transport, loading and unloading, plus the Intelligauge keeps track of voltage, hertz and run-time hours so you can easily monitor power output and track maintenance intervals
- Champion Support – includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
3. Westinghouse WGen20000 Home Backup Portable Generator
- 20,000 Running Watts and 28,000 Peak Watts; Easy-Access Start Panel with Keyed Electric Start, Choke Knob, and Fuel Control Valve; Up to 17 Hours of Run Time at 25% load on a 17 Gallon Fuel Tank With Fuel Gauge
- Featuring Four GFCI 120V 5–20R Standard Household Outlets, Two 50A 120/240V 14-50R Outlets, Two 30A 120/240V L14-30R Outlets, and One 30A 120V L5-30R Outlet; All Outlets Have Rubber Covers for Added Safety
- Powered by a Heavy Duty 999cc Westinghouse V-Twin OHV Engine Featuring a Cast Iron Sleeve, Reinforced Steel Handles with Quick-Release Pins, Automatic Low Oil Shutdown, Idle Control, and Digital Readout Displaying Lifetime Run Hours, Volts, and Frequency.
- Plug-and-Play: Oil, Funnel, Setup Guide, and Manual to Get You Started Right Out of the Box
- All Westinghouse Portable Generators are Functionally Tested in the Factory and May Contain Minimum Residual Oil and/or Fuel Odor; EPA Compliant; Backed by 3-Year Limited Service, Labor, and Parts Coverage with Nationwide Customer Service Network
FAQs About The Right Size Generator To Run A 2.5 Ton AC Unit
Why are starting and running watts different for an AC unit?
Air conditioners require a momentary jolt of extra power, called surge watts, to initially kick the compressor on before settling into normal running wattage.
Can I use a smaller 5500W generator for a 2.5 ton AC in a pinch?
No, the 2.5 ton AC’s high starting wattage will overload and potentially damage a smaller-rated generator.
What fuel type is optimal for powering a 2.5 ton AC unit?
For continuous cooling, a propane or natural gas whole house generator avoids the need to constantly refuel gasoline.
Should I get a generator that can also power other appliances?
Yes, as long as the startup surge and running watts of other essentials like fridge and lights are added up and don’t exceed the generator capacity.
How often should the generator be serviced if running an AC unit?
Expect to perform maintenance like oil changes every 200 hours when using the generator to frequently power a central AC system.
How can I reduce generator noise when running a 2.5 ton AC?
Install the generator unit away from living spaces or utilize a protective noise dampening housing to reduce sound.
The Bottom Lines
Choosing the right generator size for a 2.5 ton AC unit is vital. Understand both the wattage and starting wattage.
Ensure your generator handles the surge power to prevent damage.
By doing this, you guarantee a smooth operation and extend the lifespan of your appliances. Always prioritize safety and efficiency in your choices.
