How Many Amps Does a Window AC Use

Window air conditioners are among the most power-hungry household appliances that can affect monthly electricity bills. Understanding how many amps a window AC uses helps maintain electrical safety at home and lets you comprehend the appliance's power consumption. Smaller window AC units typically draw 5-7 amps, whereas medium-sized units may draw 7-10 amps. Larger window AC models draw as high as 10-15 amps at 115 volts.

While a window AC can keep your home comfortable by cooling the interior space, it can contribute to high electricity bills. Fortunately, alternative power sources can help you power ACs without increasing the strain on the electricity grid. Jackery Solar Generators, for example, are solar battery backups that can charge 99% of household or outdoor appliances, including window ACs, for hours. Their compact design and high-capacity battery combine portability and power in one.

Key Takeaways

• On average, a window AC draws 5 - 15 amps of power and 500W—1500W of electricity per hour.
• The higher the amps, the more powerful the window AC unit is.
• Small window AC units (5000 - 8000 BTU) draw nearly 5 - 7 amps, whereas midsize AC units (8000 - 12,000 BTU) need 7 - 10 amps.
• The larger window AC units, with 12,000 - 24,000 BTU cooling capacities, draw as high as 10 - 15 amps.
• One way to reduce electricity bills caused by power-hungry window AC units is to invest in a solar generator.

How Many Amps Does a Window AC Use

The window AC amps directly depend on the size and efficiency of the appliance. On average, a small window AC with a cooling capacity of 5000 - 8000 BTU draws around 5 - 7 amps of power. Medium-sized window AC units with a cooling capacity of 8000 - 12,000 BTU consume 7 - 10 amps. If you have larger models with a cooling capacity of 12,000 - 24,000 BTU, they may draw around 10 - 15 amps.

Definition of Amps, Volts, Watts, & Running Watts

The three basic units of electricity are volts, amps, and watts, which are interrelated based on Ohm's law. Voltage is typically measured in volts (V), current is measured in amps (A), and power is measured in watts.

Amps: Amperage determines the amount of electricity that runs through the circuit. It is the rate at which current flows or the number of electrons move through the wire. Window ACs typically use around 5 - 15 amps of power, though it might vary depending on the brand, model, and other features.  

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts

Volts: Voltage determines the electric pressure or potential at which electricity flows through the electrical system. It is also described as the speed at which individual electrons move through the circuit. In the United States, most residential AC units operate at 120V.

Volts = Watts ÷ Amps

Watts: Wattage is the amount of power an electric device (window ACs, in this case) consumes. A window AC unit draws 500 - 1500 watts of electricity per hour, while a medium-size window AC uses 900 watts per hour.

Watts = Volts × Amps

Running Watts: Large appliances like air conditioners require more wattage to start up, which is called starting wattage. On the other hand, running wattage is the electricity any appliance needs when it operates continuously for a time.

Running Watts = Volts × Running Amps

How Many Amps Do Different Types of ACs Use 

Air conditioners come in different sizes and types to suit different cooling needs, whether for residential or commercial use. For example, the smaller AC units draw only 5-7 amps and operate at 115 volts, while the larger ones draw 10-15 amps. Mini-splits typically require 15 - 20 amp circuits, but the larger units might need 30 - 40 amps for higher BTU ratings. The residential central air conditioners require high amps and draw around 15 - 40 amps of power.

Let's take some examples to understand better:

Assuming an 8000 BTU AC consumes 900W of electricity per hour, let's calculate how many amps an 8000 BTU air conditioner uses:

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts = 900W ÷ 120V = 7.5A

If you have a 6000 BTU AC unit, it might typically consume 700W of electricity per hour. Here's how many amps a 6000 BTU window AC uses:

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts = 700W ÷ 120V = 5.8A

How Many Amps Does an AC Draw on a Startup

Air conditioners typically draw 3 - 4 times the normal running current to startup. For example, if the window AC unit draws 5 amps of power while running normally, it might consume 15 - 20 amps on startup.

Starting Watts vs Running Watts

AC units consume a higher starting wattage for a few seconds and are typically 2-3 times higher than the running wattage (i.e., the wattage an appliance needs to run continuously). For example, if the AC unit consumes around 500W during running, it might consume around 1000-1500W on startup.

Startup Amps vs Running Amps

A startup amp indicates the peak current the AC needs during its startup. If you know the appliance's starting wattage, you can use the formula below to calculate the startup amps. Let's take an example of a medium-size window AC operating at 120V that draws 900W running and 1800W—2700W of startup wattage.

Starting Amps = Startup Wattage ÷ Volts = 2400W ÷ 120V = 20A

We have assumed that the medium size window AC has an average starting wattage of 2400W.

If you want to calculate the running amps of the same medium-sized window AC, here's the formula:

Running Amps = Running Wattage ÷ Volts = 900W ÷ 120V = 7.5A 

How to Calculate Your Window AC Amps

If your window AC draws more amps than the electrical circuit can hold, it can trip the circuit breaker. It can cause power interruptions and potential inconvenience. Understanding the AC amps prevents the electrical system from overheating and lowers the risk of electrical fires. Several factors can influence the amps of a window AC, such as size, efficiency ratings, and electricity supply. If you want to calculate how many amps a window AC unit uses, here are the three methods to check out:

Method 1: Manufacturer Details: Energy Star Rating

One of the simplest ways to determine the amps of a window AC is to refer to the unit's label or manual. Generally, the amps, watts, and volts of the window AC are available on the user manual or the back or side of the appliance. However, one thing to note is that amperage might change depending on the usage and setting of the AC. For instance, setting the window AC to a lower temperature might need more amps to cool the room.

Method 2: Determine the Amps from the Wattage

If you can't find the value of amperage on the user manual, you can convert watts to amps using the below formula:

Amps = Watts ÷ Volts

You can check the appliance wattage chart to determine the watts the window AC consumes. For example, if the wattage consumption of the window AC consumes 1200W of electricity per hour and operates at a 120V outlet, the amps will be 1200W ÷ 120V = 10 amps.

In order to calculate the daily amps of the window AC, you can consider dividing daily watt-hours by the volts.

Daily Amps = Daily Watt Hours ÷ Volts

Method 3: Use a Clamp Meter

A clamp meter measures the electric current flowing through a wire. To use it, clamp the meter around the wire that supplies power to the AC unit. This will give you a real-time reading of the air conditioner's amperage.

Tips to Save Your Electricity Bills

With temperatures increasing, homeowners tend to turn their air conditioners to cool the space. Even if you have an energy-efficient air conditioner, it can contribute to your monthly electricity bills. Here are some of the steps to further reduce the power consumption of the AC and save on bills:

Set Thermostat Wisely: In summer, you should aim for a thermostat setting of 78°F (26°C) when you're at home. However, lower the temperature to reduce unnecessary cooling and save electricity when you're away from home.

Block Sunlight: Direct sunlight entering the room can heat the space and make the AC work harder to cool it. You can use either blinds or curtains to block the sun's rays during the hottest parts of the day.

Regular Maintenance: Schedule or maintain the air conditioner so it doesn't consume more power. For proper maintenance, you should clean or replace air filters, ensure all components are in good working condition, and check refrigerant levels.

Invest in Solar Energy: Solar generators are a reliable and eco-friendly way to charge power-hungry appliances like air conditioners. Jackery Solar Generators have a reliable battery that can charge different ACs of different sizes using free sun energy.

Solar Generators for Window ACs

Jackery Solar Generators combine foldable solar panels with portable power stations that have a large battery capacity. The generators feature safe batteries that can charge up to 99% of household or outdoor appliances, such as window ACs.

When placed under direct sunlight, the monocrystalline silicon solar cells absorb the sun's energy to generate DC electricity. The pure sine wave inverter in the portable power station then converts DC to AC electricity for powering appliances.

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

If you are planning a camping trip or want to live in an RV, then the reliable Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus would make more sense. It has a large battery capacity that is capable of charging 99% of household or outdoor appliances, such as window ACs. You can store the battery backup in your camper or RV to charge appliances in a remote location. In addition, it can power small or midsize ACs during unexpected power outages or blackouts.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is one of the most efficient and large-capacity solar-powered generators for window ACs. It has an ergonomic design built with a pull rod, double wheels, and a foldable handle. You can easily move the solar generator anywhere to charge appliances and stay safe from power cuts. In addition, it does not emit any harmful toxic gases, which makes it ideal for indoor use.

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

The large Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro has a large capacity and can charge 99% of household appliances, including window ACs. The pull rod and double wheels help you move the generator from one room to another and charge appliances whenever needed. A transfer switch allows you to integrate the solar generator into the utility meter and transition from on-grid to off-grid power within 0.5 seconds.

FAQs About Window AC Amps

Can I run a window AC on a 15 amp circuit?

Yes, standard window ACs with an amp rating of 5 - 15 amps can be plugged into a regular 15—or 20-amp household circuit. However, larger window ACs with a cooling capacity of 12,000 BTU or more might need a dedicated circuit or high amperage.

How many amps does a 5000 BTU window air conditioner use?

A 5000 BTU window air conditioner typically uses 5-7 amps. However, the value might vary depending on the power source's voltage. For instance, it will need a 15-amp circuit when operating at 120 volts.

How many amps does a 12,000 BTU window air conditioner use?

A 12,000 BTU air conditioner typically uses 10-12 amps of electricity during regular operation. However, this might vary depending on several factors, such as voltage, efficiency, and the specific model of the air conditioner.

Does a window AC need a 20 amp outlet?

Most standard window AC units run on either a 15- or 20-amp circuit. However, it's better to check the specifications of your AC unit before choosing the dedicated circuit.

Conclusion

The specific model and size of a window AC depend on the amps it uses, but most units use 5 - 15 amps of power. The amperage range can also be affected by several other factors, such as the unit's cooling capacity, the voltage of the outlet, and the energy efficiency rating.

You can determine how many amps a window AC uses by referring to the manufacturer's instructions or performing some mathematical calculations using the formula. Jackery Solar Generators are an efficient power source that can charge power-hungry appliances, reducing high electricity bills.

The whole-home battery backups are safe and powerful charging solutions designed to supply charge to 99% of appliances, keeping you powered during blackouts, power outages, or outdoor adventures.