Can Jackery Power HVAC? Which Model & How Long Can It Run

Yes, Jackery Solar Generators can power HVAC systems, including space heaters, AC units, and ventilation fans. The HVAC system is essential for staying warm in the winter or cool in the summer. However, if an unexpected power outage occurs, the HVAC systems may stop functioning. A reliable home battery backup solution can keep essential household appliances running for long hours. 

Jackery Solar Generators have massive battery capacity to keep rooms comfortable using portable HVAC appliances. These essential home backup solutions are portable and feature a sturdy, foldable handle for easy transportation from one room to another. In this guide, you’ll learn how much electricity HVAC appliances use, how to match them with the right Jackery Solar Generator model, and how to plan for runtime and reliability.

In this article, you'll learn:

• Residential air conditioners consume around 700W - 1500W, whereas portable heaters typically draw 1000W - 1500W.
• Jackery Solar Generators can power various HVAC appliances, including AC units, space heaters, and dehumidifiers.
• The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 and the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus are essential home battery backup solutions that can power appliances during both short and long outages.
• How to choose the right option between the Jackery Portable Power Station and the Jackery Solar Generator.

How Much Electricity Does an HVAC Use?

HVAC appliances vary significantly in power consumption, depending on their type and size. The answer to how many watts does a window AC use can be anywhere from 700W to 1500W, while the answer to how many watts does a space heater use is around 1000W to 1500W. Ventilation systems, such as fans or bathroom exhausts, typically use less power, usually between 50W and 600W.

You'll also need to factor in the startup surge. Many HVAC appliances use more power at the beginning for a few seconds than they do while running. For example, a 1000W AC may surge briefly to 1800W at startup. That’s why it’s important to look at both running wattage and surge wattage when planning your backup power.

You can calculate the power consumption of the HVAC appliances by multiplying the appliance's wattage and the number of hours you want to run it.

Can Jackery Power an HVAC?

Yes, Jackery Solar Generators can power HVAC systems, including window ACs, space heaters, and ventilation fans during blackouts. Here's a simple process to choose what size generator you need for HVAC:

Step 1: Check Out the HVAC Watts

Refer to the appliance’s wattage chart, label, or user manual to determine its wattage. If only amps and volts are listed, multiply them to calculate watts (Watts = Volts × Amps). You’ll want to note both the regular starting watts and running watts, especially for appliances with motors or compressors, such as an AC unit or heater.

Step 2: Note Down the Rated & Surge Wattage of the Jackery Portable Power Station

Jackery Portable Power Stations have rated (continuous) and peak (surge) wattage. The appliance's wattage consumption should be less than the rated output of the power station. For example, if the AC consumes 1500W, you'll need a 2000-watt generator with a rated output of 2000W and a surge output of 4000W to safely power the appliance. 

For some Jackery Explorer models, you can find the rated output by checking their names. For example, the Jackery Solar Generator 500 has a rated output of 500W and a surge output of 1000W. The running time of a Jackery Solar Generator can be easily calculated using the Running Time Calculator available on the product page. Simply enter the appliance's wattage and click Enter to calculate an estimated runtime.

Here's a table with the running times of different Jackery Solar Generators when powering the HVAC appliance (1000W): 

Jackery Solar Generators for Different HVAC

HVAC appliances such as air conditioners, heaters, and ventilation fans draw more power than everyday electronics, which means you need a solar generator that can handle high loads without cutting out mid-use. Jackery Solar Generators, especially the higher-capacity models, are built for these kinds of situations. Here are two popular Jackery Solar Generators for HVAC appliances:

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus — Best for Large HVAC System

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home backup solution that is built for high-demand appliances and longer outages. It can run a window air conditioner, a space heater, fans, and dehumidifiers, depending on the load. This solar generator is ideal for families who need to keep a few key rooms comfortable during multi-day blackouts. Since it’s expandable, you can add more battery packs if you need to increase the appliance's run time over time.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 — Best for Portable HVAC System

If your goal is to power one HVAC appliance at a time, such as a portable space heater, bathroom exhaust fan, or dehumidifier, the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 provides an essential home backup solution. It can handle most single-room HVAC needs and is portable enough to move between rooms. It works especially well for apartments, small homes, or families that want to maintain comfort during shorter outages.

Note: The running times in the table are calculated when the solar generators are fully recharged.

How to Choose Between Jackery Power Stations and Solar Generators?

If you have access to electrical outlets most of the time and only need short-term backup for HVAC appliances, a Jackery Portable Power Station might be enough. You can recharge the power station via an AC outlet while the grid is up and use the backup power when needed for fans, small heaters, or ventilation. 

However, if you’re preparing for longer outages, live off-grid, or want the ability to recharge during an outage using solar panels, then a Jackery Solar Generator is the better choice. It provides the freedom to stay powered without relying on the grid and is more suitable for powering energy-intensive HVAC appliances for long hours.

Conclusion

You don’t need a full home HVAC backup system to stay comfortable during an outage. With essential home backup solutions like Jackery Solar Generators, you can power household appliances, such as a room heater in winter, a window AC unit in summer, or a fan to improve airflow year-round. The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus and Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 provide a safe power source for appliances, reducing grid dependence and monthly electricity bills.