What Size Generator To Run 3 Ton AC Unit?

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Are you looking for the best size generator to power your 3-ton AC unit? You’re in the right place!

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the various sizes of generators available and the power requirements of your 3-ton AC unit.

We’ll also cover the safety considerations and tips for choosing the right generator for your home.

What Size Generator To Run 3 Ton AC Unit?

A 3 ton AC unit requires around 3,500 to 4,000 watts or 3.5 to 4 kW of power to start up and around 1,500 to 2,000 watts or 1.5 to 2 kW of power to keep it running.

When it comes to keeping your house cool during the summer months. One of the most important considerations is the size of the air conditioner unit. 

So, if you’re looking for a generator, make sure that it’s rated for at least 14 kW of power.

Follow the below table as a guideline to determine what size generator you need:

AC Unit Size	Running Wattage	Starting Wattage	Surge Wattage	Generator Size
1 ton	900 watts	1,600 watts	2,400 watts	2,000 watts
2 ton	1,450 watts	2,900 watts	4,350 watts	4,000 watts
3 ton	3,500 watts	5,000 watts	7,500 watts	7,000 watts
4 ton	4,000 watts	6,500 watts	9,750 watts	10,000 watts

What Factors To Consider To Choosing A Generator?

There are other factors to consider when choosing a generator. Below is the list of some critical factors:

the starting wattage

Starting wattage is the amount of power needed to start up your air conditioner. It’s generally about 2-3 times the running wattage.

So, if you have a 3-ton AC unit, you’ll need a generator that can produce at least 28000 watts or 28 kW of power to start it up.

wattage

Running wattage is the amount of power needed to keep your air conditioner running. You’ll need a generator that can produce at least 14000 watts or 14 kW of power.

Surge wattage is the extra power needed to start up your air conditioner. It’s generally about 2-3 times the running wattage.

So, if you have a 3-ton AC unit, you’ll need a generator that can produce at least 28000 watts or 28 kW of power to start it up.

>> What can a 5000 watt generator run?

types of generators

The type of generator can affect the decision-making process when choosing a generator.

For example, portable generators are less expensive and easier to move around, but they do not have the same power capacity as standby generators which are permanently installed and can handle more appliances.

Fuel type

Gas generators are less expensive, but they’re also less powerful.

Diesel generators are more expensive, but they’re also more powerful. You’ll need a diesel generator if you have a 3-ton AC unit.

Noise level

Some generators are very noisy, while others are pretty quiet. If you have a 3-ton AC unit, you’ll need a generator rated for at least 65 dB of noise.

Run time

Run time is the amount of time your generator can run before it needs to be refueled.

For a 3-ton AC unit, you’ll need a generator that can run for at least 8 hours on a full tank of gas or diesel.

>> can a 9000 watt generator power a house?

Warranty

Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model. Make sure to read the fine print carefully before you purchase a generator.

Price

Generators can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

If you have a 3-ton AC unit, you’ll need a generator that’s priced at least $2000.

>>will a 6500 watt generator support central air

How To Size Your Backup Generator?

There are a few different ways to size your backup generator. The most common way is to use a watts/kilowatts (kW) calculator.

Follow the below steps to size your backup generator:

Step 1: Calculate The Wattage Of The Appliances

First, you need to know the wattage of the appliances and devices you want to run. 

The wattage rating can be found on the appliance or device, in the owner’s handbook, or on the label. Also, you can use this Watts/Amps Chart if you can’t find it.

Step 2: Find The Wattage

Next, you need to add the wattage of all the appliances and devices you want to run.

For example, if you have a fridge rated at 1000 watts and a TV rated at 200 watts, your total wattage would be 1200 watts.

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Step 3: Calculate The Surge Wattage

You need to multiply your total wattage by 1.5 to get your surge wattage.

Surge wattage is the extra power required to start your appliances and devices. In our example, 1200 watts x 1.5 = 1800 watts of surge wattage.

Step 4: Final Calculation

Finally, you need to add your running wattage to your surge wattage. In our example, 1800 watts + 1200 watts = 3000 watts.

This is the minimum wattage you’ll need for your backup generator.

Although four steps may not seem like much, they are crucial in determining the size of your home backup generator.

Without proper care, you could create an inaccurately sized generator by failing to account for voltage levels.

>>whole house generator sizing estimator

Why Is It Essential To Purchase The Correct Size Generator?

It is essential to purchase the correct size generator for several reasons:

Powering Your Appliances:

A generator’s main purpose is to provide backup power to your appliances during a power outage.

If the generator is too small, it won’t be able to power all of your appliances, leaving you without the necessary comforts and necessities during an emergency.

>> What is the price to install a standby generator?

Avoiding Damage to Your Generator:

If the generator is too small for your power needs, it will have to work harder to keep up with the demand.

This can lead to overheating, engine damage, and a shorter lifespan of the generator.

Safety:

A little generator can also be a safety hazard, as it can lead to electrical fires, electrocution, and other hazards if it is overloaded or overworked.

Efficiency:

A correctly sized generator can also be more efficient in fuel consumption, saving you money on fuel costs in the long run.

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FAQs about What Size Generator To Run 3 Ton AC Unit

Final Thoughts

Size is an essential factor when purchasing a backup generator for your home. Be sure to use a watts/kilowatts calculator to size your generator correctly.

Remember, it’s better to err on caution and get a generator that’s too large than one that’s too small.

After reading this, you will better understand what size Generator to run 3 Ton AC Unit.