Central AC 3-ton: how much battery you need
Central AC 3-ton draws about 3250 W (3000–3500 W range), runs 50% of the time and uses 13000 Wh per day. Start-up surge: 6000 W.
A central AC runs on 240 V and starts with a heavy compressor surge; it needs a 240 V generator or a whole-home battery with a soft starter. Champion lists 3000–3500 W running; we use the middle for energy and the top starting figure (6000 W) for the peak.
Battery needed
| Hours | Wh | Battery (Wh) | Inverter (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| For 8 hours | 4333 | 6566 | 3576 / 6000 |
| For 24 hours | 13000 | 19697 | 3576 / 6000 |
| For 72 hours | 39000 | 59091 | 3576 / 6000 |
Open in calculator with this appliance →
Stations that fit (24 h)
Shop links are affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a small commission at no cost to you. Picks are based on your numbers, not on commission.
FAQ
How many watts does a Central AC 3-ton use?
Typically 3250 W while running, with a range of 3000–3500 W depending on model and age. Start-up surge can reach 6000 W.
How long will a 1000 Wh power station run a Central AC 3-ton?
About 0.4 hours on the clock, allowing for the 50% duty cycle, inverter losses and a 20% reserve.
What size power station do I need for a Central AC 3-ton overnight (8 h)?
About 6566 Wh of battery and an inverter rated at least 3576 W continuous with 6000 W surge.
Can I run a Central AC 3-ton on solar during an outage?
You need roughly 8667 W of panels in winter to replace a day's use (13000 Wh), charging through a station with a big enough MPPT input.
Other sizes
Other appliances
1 Approximate values: estimated from motor or heater power and typical figures published online, not from a manufacturer chart. Check your appliance label.
Inverter efficiency 88%, usable depth of discharge 90%, reserve 20%. Full method: How we calculate. source