What Size Residential Backup Generator Will Keep My AC Running?
Air Conditioning Unit Sizes
One common number you will see when referring to HVAC systems is the number of BTU’s. In North America, a standard ton of refrigeration is 12,000 BTU/hr = 200 BTU/min ≈ 3.51685 kW. This is approximately the power required to melt one ton (2,000 lb) of ice at 0 °C in 24 hours. In other words, 12,000 BTU’s is equal to one ton of cooling. A typical residential AC unit is between three and six tons. Depending on the size of your home, you may have a smaller unit, a larger unit, or a combination of two or more units.
For a rough idea of what size residential backup generator you will need to power your HVAC system based on its tonnage, see the guide below.
- 5Kw Residential Backup Generator: enough to start and power a 2-ton AC unit and some other small appliances.
- 10Kw Residential Backup Generator: can power a 3-ton unit with power to spare
- 12Kw Residential Backup Generator: enough to power a 4-ton unit plus other appliances and electric circuits
- 16Kw Residential Backup Generator : able to power a 5-ton unit plus a 3-ton unit, or two 4-ton units, with power to spare
- 20Kw Residential Backup Generator: can power two 5-ton AC units plus much more, for the power-hungriest of homes.
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