Are you looking for a backup power inverter for your air conditioning? Great idea! but what kind of inverter are you going to buy? That's probably why you're here.
Our guide for best power inverters for air conditioning will help answer these questions and make the right choice.
Technology is making life easier every day. Even when we’re traveling or camping. You can use all electronic devices from laptops to refrigerators, and even air conditioners. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan along with a pack of batteries!
Summary of our Favorite Power Inverters for Air Conditioning Units:
Last update on 2022-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What size inverter do I need to run the air conditioner?
Before choosing an inverter, let’s have a look at what kind of air conditioning you’ll be using. There are generally three types of air conditioners. We’re going to list the air conditioners with their average power rating.
Central air conditioner | 3.5 kW |
Window air conditioner | 500 Watt - 1.5 kW |
Portable air conditioner | 700 Watt- 1.7 kW |
Depending on the size, an average air conditioner will need between 1.5 - 3 kW of power to work. The inverter size must be at least 1.5 or 2 times in terms of wattage to manage the surge requirements (when AC is turned on/off).
Size of AC | BTU | Wattage |
1 ton | 12,000 BTU | 1.25 kW approx |
How To Choose the Right Inverter for your Air Conditioner?
Mobile phones and laptops need a small inverter but we can’t use the same one with a two-ton Air conditioner. There are a lot of things we need to consider, such as the power rating of the air conditioner, your budget, and the size of your RV or tent. Let’s begin.
Wattage requirement of the air conditioner:
Air conditioners are among heavy-duty electronics. We need larger power inverters to run those. I suggest going through the specifications. We’re looking for the cooling capacity and the wattage requirement of the air conditioner.
Sine waveform:
Most power inverters use one of the two sine waveforms. The pure sine wave or the modified sine wave, Pure sine wave is an expensive but safer option. Especially with large air conditioners, I strongly recommend using pure wave power inverters.
Surge Capability:
Surge capability is especially important in air conditioners and refrigerators. We need a power inverter that can handle at least twice the amount of power required by the air conditioner. That’s because it consumes double the amount of energy in the first hour or two until the temperature has dropped to a certain level.
How much power does an average air conditioner draw?
An average 1.5-ton air conditioner draws about 8000 Watt surge and about 3.5 to 4000 Watts on average. Taking the surge power into account, the power inverter we need must be about 4000 Watt.
The formula for calculating the DC power (in Ampere) drawn from the battery is,
Watt (Power) = Volts (Voltage) x Amperes (Current)
Current drawn by a 4000 Watt converter is,
4000 Watts/120 Volts = 33.334 Amperes.
Reviews of our Favorite Power Inverters for your Air Conditioner
Aims Power 5000 Watt Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter:
Aims 5000 Watt inverter is suitable for large air conditioners (up to 2.5 tons). It takes 12 Volts DC input and converts it to 120 Volt AC current. It provides 5000 Watt continuous power with a surge of up to 10,000 Watts.
Aims is providing high-quality industrial inverters that you can use with heavy-duty devices like air conditioners and refrigerators. It’s a little expensive but worth the price.
There are two dual GFCI protected AC outlets and you can select a suitable frequency (50/60 Hz). Thermally controlled dual fans make sure that the inverter doesn’t heat up even under heavy load. It’s complete with a power switch and LED indicator.
Features:
Heavy-duty pure sine wave inverter.
Continuous 5kW power, 10 kW peak power.
Two GFCI protected AC outlets.
Isolated ground/neutral, direct AC terminal block connector.
Five functions protection LED indicator.
On/off switch.
- 5000 Watt continuous power, 10000 Watt surge, 12 Volt DC input, Pure sine wave
- 60hz or 50hz switch, Highly efficient improved output at low voltage, 2-GFCI Dual Outlet
- Direct connect AC Terminal Block Connector and cable for remote on/off switch, Isolated ground & neutral
- Short circuit protection (GFCI and AC Breaker), On/off switch, 5 Function Protection LED indicator
- AC Breaker, Dual cooling fans thermally controlled, GFCI Outlets rated at 20A per block
Last update on 2022-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Giandel 4000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
Giandel 4000 Watt pure sine wave inverter is suitable for up to 2-ton air conditioners. It can handle most of the other heavy-duty devices like refrigerators. It can withstand up to 8000 Watt surge and 4000 Watt continuous power.
Compared to the expensive Aims inverters, the price is quite reasonable. It has a 2.4 Amp USB outlet besides the four 120 Volts AC outlets. Input and output sockets are on the opposite sides and the smart cooling fan keeps the heating issues a bay.
The LEd display, power button, and remote controller make the inverter an excellent choice for air conditioning. On top of it all, the great customer service provided by Giandel is just the cherry on top.
Features:
Pure sine wave inverter.
Aluminum alloy housing.
Continuous 4kW power, 8kW peak power.
Overload, and short circuit protection.
Four GFCI protected AC and 2.4 Amp USB outlet.
Intelligent cooling fan.
Power switch.
Isolated input/output design.
- Giandel 4000w Heavy Duty Pure Sine Wave Inverter:4000W true sine wave,8000W peak power,with LED display,DC 12V,AC 120V with four AC Outlets and 1x2.4A USB port
- With a Remote Control: more convenient to control the inverter ON/Off while applied to RV,Truck,Car and Solar System
- Widely applications for Indoor and outdoor uses- Ideal for RVs, Boats, and power failure emergencies. 4 AC outlets for multi-purpose emergency use on vacations, business trips, and camping. 4000W heavy duty for case of emergencies like hurricane, storm, outage, etc.
- Fully Safety Protections:Over voltage,Low voltage,Overload,Short circuit,Over heat,polarity reverse protection(fuse blown to protect inverter). Product liability is covered by AIG.
- Isolated Input/Output Design and Soft start tech,Big and Durable aluminum alloy housing provides advanced protection from drops and bumps.Intelligent cooling fan helps reduce heat and prevents shortages.
Last update on 2022-10-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Aims Power 3000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
The Aims power 3000 Watt Pure sine wave inverter provides 3000 Watt continuous and up to 6000 Watt surge power. It’s a little more expensive than Giandel but a trusted choice and ideal of backup power.
You can run a one-ton air conditioner on this inverter and a number of other devices like a power tool charger, laser printer, and microwaves. It’s a pure sine wave inverter meaning much quieter than regular inverters. The inverter has two 120 Volt AC and a 2.1 Amp USB outlet.
Features:
Pure sine wave inverter.
Continuous 3 kW power, 6 kW peak power.
Two GFCI protected AC and 2.1 Amp USB outlet.
Isolated ground/neutral and built-in cooling fan.
LED indicator.
Two-year warranty.
- POWERFUL: 3000 Watts continuous power / 6000 Watts peak power, Pure Sine Wave Inverter converts 12V DC to 120V AC Power 60 Hz , clean pure sine power, soft start technology, compact design, lightweight
- PROTECTIONS: overload, over temp, high voltage, low voltage, short circuit, internally fused, low and high voltage alarm, cooling fan, and isolated ground neutral. 90% efficient
- FEATURES: Works with electronics, appliances, tools, pumps and much more up to 20 amps. Includes USB port, LED indicators, ground terminal and optional remote switch
- TRUST AIMS: Buy with confidence. In the inverter business for over 20 years. All tech support, warranty, and sales supported in Nevada
- APPLICATIONS: Ideal for back-up or off grid power system using a 12V battery(s) in trucks, vans, buses, homes, boats, cabins, solar and vehicle outfitters and other OEM type applications that prefer a UL 458 & CSA listing. 2 Year warranty. Use high quality copper cables in your system
Last update on 2022-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Xantrex 813-3000-UL XPower 3000 Watt Inverter
Xantrex Xpower 3000 Watt inverter is a great choice for air conditioners. It provides a continuous power of 3000 Watt and can withstand high surge power. You can use it with up to 1.5 ton AC and a number of other electronic devices like microwaves, small vacuum cleaners, and up to 17-inch monitors.
Compared to the expensive Aims inverters, the price is quite reasonable. It has two 120 Volts AC outlets but no USB outlet. The remote on/off switch makes it easy and comfortable to use.
Features:
Modified sine wave inverter.
Continuous 3 kW power, and high surge power.
Two 120 Volt AC outlets.
High/low voltage protection.
- Meets UL458, a safety and regulatory standard for mobile applications
- Proven performance and advantages in this product niche
- Designed to convert most of the battery's available power to AC, while delivering a high surge capacity in order to boost products requiring more power to initially engage
- Dual GFCI AC receptacles, an on/off remote panel, plus the overload and over temperature shutdown, all round out the key product features
- Applications ranging from household appliances such as microwaves or small refrigerators, to powering office electronics such as laptops and printers, and for everything from handheld power tools to entertainment electronics
Last update on 2022-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Energizer 4000 Watt Power Inverter
Energizer 4000 Watt power inverter has been tested for safety and performance by Metlab. The inverter can easily power home appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators, and microwaves. Up to 1.5-ton air conditioners will run smoothly as it can withstand the surge power of up to 8000 Watt.
The connections are hard-wired and you can power up to four devices at a time (watch the voltage though). The LCD display on the front shows input and output voltage along with the battery level. Being a modified sine wave inverter, it’s available at a lower price.
Features:
Modified sine wave inverter.
Continuous 4kW power, 8 kW peak power.
Two AC and USB outlets (each).
Hard wired connections.
LCD display.
On/off switch.
Last update on 2022-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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GoWise Power PS1004 3000W Pure Sine Wave Power Inverter
Gowise 3000 Watt pure sine wave inverter is a compact and safe power inverter. With a continuous 3000 Watt power and 6000 Watt surge power, it can efficiently run up to 1.5-ton air conditioners.
The inverter has three 120 Volt Ac outlets and a USB outlet. The remote switch and smart cooling fan make it easy to use. To make the customer experience safer, it comes with five kinds of protections, i.e thermal protection, overload protection, over-voltage protection, under-voltage protection, and low voltage alarm.
Features:
Pure sine wave inverter.
Continuous 3kW power, 6 kW peak power.
Three AC and a USB outlet.
Remote switch.
Thermal, overload, over-voltage, under-voltage, and low voltage protection.
Smart cooling fan.
- GoWISE Power PURE SINE Power Inverter 3000W Continuous/6000W Surge, 12V DC to 120V AC w/ Black and Red Cables w/ Ring Terminals, Remote Switch, 5 kinds of Protection Systems and 4 Output Sockets
- Ideal use in cars, vessels, and for power failure emergencies and s maximum efficiency with computers, sensitive equipment, and more
- 5 Protection systems: Thermal protection, Overload protection, Over Voltage protection, Under Voltage protection, Low Voltage protection alarm
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) <3%; Soft start low interference tech and temperature control cooling fan. Output Voltage: AC 120V; Frequency: 60Hz
- Before purchasing, check the maximum amperage of the intended battery. It is the responsibility of the consumer to be knowledgeable on the specifications of the battery and its compatibility with GoWISE Power Inverters. If unknown, we recommend reaching out to the battery manufacturer.
Last update on 2022-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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WZRLEB 3000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter
WZRLEB 3000 Watt pure sine wave inverter is easy to use and safe. The continous 3000 Watt power supply ensures that your air conditioner will run smoothly. It has two AC outlets but no USB outlet.
The separate LED displays for DC and AC voltage to make observation easier. The thick PCB can support high load capacity making this inverter a perfect choice for air conditioners (that require high surge power).
Features:
Pure sine wave inverter.
Continuous 3 kW power, 6 kW peak power.
Two GFCI protected AC outlets.
LED display for both AC and DC voltage.
On/off switch.
Two smart cooling fans.
Extra thick PCB (high load capacity).
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Cobra CPI2590 Portable Power Inverter
Cobra CPI2590 is the perfect power inverter for small portable air conditioners. It converts 12 Volts DC into 120 Volt AC. The power rating is 2500 Watt (continuous) and the surge power of up to 5000 Watts. You can run up to a half-ton (up to 5000 BTU) air conditioner with Cobra and charge other small devices like smartphones too.
The inverter has three AC outlets and one USB outlet. You can connect the inverter to your car battery and keep tabs on the battery level through the LED display. It’s easy to carry, and use but not an ideal choice for big air conditioners.
Features:
Modified sine wave inverter.
Continuous 2.5 kW power, 5 kW peak power.
Three AC and a USB outlet.
Grounded Ac outlets.
LED display for battery voltage and current consumption.
Five level protection.
Power switch.
- POWERFUL - Plug in and charge your smartphone, tablet, and many other mobile devices from the convenient USB port. 2500 Watts continuous (5000 watts peak power) and a 12V power supply 2.4 Amp USB outlet gives you a charge on the go.
- VERSATILE - The CPI2590 gives you a power supply through two grounded AC outlets for office equipment and household appliances that draw up to 2500 watts from your car, truck, RV or boat.
- LED SCREEN - Digital display that illustrates the vehicle’s battery voltage and device connected current consumption in watts on a large LED display.
- ON-THE-GO - This power inverter has your back during tailgates, camping and road trips, and anywhere else your travels take you.
- PROTECTION - With Cobras Pentagon Protection, you have 5 levels of protection from failures (thermal shutdown, reverse polarity, over voltage shutdown, low voltage shutdown, and low voltage alarm).
Last update on 2022-10-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Krieger 2000 Watt Power Inverter
Krieger 2000 Watt power inverter converts 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC. It’s easy to connect through your car battery and easy to use with portable air conditioners. You can check the voltage and battery level through the LED display and turn on/off at any time with the remote control power switch.
The device has a built-in thermal fan and two AC and USB outlets (each). It has been tested and approved by Metlab for both safety and performance.
Features:
Modified sine wave inverter.
Continuous 2 kW power, and 4 kW peak power.
Two AC and USB outlets (each).
On/off Remote control.
LED display.
On/off switch.
- 2000 Watts continuous power, 4000 Watts peak power, KR2000 modified sine wave inverter converts 12V DC to 120V AC power, connect DC battery cables directly to your 12V battery and you have power on the go.
- Our version of an all-inclusive! Wired Remote control included - ANL Fuse kit + 3 ft Battery Cables Included.
- We have your back. This inverter has all the protections that you will need. Overload, over voltage, under voltage, high temperature and short circuit. All of this is displayed on the LCD screen as well as input voltage, output wattage and battery level.
- Don’t just take our word for this inverter’s rating, this item has been tested, validated and approved for both its safety and performance. ETL Approved under UL std 458 and CSA std C22.2
- You can’t go wrong with Krieger! We believe in our product and quality and we offer the warranty that proves it – “3 Years parts and labor warranty”
Last update on 2022-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Haitral 3000 Watt Power Inverter
Haitral 3000 Watt modified sine wave power inverter converts 12 Volt DC to 120 Volt AC. You can use it to power a small portable air conditioner up to half-ton (5000 BTU). The device is compact and light-weight, you can easily carry it in the car or RV.
The inverter has three built-in smart fans to keep it from heating. You can also charge a laptop or camera along with it. Considering the power rating, the price of the Haitral 3000 Watt inverter is quite reasonable.
Features:
Modified sine wave inverter.
Continuous 3 kW power, 6 kW peak power.
Three intelligent temperature-controlled fans.
Solid aluminum shell housing.
Two GFCI protected AC outlets.
On/off switch.
- BASIC DATA: Continuous Rating--3000 Watt Peak Power--6000 Anti-reverse Protection: Yes
- SECURITY: Multi-protection--overload protection, reverse polarity protection, high temperature protection, short circuit protection, high voltage protection
- PRODUCT STRUCTURE: The external is aluminium shell solid, light, convenient and practical; The internal a neat array of integrated circuits, conform to the specifications
- WHAT YOU GET: 1x 3000W Power Inverter, 2 x Car Battery Cables, 1 x User Manual.
- APPLICATION: It can be used as a power emergency during a blizzard, hurricane, storm, outage, party. It can supply sound AC power for household appliances, official equipment and other electrical devices, such as TV sets, lighting lamps, DVD, audio, video cam, electrical tools, fax simile, photocopy machine, laptop and so on
Last update on 2022-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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