The Best Generator For 12000 Btu Air Conditioner

An AC that uses 12,000 BTU will need a generator that generates at least 1,000 watts of power.

An average 15,000 BTU RV air conditioner will require about 1,500 watts to run. However, it will need about 3,000 watts or even 3,500 watts start-up wattage.

Here’s a quick guide:

• 500 W for 5,000 BTU AC unit.
• 1,000 W for 10,000 BTU AC unit.
• 1,000-1,500 W for 12,000 BTU AC unit
• 1,500 W for 15,000 BTU AC unit.

That being said, the best 12000 BTU AC generator is the Honda EU2200i 2200W (CHECK ON AMAZON).

Most times, I never buy a new model of anything until enough time has passed that evident problems would show up.

But in this case, the Honda EU2000 models upheld such huge reputation for reliability and quality that I took the risk and bought the new EU2200.

ALSO SEE: Best Generator For 13500 Btu Air Conditioner

I went through an easy break in procedure and the generator has been performing exceedingly well. Low noise, very little vibration, and the only part of the generator that gets warm is the vented plastic over the muffler area (I placed my hands there during operation and they don’t hurt one bit).

Is it cheap? No. Is it worth it? Yes, if you need a generator that’s going to last for many years of heavy use.

Best Generator For 12000 Btu Air Conditioner

I bought this generator on Amazon and thought I’d share the differences between the EU2000i and the EU2200i, for those trying to compare these two models and picking one that suits them the most.

CHECK ON AMAZON

In addition to the increase in power, going from 1600W running and 2000W surge in the EU2000i to 1800W and 2200W surge in the EU2200i model.

Issues like the need for extended oil drain adapters have been corrected in the EU2200i. The oil drain now features an extended rubber drain path, so when draining oil, it easily goes in your drain pan rather than all over the generator.

The fill hole too is now much larger, its’s about the size of my Honda walk behind mower.

The ignition dial too boasts of a fuel shutoff position, just adjacent the off-setting. This allows you to run the carb dry after use without ending to empty the float bowl manually.

So no gummed up carb to prevent you from a successful next run.

I also observed an increased ventilation along the bottom of the front panel, presumably to keep the inverter and the other circuit boards running cooler to avoid that failure path.

The engine itself in the new model has seen an increase in overall capacity. The 2200i uses the 121cc GXR120 engine.

ALSO SEE: Best Generator To Run Small Air Conditioner For Rv, Camping, And Tents

Run time remains good with 3.2 hours at full power extending to 8.1 hours when lightly loaded on eco-throttle, with the slightly less than 1 gallon tank.

Incredibly quiet at eco throttle with minimalload, noise does increase as you approach its 15A running load capacity. But the unit itself is extremely smooth with no vibrations at full power.

Would highly recommend.