The amount of amps a mini split uses depends on its size and efficiency. A small, single-zone unit may draw only 15-20 amps, while a large multi-zone system could require 50 amps or more. It's important to consider the amps needed for the entire mini-split system, including the outdoor compressor and any additional indoor air handlers. Undersizing your circuit can lead to nuisance tripping, reduced performance, and even damage to the unit. So check your main electrical panel to see what size breaker you have available for a new mini-split.
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Understanding Mini Split Capacity and Amps
A mini split air conditioner's capacity and amperage go hand in hand. The higher the capacity, the more amps it will draw. But how many amps exactly? That depends on the unit's specifications.
The amperage also depends on the voltage. Most residential mini splits run on 208/230V. So if you have a 24,000 BTU unit running on 230V, it may draw around 34 amps. The same unit on 208V will draw a few more amps, around 38, to get the same amount of power. It's important to understand these nuances, especially when considering factors such as the pros and cons of mini splits.
Powering the Unit
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To provide power to your mini split, you'll need a dedicated circuit rated for the amperage needs of your specific unit. It's best to install a new circuit for the AC to avoid overloading existing circuits in your home. For the higher-amp units (30 amps and up), you'll want to install a 240V outlet specifically rated for air conditioners.
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The outdoor unit also needs its power source, so an additional circuit will need to be installed near the exterior condenser pads. The electrical lines will then connect from the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler to provide power to the entire system.
How Many Amps Does a 9,000 BTU Mini Split Use?
A 9,000 BTU mini split air conditioner will typically require 20 to 30 amps to operate. The exact amperage depends on the voltage it runs on and its efficiency rating.
Voltage
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Most mini-split units in North America run on 220-240V. At 240V, a 9,000 BTU mini split would need around 22-25 amps. If you only have a 120V power supply, it may require up to double the amperage (40-50 amps) to produce the same amount of cooling. So when shopping for a mini-split, make sure you know your voltage to choose a unit with an appropriate amperage rating.
Efficiency
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A more efficient mini split, like an inverter model, will use less power than a conventional unit for the same cooling output. An inverter mini split may only need 20-23 amps at 240V for 9,000 BTU, while a conventional model requires 24-28 amps. So investing in a highly rated inverter unit can save you money in the long run through lower energy bills.
Other factors
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The amperage rating can also be impacted by additional features like electric heating elements, zone control boards, or built-in WiFi connectivity. These extra components will draw more power and increase the amp requirements by 3 to 5 amps per feature.
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How Many Amps Does a 12,000 BTU Mini Split Use?
A 12,000 BTU mini split typically draws around 15 to 20 amps.
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To determine the exact amperage of a specific unit, check the spec sheet or owner’s manual. It will list the rated amperage, which is the maximum amount of amps the unit will draw. The rated amperage ensures your unit will operate properly, even on the hottest days. For a 12,000 BTU unit, you can expect the rated amperage to fall between 15 to 20 amps.
You'll need a dedicated 20-amp circuit.
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Since the mini split will be the only device on this circuit, you'll want to install a dedicated 20-amp breaker in your electrical panel to power it. A 20-amp circuit will give the unit enough power while providing a safety buffer. Do not install the mini split on an existing circuit with other devices like lights, electronics, or appliances. This could overload the circuit and trip the breaker.
Use 12-gage wire for the power cable.
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The power cable that runs from your electrical panel to the mini split should be rated for 20 amps. For this, you'll want to use a 12-gage wire. 10-gage wire can also work, but 12-gage is typically sufficient for a 20-amp circuit powering an AC unit of this size. The wire and breaker must be properly sized to handle the amperage load, or it could overheat and potentially start an electrical fire.
Have an electrician install the wiring if needed.
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If you're not experienced with wiring electrical circuits, it's best to have an HVAC technician or licensed electrician handle the installation. They can properly size the breaker and wire and ensure all connections meet the electrical code for your area. A mini-split installation done wrong is a serious safety risk, so professional help is recommended if you have any doubts about doing it yourself.
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How Many Amps Does an 18,000 BTU Mini Split Use?
An 18,000 BTU mini split, suitable for cooling a large room or open-concept area, requires a significant amount of power to run.
How Much Power Does It Draw?
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An 18,000 BTU mini split air conditioner pulls roughly 15 to 20 amps of power when the compressor is running. The exact amperage will depend on the efficiency and specifications of your particular unit. At 120 volts, which is standard for most homes, this works out to around 1,800 to 2,400 watts. For the unit to start up, it may briefly draw up to 50% more amps.
What Size Circuit Breaker Do I Need?
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To handle the power needs of an 18,000 BTU mini split, you'll want a dedicated 20 to 30-amp circuit breaker. A 30 amp breaker is ideal, as it gives you some buffer in case of voltage spikes, provides room for the initial start-up surge, and allows you to add additional units to the circuit in the future if needed. Whatever size breaker you choose, be sure your home's electrical service can handle the extra load. An electrician can determine if your service needs upgrading.
Will I Need a Special Outlet?
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Yes, an 18,000 BTU mini split unit requires a special high-voltage outlet to plug into. It will connect to a 240-volt outlet, often referred to as a NEMA 6-20R. This provides the higher voltage the unit needs to operate compared to a standard 120-volt wall outlet. The outlet should be installed by an HVAC technician or electrician when the mini-split system is put in.
Power Consumption
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In terms of power consumption, an Energy Star-certified 18,000 BTU mini split air conditioner will use an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year for cooling a 600 to 800-square-foot area. The actual amount will depend on factors like your local climate, insulation, and how often you run the unit. Mini split units are very energy efficient compared to central AC, so you can expect significant savings on your utility bills.
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How Many Amps Does a Mini Split Use?
So there you have it, the lowdown on how many amps a mini split AC unit uses. As you've learned, it can vary quite a bit depending on the size and efficiency of the unit. The good news is that mini splits are generally very energy efficient, especially compared to older central AC systems. If you're considering a mini split for your home, check out the specs for different models to determine how many amps each uses so you can make sure your electrical system can handle it. And if you do need to upgrade your panel or wiring, it may be worth the investment for the energy savings and comfortable indoor climate a mini split provides. Stay cool and save energy!
