Divide the input BTU of your air conditioner by the SEER rating to get the amount of watts it requires, and write that down. How to Practice Social Distancing in Your RV, 3 Options to Maximize Laundry Space & Efficiency in Your Tiny Home. Almost all the vents in your RV or trailer use a 14″x14″ hole as well so if you want an extra RV AC for your bedroom Dometic Brisk II will most likely work. It is also compatible with the Dometic Brisk II with Heat if you want the AC+Heat combo. Budgeting reduce your electric bill with a window conditioneryazoo valley power how does. ***VIDEO INFORMATION UPDATE*** Our 13,500 BTU RV air conditioner actually pulls about 150 amps instead of 73 amps while running from a 12 volt source. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Both sizes of the Advent rooftop RV air conditioners are made with metal base pans, non-ozone depleting coolants, and silicone coated cooling fins to reduce freeze-ups. An air conditioner of this size shouldn't run from 110 VAC. Central air conditioning units require 208/240 volts. Once it is running, you have roughly 1800 watts left to work with. A 15000 BTU RV AC will need 3500 to start and 1800 running watts. The lower two voltage ratings are common in smaller units, while units with a rating higher than 15,000 BTUs will require a 220-volt circuit. It’s strong enough to work as a ducted and non-ducted unit. They have a 320 cfm airflow and both are duct and non-duct compatible. Each of these units requires a minimum of 3,500 watts just to kick start a unit. If you are going to use it as a non-ducted AC make sure you buy the compatible Coleman Mach Non-Duct Ceiling Assembly. Both sizes of units are 27.23″ long, 29.18″ wide, and 12.7″ tall. Some people even use these on small trailers or vans because luggage racks fit over them. There are a few reasons an AC freezes: the coils are dirty, there is a lot of moisture in the air, the thermostat isn’t working correctly, the refrigerant levels are low, the air filter is clogged, or the condenser coils are dirty. Small Appliances You Need for Holiday Dinner Success. In the video I did not allow the A/C to run long enough for the compressor to kick on. There is a chance for it to increase depending on the number of the air conditioning units installed in your RV and their individual sizes. Another thing I like about Dometic is the availability of their parts. Both 13,500 & 15,000 versions are duct/non-duct compatible. Now let’s talk about the differences between the 13,500 btu and the 15,000 btu Brisk II. Note that the Brisk II with heat weights significantly more than the standard Brisk II at 82 lbs. You can run it with a 3,500 watt generator. Write down the maximum wattage it uses. Large room-size air conditioners are typically rated from 8,000 BTUs up to 12,000 BTUs, although some modern types may even reach 15,000 BTUs. At the touch of a button, you can find out how many amps does a 12000 btu air conditioner use. They run off of 115V AC power and fit 14.25″x14.25″ holes. My wife and I travel full time in our RV. If you have a 30 amp trailer your RV AC is most likely a 13,500 BTU and if you have a 50 amp trailer with one RV air conditioning unit then it will probably be a 15,000 BTU. The Brisk II is Dometics standard air conditioner for RVs, travel trailers, 5th-wheels, buses, and even vans. How many amps does a 15000 BTU air conditioner draw? The Dometic Penguin II is a lot like the Brisk II just a much more low profile version. 2. Large ambient air conditioners are generally estimated to be between 8,000 BTU and 12,000 BTU, although some modern types can even reach 15,000 BTU. How many amps does a 8000 BTU portable air conditioner use? At the Camping Nerd, I write about our favorite camping and RV gear. Easy Start advertises it can reduce the current required to start your RV’s air conditioning by 65-75%. See Also: The Best Camping Gas Generators That Will Run Your RV AC. The exact value depends on the BTU and the mode in which it is operating. Does an RV air conditioner run on propane? You can also use the soft start to run 2 RV AC units on a 30 amp power source. It then takes about 1,500 watts to keep that unit running. They both use the universal 14″x14″ roof fit. Can You Replace A 13,500 BTU RV AC With A 15,000 BTU RV AC? A soft start lowers the power needed to start an ac which means you can use a 2000 watt honda generator or a 3,000 watt generator of any other brand that uses at least a 121cc engine to run most 13,500 and 15,000 btu RV air conditioners. I have to go with the Dometic Brisk II as the best RV air conditioner. The best soft start is the . Choose the calculator you like. Dometic spent 2 years redesigning their classic air conditioner and ended up making a more durable, lighter, quieter, smaller, and more environmentally friendly camper air conditioner. A 15,000 BTU air conditioner in rv on an average draws around 12.5-13 amps. How many amps does a 5000 BTU air conditioner use? Let's Get It Fixed! If you are installing a brand new system you can buy the Coleman Mach 15 with the compatible thermostat. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a50c8dc8e19c6414ac9dc5400e83bcf8" );document.getElementById("dbdfa56ea5").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Welcome to The Camping Nerd. The Dometic Brisk II RV Air Conditioner is a true classic when it comes to RV air conditioners. From BTU to electrical power (measured in Watts). The “High Capacity” or 15,000 btu Penguin II weighs 110 lbs and is both duct and non-duct compatible. It uses 3,000 initial watts and runs on 1,450 watts. A 15,000 BTU air conditioning unit is what most RVs come equipped with these days. If your RV can hold a lot of weight the Penguin II is a fantastic option but even saving 30 lbs can make all the difference when it comes to small travel trailers and vans. The Mach 3 Plus has a heating element that runs on 5,600 btu and weighs 90 lbs. I’m going to talk about the Coleman Mach 3 Plus which is the 13,500 btu version. Considering power factor 0.8 the max current will be. A 12000 BTU air conditioner draws close to 15 amps. Most recreational vehicles have an air conditioner that will need 13500BTU or 15000BTU to run. Now you know what initial start up watts are and why you need a large generator to run an RV air condition. Starting kW. You’ll require a generator of at least 3300 – 3500W. You need a 5,000 watt generator to run this RV AC. It can run on the same size of generator and doesn’t take that much more power or weigh much more. There are 15,000 and 13,500 BTU RV air conditioners, low profile, and standard. Now for the differences. Frequently Asked Questions About RV Air Conditioners. I am Jesse. The Advent 15,000 btu unit weighs 69 lbs and measures 33.5″ long, 25.6″ wide, and 15″ tall. The unit is compact and has a sleek aerodynamic design that will reduce wind drag and hold up against all kinds of weather and the sun. If you are going to run this with a generator I would suggest getting one that is at least 5,000 running watts. Amps @ 208 Volts 3 Phase. This ceiling panel is both a duct to blow out the cold air from the Dometic AC unit and also the control panel where you adjust the temperature and turn it on and off. A common problem with the ac units on RVs is the coils or cooling fins freezing up. Airflow is important when it comes to cooling down RVs because they don’t normally have great insulation like a house does. Chart showing how many kw and amp an air conditioner & heat pump uses. Their AC units are a lot like the Dometic Brisk II is power usage and style but they have a few additions in quality and craftsmanship that make their RV AC units some of the best around. The power is simply calculated by multiplying the number of Ampers with the number of Volts (something like 10A * 120V = 1,200W). If your AC is starting to get noisy or the fan isn’t blowing out the normal amount of cold air you may have a frozen unit. In most cases, people are interested in how many amps does a 5,000 BTU air conditioner use. Big brand names like Dometic, Airxcel/Coleman, and Advent have been making better more efficient and in some cases slimmer AC units for RVs. A 2000 watt handle the load of a 15000 BTU RV air conditioner with a higher starting wattage capacity could let you run a 10,000 BTU window air conditioner during a summer blackout. The major 5,000 BTU air conditioners use 5 amplifiers, and when connected to a 110 volt output, the unit uses 550 watts. If you’re replacing an older AC the Brisk II is going to be a huge upgrade. Dometic is one of the biggest names when it comes to RV and travel trailer appliances. You can check this by taking off the shroud on your RV’s AC and looking for visible ice. Advent’s 13,500 btu Rv air conditioner weighs 69 lbs and measures 35″ long, 30″ wide, and 13.2″ tall. Is My RV Air Conditioner 13,500 or 15,000 BTUs? The initial start up watts is 4,392 with 1,762 running watts. Another reason it’s my pick is it has the highest airflow output on the list. You can find the version with heating and cooling capabilities here. Related: Can You Replace A 13,500 BTU RV AC With A 15,000 BTU RV AC? There’s a good chance that the air conditioner on your RV is a Dometic. The Dometic Penguin II Low Profile RV AC has all the things you love about Dometic RV air conditioners but with a very slim aerodynamic body that will save on gas mileage, especially if you have more than one. The Coleman Mach 15 comes in white or black and also weighs 90 lbs. Most simple design systems will average either 10 to 15 amps to operate. ... AIR CONDITIONING & HEAT PUMP LOADS - TYPICAL: SIZE: BTU: HP: Running Load: Starting Load: Running kW. It can run on the same size of generator and doesn’t take that much more power or weigh much more. Log in. The total watts all depends on how energy efficient the manufacturer made the appliance. Your air conditioning unit, for instance, draws around 12.5 amps. =5.5/0.8= 6.8 amps. The Penguin II is short measuring only 10″ tall once installed but it is longer than your average RV AC unit measuring 40 inches long and 29 inches wide. Both versions need to be run with at least a 5,000 watt generator. See Also: The Best Camping Gas Generators That Will Run Your RV AC. The good news is RV AC filters are easy to find and inexpensive. If your AC system is leaking the refrigerant there may be something that needs fixing or the unit will need to be replaced. One 10,000 BTU air conditioner may use 900 watts of electricity while another one uses 1,000 watts. You need the ASA non-ducted ceiling assembly for non-duct installation. It has an electrical rating of 115V AC, the initial start up watts are 3,900, and runs on 1,800 watts. That’s the figure for a 15,000 BTU unit. It’s also duct and non-duct compatible for a variety of uses such as vans, buses, and small RVs. =1200/220 = 5.5 amps. Around 13 amps, with your average AC unit needing anywhere from around 12 to 16 amps. An air conditioner on an average needs around 12-16 amps. This will defrost the coils. They have excellent customer service and because of how used their brand is you can find a lot of their parts at local dealers and RV stores. There is even a black version available. While it technically can run on a 15 amp breaker, you may want to use a smaller air conditioner to be on the safe side. The last way you can check is by whether or not your RV air conditioning system is ducted or non-ducted. You can have an extra AC in the bedroom of your travel trailer or easily install one in your van or newly converted bus. Once it’s up and running, it will need 50% less power like 1500 watt running. You need the Dometic Penguin Control Assembly to run it. Have any more questions about RV air conditioners? How many amps does a 12000 BTU air conditioner draw? Thank you for stopping by. Once you’ve cleaned the air filter run the fan part of the AC for a few hours. Similarly, if you want to run a 13,500 BTU air conditioner then the minimum watts for the generator would be around 3500 watts. Dometic Brisk II Air - The Brisk II's smart design and improved materials combine to maximize air flow and performance. If you are installing a Brisk II in a non-ducted system like in a van, bus, small trailer, or a small RV you are going to need the compatible Dometic Non-Ducted Control Panel. Choose the calculator you like. For detailed instructions check out this video by the RVgeeks. 2 Answers from these members: The amp draw on a room air conditioner with the cooling capacity of 10,000 BTU/h should be approximately 9.8 amps. The heating element is optional on this RV AC, the version I’m reviewing doesn’t have it. Note: Scroll left/right on tablets and phones. Related: Save 50% On Campgrounds All Over The United States With Passport America. Most common voltage ratings for AC units are 115, 125 and 220 volts, and amperage rating can run from 15 to 20 amps. There is a polar white and a black version available. How much will it cost me to run an air conditioner? Of course, you also have 6,000, 8,000, 12,000, 15,000, and 18,000 BTU devices that use more amps than 5,000 BTU units. To do this, you need to write in the search box (for example, google) how many amps does a 5000 btu air conditioner use and add to it an additional word: converter or calculator . Make sure you use the input BTU and not the output BTU, if both are listed. Amps @ 240 Volts 1 Phase. The electrical current (measured in Amperes or ‘amps‘ for short) needed to run an air conditioner is directly proportional to how much the AC unit will affect your electricity bill. The 13,500 btu Brisk II which is the smaller version weighs 72 lbs, uses 3,953 initial start-up watts and uses 1,670 watts when running. So for inverter ac the current will be. The electrical rating is 120V AC. See Also: Best Portable Power Station/Solar Generator For Camping. The Dometic Brisk II has everything you want in a lightweight RV air conditioner but if you are good with something much heavier the Dometic Penguin II is also a fantastic option. They must be hard wired and have a dedicated circuit. I would suggest checking the air filter first because that’s the most common problem. It has a 115V AC electrical rating, uses 3,500 initial start up watts and runs on 1,695 watts. I’ve researched and reviewed the best RV AC units for ducted and non-ducted RVs, trailers, vans, buses, and even horse trailers. Advent is another large camper air conditioner brand and their 13,500 btu AC is one of the only ones you can run with a 3,500 watt generator without using a soft start kit. An RV that has 13500 BTU air conditioner will need at least 3000 watts to start. The only downside is how heavy they are. The initial start up watts is 3,953 with 1,731 running watts. It uses 4,500 initial watts and runs on 1,800 watts. The Airxcel Coleman Mach RV Air Conditioners are made with high-quality materials and put together the right way so they will be able to withstand the constant bumps of long dirt roads and freeways. Best Portable Quiet Inverter Generators For RV Camping, Best Portable Power Station/Solar Generator For Camping, Best Indoor & Outdoor Weather Stations For Home And RV, Best Foldable Solar Panel Chargers For Camping. Tested for use in extreme conditions. The Brisk II 15,000 btu weighs 75 lbs, uses 4,392 initial start-up watts and 1,725 watts when running. The 15,000 btu RV AC unit is 11% more powerful than the 13,500 btu unit. It is best-in-class of any standard RV rooftop air conditioner for weight, air flow and capacity. Use BTU and EER rating to calculate how much power does your air conditioner use. See Also: Best Portable Quiet Inverter Generators For RV Camping. The airflow on high is 320 CFM and all the tubing is gas-flux brazed copper. In other words, it tricks the compressor into starting even though the initial watts are lower than it normally needs. Welcome to The Camping Nerd! They could be a better option for van owners because they are lighter than the other brands and the 13,500 version uses the least amount of initial start up watts. What size generator is needed to run a 15000 BTU AC? A 15,000 BTU air conditioner needs only about 1800 watts to run it while its start up wattage runs in the neighborhood of 3500 watts. Do I Have to Give Up My Dishwasher in My Tiny Home? It also depends on what mode the unit is set. They are also one of the most affordable RV AC brands on the market today. If your AC is frozen turn it off immediately because further freezing can damage it. Whatever your AC need is, I’ve got you covered. At the touch of a button, you can find out how many amps does a 5000 btu air conditioner use. The Brisk II 15,000 btu weighs 75 lbs, uses 4,392 initial start-up watts and 1,725 watts when running. The simplest of answers is a mathematical equation. You will also find how to’s and reviews. 18,000 BTU’s/hr \ 3.412142 = 5275.28 watts/hr. How to run an RV AC with a small generator. In most cases, people are interested in how many amps does a 5,000 BTU air conditioner use. It has 15% more airflow than the Brisk I and is 19% lighter. The soft start connects directly to your AC roof unit and is an easy installation. At 220 volts, this would be about 18 amps. Where as a 13,500 BTU air conditioner will draw around 12 amps. To do this, you need to write in the search box (for example, google) how many amps does a 12000 btu air conditioner use and add to it an additional word: converter or calculator . Start up wattage is much higher and gets close to 3000 watts. How to clean an RV air conditioner filter. These air conditioners come out 10 amps or … The electrical rating is 115V AC. NB: The air conditioner sizing data below does not apply to megathermal climates and assumes 24 hours/day usage. If it doesn't mention wattage, check the SEER rating of your air conditioner and the cooling BTU number. 13,500 btu version uses the least amount of watts. For information on this question check out this post here. Once it’s started it drops back down to what is called the running wattage. 12,000 BTU air conditioners requiring a dedicated outlet draw a minimum of 10 amps. Leave a comment below. Did you know that you can install an RV air conditioner in a normal vent cover with no ducts necessary? The airflow on high is 310 CFM. Camper air conditioners use compressors to cool down air and when a compressor starts up it draws a lot of power to get going. A 13,500 BTU air conditioner will need roughly 1200 to 1300 watts just to run it. 5275.28 watts/hr X 24hrs = 126,606.72 watts 126.61 KW per 24 hour period. It’s perfect if you already have a Dometic unit and need a perfect replacement that will be an upgrade. When using it in the ducted application it can be controlled using the Dometic Comfort Control 2. Do I Need To Run A Dehumidifier When The RV AC Is Running? Average calculation for input power rating is 12000 btu= 1200 watts=1.2 kw. If you are replacing an existing ducted RV AC with a Colman Mach you can use the existing thermostat already on your RV or trailer. The answer of 9.8 amps is base on supply voltage of … RV air conditioners are not made to be recharged. Both of these versions of the Penguin II can be run with at 5,000 or higher watt generator and have the universal 14″x14″ opening for almost any RV or trailer vents. A dirty AC filter can damage the AC or cause it to freeze up. Both the 13,500 btu and the 15,000 btu versions of the Brisk II have an electrical rating of 115 V AC and are compatible with ducted or non-ducted systems. This unit has all the benefits of the Dometic Brisk II like the lower vibrations, quieter running, and high cold air output but with half the height. The amp draw may vary based on numerous factors. The Advent Air RV ACs are the more affordable camper air conditioners but when you need a way to keep your RV, trailer, van, or bus cool they will do the job. A dirty RV air conditioner filter is the most common reason for an RV AC to not be putting out enough air. It produces a 320 CFM airflow and has all copper tubing and gas-flux brazed joints for durability when driving down the road. You can divide the BTU by EER rating (something like 5,000 BTU / 10 EER = 500W). The Best RV/Camping Gear Deals Right Now (Holidays 2020), Save 50% On Campgrounds All Over The United States With Passport America, The Best Camping Gas Generators That Will Run Your RV AC. See Also: Best Indoor & Outdoor Weather Stations For Home And RV. 13,500 BTU's would be about 3956 watts. Amps @ 480 Volts 3 Phase. RV air conditioners have changed over the years and it may be time for an upgrade. This reduction in power allows RVers to start and run their air conditioner with a smaller generator like a 2,000 or 2,200, negating the need to haul around a bigger generator like a 3,000-watt or run two smaller generators in parallel. Your email address will not be published. Units require anywhere from 15-60 amps depending on how many tons they are. But there is a way to cheat the system and run an RV AC on a smaller generator by using a soft start. Some people are fooled when they see the wattage of an AC and think they can use a small generator to run it but in most cases, they will need a generator that can output almost double the number of running watts to start the RV AC’s compressor. Note that the 12.5 amp drawn by your air conditioning unit is just the start-up figure. DON'T MISS: The Best RV/Camping Gear Deals Right Now (Holidays 2020) Thanks for stopping by / Jesse & Jenni. No, RV air conditioners run on electricity only, even the ones with heating elements. The reason it beat out the slimmer Penguin II is it weighs significantly less and therefore is better for a wider variety of applications. Air conditioning and heat pump loads on a generator. Airxcel makes the Coleman Mach RV air conditioners which are also very popular in the world of camping. This is a fantastic option if you have a large RV or trailer with multiple AC units or you travel a lot and want to cut down on fuel costs with a more aerodynamic RV air conditioner. Power Consumption Of 5,000 BTU Air Conditioners (0.41 Tons/1.4 kW) 5,000 BTU air conditioners are recommended for rooms less than … See Also: Best Foldable Solar Panel Chargers For Camping. Why is the initial start up wattage higher than the running wattage on an RV AC? If the coils look dirty you may want to clean them before turning your AC back on. The 15,000 btu RV AC unit is 11% more powerful than the 13,500 btu unit. If you spend most of your time boondocking and driving on rough roads the Coleman brand may stay in better shape than other RV AC brands. If you are buying an AC for a bus, RV, travel trailer, or 5th-wheel I would suggest going with the 15,000 btu because you get more bang for your buck and it puts out more cold air. If you use your RV AC regularly you need to check the filter at least once a month. 1 Why should I know how many amps does a 5000 btu air conditioner use? Our virtual experts can diagnose your issue (for free!) All of the Coleman Mach camper air conditioners on this list fit in the universal 14″x14″ hole and are 42″ long, 28″ wide, and 16″ tall. If you installing this camper air conditioner into a ducted system use the Dometic Quick-Cool Return Air Package to replace the vent cover on the inside. Read Carefully, Plan Accordingly The 13,5000 version weighs 99 lbs and is non-ducted only. Uses the lowest amount of watts for initial start up. What causes RV air conditioners to freeze up? and resolve simple problems. These air conditioners draw 10 amps or more and must be plugged into a dedicated outlet. Eventually, the filter will need to be replaced because even cleaning it with water and a vacuum will not be enough. On the high setting, they have a 350 CFM airflow which is higher than most. You can clean an RV AC filter a few times with water or even with a vacuum. Dometic makes high-quality RV accessories and their Brisk II AC unit is affordable and works just like it should. It works by using a microprocessor to deliver the perfect amount of power at a certain time to start up the air compressor. The airflow on high is 320 CFM.