Can a Generator Power My A/C? What East Texas Homeowners Need to Know
☀️ Summer in East Texas Means One Thing: You Need A/C
If you live in Longview, Tyler, Marshall, or even across the border in Shreveport, you know that air conditioning isn't just a convenience - it's a necessity. With heat and humidity combining to push real-feel temps into the triple digits, your A/C is working hard to keep you safe and comfortable.
So when the power goes out during a summer storm or peak heatwave, the first thing most homeowners ask is:
"Will my generator run my air conditioner?"
Let’s break it down.
🔌 The Short Answer: It Depends on the Right Setup
Whether your generator can power your A/C depends on:
- The size (kW) of your generator
- The type and tonnage of your A/C system
- What other appliances or systems you're powering at the same time
Central air conditioning units require
high surge wattage when starting up, often more than double their running wattage. So sizing matters… a lot.
🧊 A/C Wattage Requirements: Know Before You Size
Here's a more accurate look at what it takes to power various cooling systems:
| Cooling System | Running Current | Starting (Surge) Current |
|---|---|---|
| Window A/C (5,000-12,000 BTU) | 500 - 1,500 watts | 1,000 - 2,500 watts |
| 2-ton central A/C (24,000 BTU) | ~ 2 kW | 4 - 5 kW |
| 3-ton central A/C (36,000 BTU) | ~ 2.5 kW | 6 - 8 kW |
| 3.5-5 ton central A/C system | 3 - 4.5 kW | 8 - 12 kW |
Keep in mind: These are averages. Your A/C’s actual draw depends on its age, compressor type, and whether you have a soft-start kit or variable-speed setup.
⚠️ Why Most Portable Generators Aren’t Enough
Many homeowners in East Texas start with portable generators, but most models can't handle central A/C, even briefly. At best, they can keep a few lights and a window unit running. At worst, they trip breakers or stall under the surge load.
If keeping your
whole home, including your A/C—powered during an outage is important to you, then a
standby generator is the solution you need.
🧠 Smart Load Management: A Game-Changer
At MALL Energy Home, we install Kohler and Briggs & Stratton standby generators equipped with advanced load management systems. These systems prioritize how power is distributed so your A/C can run without overloading your generator.
That means:
- Your A/C can kick on without tripping the system
- Your home stays cool during outages
- You can still power other essential appliances, too
We help you design a system tailored to
your exact home, your energy priorities, and your lifestyle.
Why Local Sizing and Installation Matter
Every home is different—and so is every generator install.
At MALL Energy Home, we’ve been serving East Texas for over 10 years, and our leadership and technicians bring decades of combined experience with them.
We perform in-home assessments across:
- Longview
- Tyler
- Marshall
- Shreveport
- And surrounding
East Texas areas
As a local-only company, we understand your weather, your energy needs, and the importance of being there
when the power goes out.
📞 Want A/C When the Grid Goes Down? We Can Help.
If you're not sure whether your current generator can handle your A/C, or you’re considering investing in backup power - now’s the time to talk to us.
We’ll:
✅ Assess your cooling system
✅ Evaluate your full-home load
✅ Size and install the perfect generator setup
✅ Provide ongoing maintenance and 24-hour service
👉 Contact MALL Energy Home today to schedule your free generator consultation.
