are inverters capable of powering airconditioners

[billyidol]

is it possible for the inverters to power an airconditioner? or will the aircon drain the inverter's batteries? im not an expert on this so if you have any thoughts!

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by billyidol

is it possible for the inverters to power an airconditioner?

Yes, but not a great idea

Originally Posted by billyidol

or will the aircon drain the inverter's batteries?

Yes, big time.

Originally Posted by billyidol

im not an expert on this so if you have any thoughts!

Buy a generator with double the capacity of your maximum consumption. Turn everything on in the house, measure the consumption with an ampmeter, and double that amount. If you buy a generator that barely can handle the load, you will burn it out quickly.

[MrMike]

Ever see that commercial, I think its for an SUV where a semi truck is stranded and the dude in the SUV gives him a tow?

That's kind of what its like to run an AC on an inverter. It's physically possible but not recommendable and certainly puts alot more strain on your system than what you want to apply regularly.

If the guy in the commercial went out towing semi trailers in his SUV every day you can bet he's not going to get HALF the gas mileager his vehicle is rated for, and that will be the least of his problems.

Same goes for those of you who try to run an AC with you inverter.

[AZB]

I have never heard of anyone running an A/C with an inverter.
AZB

[Jon S.]

Most A/Cs in the DR are 220V and they are window units. Most inverters are hooked up to house so they can power up all 110V outlest but they're wired to bypass the 220V outlets. I've yet to hear of anyone that actually uses their inverter to power their A/C in the DR.

[THE GAME]

Originally Posted by Jon S.

Most A/Cs in the DR are 220V and they are window units. Most inverters are hooked up to house so they can power up all 110V outlest but they're wired to bypass the 220V outlets. I've yet to hear of anyone that actually uses their inverter to power their A/C in the DR.

so what do you need? a generator plant?

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by THE GAME

so what do you need? a generator plant?

A generator is definitely needed. An inverter (UPS) is primarily for a short term and small demand.

[Jon S.]

Yes, and as Rocky previously mentioned, get one that could handle twice the load of all your appliances in your house. He's got a pretty good method for figuring out what you need to do.

[bigbird]

Originally Posted by Jon S.

Yes, and as Rocky previously mentioned, get one that could handle twice the load of all your appliances in your house. He's got a pretty good method for figuring out what you need to do.

If it comes to a cost issue a generator rated at 125% of the total load is more than adequate. Why 125% and not 200%? Most gen-sets are more efficient operating between 60-80% of rated load. In the trade it is referred to as gen-set. A gen-set consists of the generator and an engine. Another choice is diesel or propane. Some manufacturers produce generators that will operate off of either fuel.

For more information do a google search for Generac, Kohler, or Cummins generators. Each website has a section on home generators.

[MrMike]

I have seen it done and I have set up systems like this as well as tried it in my own house. In my case I bought a 110 AC specifically for this purpose. It proved to be a bad idea as it went through my 16 batteries like eating a small bag of popcorn at a boring movie.

On another occasion I set up a dual 3.6 inverter system to supply the requisite 220v to power another unit at a client's house, the client has a generator and so if he ran out of battery power at least would not be without lights. In this setup the installation worked most of the time, but was clearly overtaxed and required regular servicing.