While the majority of users prefer installing window ACs to cut down their electricity expenses, others still wonder if they make a valuable investment. If you are among them, you should first know how many amps a window AC uses to make the right purchase.
A window air conditioner uses anywhere from 5 to 15 amps depending on its size and cooling efficiency. For instance, a small window AC with a cooling capacity of 5000–8000 BTUs utilizes 5 to 7 amps. As the size and capacity of the air conditioner increases, the number of amps required also increases.
According to the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 89% of households in the U.S. use air conditioning equipment. This surge in demand calls for responsible use to meet energy requirements without costing you an arm and a leg.
Understanding The Technical Terms
Let us break down the technical terms of ampere, BTU, and EER to help you understand how they determine the overall performance of your window air conditioner.
- Ampere: Defined as the amount of electric current flowing through the wire (conductor) per second. It is a measure of electricity flowing through the circuit.
- BTU: Stands for British Thermal Unit; a unit to measure the cooling capacity of the air conditioning unit. It determines the amount of power or energy a unit consumes to operate. Units with a high BTU value need more power.
- EER Rating: It is a measure of the performance of your unit. A higher value of EER indicates the system is more energy-efficient.
How Many Amps Does A Small Window AC Unit Use?
A small window AC needs only about 5 to 7 amps of power to run and maintain the required temperature. The smallest window AC units are typically in the range of 5000 BTU and are ideal for studio apartments and individual rooms.
Why Knowing Amp Usage Is Important?
Understanding the amp usage of your window AC unit is important for several reasons. It ensures that your electrical system can handle the load, helps prevent potential hazards, and maximizes the efficiency and longevity of your AC.
Here are the key factors influencing amp usage:
Load on the Circuit
The load on the circuit refers to the total amount of electrical power being drawn by all devices connected to a particular circuit. If your window AC shares the circuit with other high-demand appliances, it can cause overloads, tripping breakers, or even causing electrical fires.
Voltage in the Circuit
Standard household circuits are typically rated at 120 volts or 240 volts. The amp usage of your window AC varies depending on the voltage. Ensuring your AC unit is compatible with the voltage of your circuit helps prevent electrical issues.
Age of Wiring
Older wiring systems may not be designed to handle the electrical demands of modern appliances, including window AC units. Wiring that is outdated or degraded can lead to increased resistance, overheating, and potential fire hazards. Knowing the condition of your existing wiring determines if an upgrade is necessary to safely support your AC unit.
Final Words
The information we have shared in this blog will help you whenever you decide to buy an air conditioning unit. It enables you to determine which unit is ideal for a comfortable setting in your home or office. If you already have one and are experiencing issues like reduced output or constant tripping, referring to this blog will help identify the cause.
FAQs
Does A Window AC Use Its Own Circuit?
Dedicating a circuit for your air conditioning unit alone is always right whether you have a central AC or a window AC. If you don’t provide it with a separate circuit, it will keep causing trouble with frequent tripping of other breakers.
Can I Plug A Window Air Conditioner Into A Regular Outlet?
Yes, you can plug your window air conditioner into a regular outlet if its power matches the voltage requirement of your AC unit. Make sure the outlet and circuit can handle the electrical load to prevent overheating or tripping breakers.
Can I Run A Window AC On A 15 Amp Circuit?
Yes, you can run a window AC on a 15 amp circuit if its BTU rating falls between 8000 and 15000. A 15 amp circuit can also support a window AC of 18000 BTU but only when the circuit doesn’t have any other appliances connected to it.
