How many watts does a Mini-Split Heat Pump (1-ton) use?

Running watts

1,200 W

Starting watts

3,000 W

Startup surge

+1,800 W

A Mini-Split Heat Pump (1-ton) draws 1,200 watts continuously once it's running, but its motor needs a brief surge of up to 3,000 watts to start. A generator has to cover that starting surge, not just the running load, or the motor won't start.

Generators that can run this

Predator 3500 Inverter
3,000 W run · 3,500 W start · ~$900
Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel Inverter (100263)
3,100 W run · 3,400 W start · ~$850
Champion 3500-Watt (100555)
3,500 W run · 4,375 W start · ~$450

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