How many amps does an air conditioner consume? - Updated in 2022 (2023)

Have you ever wondered, "How many amps does an air conditioner draw and how much does that contribute to my electric bill?"

Well, a 240VAC appliance typically draws 15-60 amps, which can add up to 40% of your electricity bill in the summer. However, if you want a clearer answer, consider the device's size and BTU rating.

To help you understand these classifications, here is a brief explanation.

How many amps does an air conditioner use?

It is common for an air conditioner, such as a 24,000 BTU unit, to use a lot of energy. As I said above, it can require 15 to 60 amps of current, so we usually use a dedicated circuit for that.

The best approach to determining the correct amperage requirements for an air conditioner is to do your own calculation using the guide below.

However, to give you an idea of ​​the power rating, here is an A/C amp design chart. I have also listed other AC power requirements for various devices that you can find on the market today.

Note that the voltage requirement is also model dependent. Most devices in the lower price range, e.g.

Types of air conditioners

1. Central air conditioning

This is the most common type of air conditioner in most homes. It has a ducted unit installed outside the home and is suitable for cooling large or multiple rooms at the same time.

However, it is designed for a core function and generates a higher current draw (typically 15-20 amps, although 60 amps is possible).

2. Mini split without channels

Although smaller, a ductless air conditioner still has an external unit for the condenser. The good thing about this type is that you can have many indoor units in different rooms of your house.

This makes it possible to reduce the use of AC amplifiers by cooling only one area of ​​the house instead of multiple rooms. Typically, a small 110V appliance of this type will only draw at least 15 amps, while a 240V appliance can draw up to 45 amps.

3. Window air conditioner

Window type air conditioners are another common type that is mainly found in homes. They come in a single unit that needs to be installed through windows or walls to filter outside air.

They're usually inexpensive, but require a lot of maintenance, since window air conditioners can increase energy use if left dirty. The choice of amplifiers for them can range from 3.8 to 20 amps.

4. Portable air conditioner

As the name suggests, a portable air conditioner is a self-contained unit that can be placed anywhere in your home when needed. For its air conditioning function, it usually uses one or two pieces of pipe that exhaust air to the outside.

This portable device is known to be energy efficient depending on its size. Typically you only need an average of 3.1 to 12.8 amps. However, it only makes sense in small spaces or as a short-term cooling solution.

5. Hybrid/dual fuel air conditioning

A hybrid air conditioner is an air conditioner that uses a combination of traditional energy sources such as gas and electricity for cooling and heating. Having this device in your home will significantly reduce your electricity bill.

However, this type usually requires a significant installation effort.

6. Intelligent air conditioning

This type of ACha is a smart feature that allows you to operate it with your smartphone via WiFi apps. The use of advanced technology allows you to use air conditioners in a more comfortable and energy-efficient way.

Typically, a smart AC is rated at 14,000 BTU 120V at 15 amps.

How do you calculate the number of amps needed for an air conditioner?

To begin your calculation, you must first determine the AC capacity and convert it to BTU if the rating is in tons. For example, converting a 3 ton air conditioner to BTU is 36,000 BTU/hr.

Next, determine how many watts the air conditioner is using by dividing 36,000 BTUs/hour by 3.41 (1 watt = 3.41 BTUs per hour). They have a total of 10,557 watts. Finally, divide the 10,557 watts by the AC voltage range. If we use 220V in this example, the total draw is 47.9 amps.

If you have a 2.5 ton or 2 ton AC, you need to do the same calculation. Remember to convert tonnage to BTU first.

You can also use an online ampere calculator to determine the amperes for any device much more easily. All you need to do is enter the AC wattage and voltage rating.

Tips for buying inexpensive air conditioners

If you want to save energy on an air conditioner, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an air conditioner.

correct size of the air conditioner

Choosing the right AC size is not only a great way to save energy, but also to keep your device running more efficiently.

If the area that needs cooling is very large, the air conditioner will have to work harder to reach the set temperature. But with the right sizing of the air conditioning in the area, cooling occurs faster and more effectively.

programmable air conditioning

A programmable air conditioner that allows you to set your preferred temperature and turn it on and off automatically is also an important factor in saving energy. That way, when you no longer need the drive, it stops working.

Energy efficient air conditioning

It's also a good idea to choose an energy efficient unit with Energy Star certification or higher EER and SEER ratings.

Air conditioning with wifi

Today, most energy-efficient devices have a smart WiFi feature. Choosing such air conditioners, you can not only save energy, but also enjoy advanced technology.

Conclusion

Knowing how many amps an air conditioner draws can help you determine the correct sized breaker for your AC system. In addition, it will also give you knowledge of how much energy you can use.

However, when installing a circuit for your air conditioner, it's not just the size of the switch that matters. You must also meet air conditioning wiring requirements to prevent electrical damage. In this case, it is best to research further or consult a professional.

Related:

• The most common reasons why my air conditioner keeps tripping the circuit breaker.
• Ideal breaker size for window air conditioners