Depending on the model, portable air conditioners can draw anywhere between 6 and 12.8 amps. 10.44 A is the average amperage for portable AC, and 12 A is the most popular.
Portable AC amp category | Amps |
Average | 10.44A |
Most common | 12A |
Highest | 12.8A |
Lowest | 6A |
Here is a brief explanation to aid in your understanding of these ratings.
How Many Amps Does An Air Conditioner Draw?
A 24,000 BTU air conditioner is a typical example of an air conditioner that frequently uses a lot of power. It may require 15 to 60 amps of current, as I previously mentioned, so we typically use a dedicated circuit for it.
The best method for figuring out an AC’s amperage needs is to make your own calculation using the instructions below.
Read More: How To Vent A Portable Air Conditioner Without A Window?
Here is an air conditioner amperage chart, though, to give you a general idea of its power ratings. For additional AC power needs for various units you might find on the market today, I’ve also provided a list.
Please keep in mind that the model will also determine the voltage needed. Most low-end equipment, such as window air conditioners, may only need 110 or 120v circuits. High-end appliances like a central air conditioner, however, might need 230V setups.
BTU per AC Unit | Estimated Watts | Volts | Estimated Amps |
5,000 BTU AC | 385 to 550 | 110-120V | 3.62 to 5.43 |
6,000 BTU AC | 462 to 670 | 110-120V | 4.35 to 6.52 |
8,000 BTU AC | 640 to 950 | 110-120V | 5.80 to 8.70 |
10,000 BTU AC | 800 to 1,170 | 110-120V | 7.25 to 10.87 |
12,000 BTU AC | 1,000 to 1,500 | 110-120V | 9 to 13 |
13,500 BTU AC | 1,230 to 1,700 | 110-120V | 10.25 to 14.16 |
15,000 BTU AC | 1,360 to 1,875 | 110-120V | 10.87 to 16.30 |
Types of AC
1. Central Air Conditioner
The most common kind of air conditioner found in most homes is this one. It is efficient at cooling large or numerous rooms at once and has a duct unit installed outside the house.
Although 60 amps are theoretically possible, it frequently draws 15 to 20 amps and is designed for centralized operation.
Read More: How Long Can You Run A Portable Air Conditioner Continuously?
2. Ductless Mini-Split
A ductless AC still has an exterior unit for the condenser despite being smaller. This type has the benefit of allowing you to place numerous indoor units in various rooms of your home.
As a result, cooling just one area of the house as opposed to several rooms can lower AC amp usage. The typical minimum amp requirement for a small 110v unit of this kind is 15, compared to up to 45 amps for a 240V unit.
3. Window Air Conditioner
The majority of window-style air conditioners are found in residential buildings. They arrive as a single unit that must be installed through walls or windows in order to filter the air from the outside into the interior.
Despite how frequently they are inexpensive, window air conditioners need to be thoroughly cleaned because they can use more energy if they are not. They may operate between 3.8 amps and 20 amps in terms of amp range.
4. Portable Air Conditioner
A portable air conditioner is a freestanding device that can be placed anywhere in your home as needed, as the name suggests. It typically uses one or two sections of tubing to release air outside in order to function as an air conditioner.
According to its size, this portable device has a reputation for being energy-efficient. It usually only uses between 3.1 and 12.8 amp. However, it can only be used as a temporary cooling solution or in very small spaces.
5. Hybrid / Dual Fuel Air Conditioner
For cooling and heating, a hybrid air conditioner combines conventional energy sources like gas and electricity. Your utility bill will go down considerably if you have this device in your house.
For its installation, this type does, however, typically come with a hefty price tag.
6. Smart Air Conditioner
This type of air conditioner has a clever feature that lets you control it using WiFi apps on your smartphone. Modern technology allows for more convenient and energy-efficient use of air conditioning units.
A smart air conditioner that is rated for 14,000 BTUs at 120V typically has a 15 amp rating.
How to Calculate the Number of Amps An Air Conditioner Needs?
You must first ascertain the AC’s capacity and convert it to BTUs if the rating is in tons before you can start your calculation. For instance, 36,000 BTU/hour will result from converting a 3 ton air conditioner to BTU.
After that, multiply 36,000 BTUs/hour by 3.41 (1 watt = 3.41 BTUs/hour) to get the AC’s wattage. You will receive 10,557 watts in total. Lastly, multiply the 10,557 watts by the AC’s voltage range. There will be a total amp draw of 47.9 if 220V is used in this example.
You must use the same calculation whether your AC weighs 2.5 tons or 2 tons. Just keep in mind to first convert tonnage to BTU.
A much easier way to figure out the amps of any device is to use an online amps calculator. Just enter the AC watts and voltage rating are required.
Advice on Buying Cost-effective Air Conditioners
Here are some things to think about when choosing an air conditioner if you want to save some energy in your AC unit.
- Right Air Conditioner Size
A good way to save energy and improve the performance of your air conditioner is to select the appropriate size.
The air conditioner will work harder to reach the desired temperature if the area to be cooled is too large. However, cooling will occur more quickly and efficiently if the appropriate size AC is present.
- Programmable Air Conditioner
Another key element that will enable you to save energy is having a programmable air conditioner that enables you to set your preferred temperature and auto-turns on and off. When you no longer require the device, it will turn off this way.
- Energy Efficient Air Conditioner
A unit with a higher EER and SEER rating or an energy star certification is preferable.
- WiFi Enabled Air Conditioner
The most energy-efficient gadgets today include a smart WiFi feature. By selecting such AC units, you can enjoy cutting-edge technology while also saving energy.
Conclusion
You can choose the right breaker size for your AC system by knowing how many amps an air conditioner uses. Additionally, it will inform you of the potential power consumption.
It’s not just about breaker sizing when installing a circuit for your air conditioner, though. To avoid electrical damage, you must also adhere to the air conditioner wiring specifications. The best course of action in this situation would be to ask a specialist or conduct more research.
FAQs
How Many Amps Does a 12000 BTU Portable AC Use?
Fits in a typical TTW sleeve is the 12,000 BTU TTW air conditioner. The appliance uses R-410A refrigerant and needs 208/230 volts and 20 amps of power.
Does Portable AC Use a Lot of Electricity?
They have extremely low energy efficiency, which is one of their three main drawbacks. If we use an 8,000 BTU (250 square feet of cooling power) portable unit with a typical EER as an example, we can anticipate it to use between 900 and 1100 watts.
Is 20 Amp Enough for Air Conditioner?
30-amp or 40-amp 240/250-volt circuits are typical for a central air conditioner in the majority of homes. 20-amp circuits are typical for 240/250 volt plug-in portable air conditioners, such as those that can be installed in windows. It is necessary to dedicate the circuit to the air conditioner in both scenarios.