Best overall
Westinghouse iGen4500
4,500W start · 3,700W run
Gasoline · Inverter · 52 dBA · remote start · RV-ready TT-30R
Quiet enough for a campground and strong enough to start a 30-amp RV air conditioner.
Find on AmazonWhat size generator to run a central ac — per ton?
Short answer
A central ac — per ton draws about 1,500 running watts but surges to roughly 4,500 starting watts when its motor kicks on, so you need a generator rated for at least 4,500 starting watts to run one on its own — a 5,000W unit gives comfortable headroom.
Running watts
1,500W
Starting watts
4,500W
Minimum generator
4,500W
Recommended
5,000W
Sizing a generator for a central ac — per ton
A central ac — per ton runs at about 1,500 watts, but its motor briefly pulls 4,500 starting watts — 3,000 extra — for a fraction of a second when it kicks on. That surge, not the running figure, sets the minimum generator size, which is why a generator sized only on running watts can stall the moment the motor starts.
To run one on its own, choose a generator rated for at least 4,500 starting watts. To run it alongside other essentials, add up everything you need and size up — the calculator below does that math for your exact list.
Run your full appliance list
This page covers the central ac — per ton on its own. Open the calculator with it pre-selected, then add everything else you plan to power at the same time.
Size a generator with a central ac — per tonRecommended midsize portable generators
Real, widely available units in the 3,500 – 8,500W class. Independent picks — we're not affiliated with any manufacturer or retailer and earn nothing from these links.
Best value
Westinghouse WGen7500
9,500W start · 7,500W run
Gasoline · Remote start · transfer-switch ready (L14-30R)
Serious home-backup wattage — enough for essentials circuits via a transfer switch — at a midsize price.
Find on AmazonQuietest
Champion 6250W Open Frame Inverter (100519)
6,250W start · 5,000W run
Gasoline · Open-frame inverter · 69 dBA · <3% THD
50% quieter and 20% lighter than a conventional 5,000W unit, with inverter-clean output.
Find on AmazonFrequently asked questions
What size generator do I need to run a central ac — per ton?
To run a central ac — per ton on its own you need a generator rated for at least 4,500 starting watts. We recommend a 5,000W (midsize portable) unit so you have headroom to add other appliances without running the generator at its limit.
How many watts does a central ac — per ton use?
A central ac — per ton uses about 1,500 running watts continuously, and briefly spikes to roughly 4,500 starting watts (3,000 extra) at the instant its motor kicks on. Always check your unit's nameplate for exact figures.
Why does a central ac — per ton need more starting watts than running watts?
Its motor needs a short burst of extra power — usually 2-3x its running wattage for a fraction of a second — to overcome inertia and get moving. That surge is what actually determines the generator size, which is why sizing on running watts alone leaves you short.