how many amps does a 12,000 btu mini split use how many amps does a 12,000 btu mini split use

2 How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? Energy Star 9000 BTU Ductless AC Heat Pump. Advertisement Central air conditioning requires between 208 and 240 volts to operate and draws between 15 and 60 amps depending on the size. How do you take care of a dwarf lilac bush? Your email address will not be published. In this case, you should use a 50 amp breaker because it is the next step above the minimum ampacity but still below the maximum ampacity. All Rights Reserved. Or it can only work if its on and never works when off? On the smaller side of practical knowledge, but it is readily available as well, this line indicates whether or not your pump is using the old R-22 refrigerant, which is slowly pulled from circulation, or the newer, industry-standard R-410A. Portable Vs Window AC Which Is Best for Home Cooling. In most cases, five times the average generated amount is sufficient but refer to your owners manual for specific details regarding your heat pump. You can install a 230v breaker in your house breaker panel. An ammeter is a measuring instrument used to measure the current in a circuit. As you can see from the table above, this is where it pays in the long run to get a more energy efficient mini split. I asked the builder of the house to prewire for the minisplit. The 2 Ton or 24000 BTU Air conditioners use 15 Amps to work. What is the fastest way to harden salt dough? However, the numbers do remain relatively the same. Step 2 - Mini-Split Wiring: It will allow more power than expected before tripping, causing your wiring to melt and potentially start a fire. This tells us that the hypothetical 24,000 BTU heat pump has a cooling capacity of 2 tons. The formula for amps is simple: Watts / Volts = Amps. But even professionals have to learn the ropes, and so if you are an electrician who simply has not undertaken a mini split installation project before, this post is for you. In the US, typically, mini splits up to 18000 are 110V, and over that are 220V. When do I use a 10/2 or 10/3 for mini splits? Wire the two hot leads to the fused connections in the box and the ground to the provided connection. 3 Ton Quad-Zone Mini Split AC Heat Pump: With a 36000 BTU total Cooling-Heating Capacity, this ductless split system can cool and heat 4 separate 350 sq.3 TON Quad-Zone AC Heat Pump (9k x 4). So would that be the only way the unit didnt turn onsomeone had to have flipped the breaker? This is why circuit breakers are generally preferred to fuses. What To Do If AC Keeps Tripping The Breaker, determine the number of watts a mini split uses, Levoit 131 Air Purifier Wont Turn On (Troubleshooting), How To Troubleshoot A Winix Air Purifier (Solved! Luckily, you can find this out pretty quickly with all of the above information and by looking at a label on your compressor unit. I want to install a mini-split system for cooling in my house to supplement the existing central AC which doesnt work well on the top floor due to a lot of glass and a lot of sunshine. If you have an amplfier using 1600W of power on a 120v circuit, you can use the equation Current (Amps) = Power (Watts) Voltage to calculate that the draw of the amplifier is 1600 / 120 = 13.3 amps. Some smaller capacity units only require 110/120 volts. Im installing 2 multi split system in my house. The average labor cost to install ductless air conditioning is $500 to $2,000.Dec 7, 2020 READ How much does a skip tracer make? Everything should be completely fine if you use a lower gauge wire for an air conditioner or heat pump. Window air conditioners and heat pumps are incredibly portable, easy to install, and energy-efficient, so its no surprise they are very popular. In most cases, its easier to replace a breaker than it is to pull a new wire. 5 amps, and a 36,000 BTU model typically requires up to 34. Mount the shut-off box on the outside wall and connect the wires from the break box. For the outside unit to the inside unit you should use 14/4 mini split wire. Based on the above chart, this 3-ton air conditioner unit requires an 8-gauge wire and a maximum size of 35 amp circuit breaker. From figuring out the difference between 10/2 or 10/3 wires to the nitty-gritty of the wiring and installation of your mini split, we hope to have resolved your electrical wiring concerns. 3 Ton Quad-Zone Mini Split AC - Heat Pump: With a 36000 BTU total Cooling-Heating Capacity, this ductless split system can cool and heat 4 separate 350 sq.3 TON Quad-Zone AC - Heat Pump (9k x 4) how many watts and amps does a 12000btu mini-spit AC use? Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. One watt is equal . The model number allows us to glean the cooling capacity of this particular heat pump by using two specific numbers located in the middle of this string of numbers. We are limited to 115 volt power supply. How Much Power Does a 24,000 BTU Air Conditioner Use? Is this accurate? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Are the indoor units just basically low current devices small fans & condensate pumps (no electrical heating elements, etc. The indoor units receive power from the outdoor unit. (an electrical whip is simply a pre-done version of this.). 100-500 Sq. Using a higher amp breaker than the recommended size can cause serious problems. I thought that I needed 3 insulated wires and a ground??? 1 How many amps is a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Do I need to buy a transformer? As circuit breakers age and wear out, the breaker tripping threshold erodes back toward 100% of the breaker amp load and maybe less. In the photo example above, electrical requirements for this 3-ton American Standard unit require a minimum amperage rating of 25 Amps. Most modern homes built in the last few decades have a central air conditioning system or heat pump. Because this is HVAC equipment, a 14 AWG circuit and 15A breaker is insufficiently sized. The ground wire is essential for safe operation, preventing damage to the air conditioner and protecting your family, which is why going with 14/4 is always better than 14/3. The outdoor unit should specify the MCA (Minimum Circuit Ampacity) and MOCP (Maximum Overcurrent Protection) on its plate. Basically, a 50 amp generator is the same as a 5,750-watt generator. Ft . Therefore, there are 5 amperes. When installing a mini-split air conditioner, its vital to choose cable thats large enough to handle the current your system requires. Replacing the breaker can be done relatively quickly. A volt is the unit of electric potential difference. Peak wattage varies on factors like the room size youre heating or cooling in cubic feet. NOTE: These instructions are in regards to electrical specifications only, and do not include line set installation or refrigerant set-up. I have 10-2 w/gnd wired to outdoor disconnect box, which means I would wire the whips ground and neutral to the supply ground wire in the disconnect box. They use 220 volts capacity to deliver between 1,848 and 2,823 watts of current. All mini splits require a dedicated circuit. Maximum Amp Circuit Breaker or Fuse Size, Circuit Breaker Requirements Based On Unit Tonnage, Breaker Sizes for Different Size AC and Heat Pump Units, Mini-Split Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps, Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Electrical Wiring Requirements, How to Find Your AC or Heat Pumps Ideal Breaker and Wire Size. Any negatives of going this route vs 240? Air conditioners do not have a reversing valve. I would not recommend using 14/3 from the disconnect to the unit. The exact breaker size you need primarily depends on your air conditioner, so check the requirements usually printed on the compressor unit or consult the table above. Generally speaking, a 12,000 BTU model typically requires around 18. So, the one 20 amp 240 volt circuit will be all thats need ? Here is how we calculate the amps required to power the unit: I (in Amps) = 5,000 BTU / (10 x 115V) = 4.35 Amps How many watts is a ton of BTU? air), Latent Heat (BTU/hr) = 0.69 x CFM x gr. Again, it depends on what unit you have. Great information but I have a question. 4 How many amps does it take to run a mini split? Depending on whether you are installing a single zone or a multi-zone unit, you will have a different number of connections. (Rooms, Sq Ft, BTUs, Zones), What Is Bigger 4/0 AWG Or 250 MCM Wire? This information is often located directly beneath a barcode for reference, but this may not always be the case. . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',835,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-homeinspectioninsider_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Depending on the size wire, youll need to find the breakers size, which gives you the specific rating. If you have a 1000W electrical appliance connected to a 240V circuit, it will be drawing 4.17 amps. Before we take you through the steps on wiring a mini split system, were going to clarify some common questions about your mini split wiring. A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. ), OK to run 4 on a single run of 14/2 wire ? Electric heat provided from a non heat pump system will draw anywhere from 40 to 80 amps of current depending on the size of the system. Alternatively, run your own wire through an outdoor grade conduit so that is protected from the elements. Regarding heat, one ton equals 11,917 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour, often rounded to 12,000 BTU/hour. However, you may wonder what a single and dual-zone is in the first place. Here, we offer a step-by-step guide to everything you need to know about the electrical specifications for installing ductless mini splits. Figuring out precisely how many amps your heat pump will use is a tricky question to answer. Share. There are hundreds of A/C products on the market, and not all of them are worth your time and money. Wire gauges are measured in diameter based on the American Wire Gauge (AWG) chart. From here, you can follow this equation to determine the amps: Remember, the voltage will generally be 115V for smaller units, or 220V for larger ones. Is the Circuit Breaker Size Listed on the Data Tag? It will also depend on the voltage requirement of the heat pump. 21 SEER: 24000 BTU Inverter Mini Split Heat Pump: Enjoy full season comfort during the summer or winter with this 24,000 BTU Inverter Mini Split with 27,000 BTU Heat Pump.WHAT IS DC INVERTER? So, you could get by with a 30 amp breaker. That information also provides you with the maximum overcurrent protection or MOP rating. How Many Amps Does a Heat Pump or AC Use? It runs on 2,090 watts on 230V and. Anything that runs on amps must have a circuit to prevent amp overload. Depending on the BTU and energy rating, a 5- zone mini split may need up to 200 amps to operate. This must be rated for the wire size as well. Using the calculators and the charts, you will likely be able to estimate what amount of amps does your mini split operates on. Total Home Supply offer Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. Thanks, Very good information, I have one question: I am planning to install an 18,000 BTU Mitsubishi ductless air condition. A ductless mini-split air conditioning system costs $2,000 to $14,500 with an average of $3,000 for a 12,000 BTUs system. Multi-zone mini splits are used to help heat or cool multiple rooms in your home. Subsequently, you can use a 15 amp circuit breaker for most mini-splits, though you may need a 20 amp breaker for some of the larger units. However, we can estimate the approximate amperage based on the power (in watts) and the voltage of the unit. In return, it makes it much easier to determine what size breaker you need. Keep reading to find out more information and what wire and breaker sizes are needed for your central cooling system. Total Home Supply offer Honeywell 14/4 Mini Split wire in 50 ft and 250 ft rolls. Here is how to calculate the amps: 2,000W / 220V = 9.1 Amps. It may even be written on the unit itself. If youre unsure whether the wire youre using is copper or aluminum, look at its outer insulation, where its often labeled. Breakers trip at around 125% of the amperage, so why is wire size such a big deal? This makes it essential that you have the right power going to the device. All Mr Cool Mini Split air conditioners use a 208/230V power supply, so you will need to make sure the output from your power source is compatible. This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. That is about 110 to 120 volts on the low end and 208 to 240 volts on the higher end. For that reason, we do not recommend homeowners try to install the unit themselves. (Window, Portable, Mini-Split, Central), Senville Mini Split Reviews: Best 4 Units Compared & Rated, Ductless Mini Split Vs Central Air AC: Which Is Better? Mini-splits have particular power requirements that are dependent on the model and size. How many amps does a 9000 BTU Mini Split draw? It depends on the size of your mini split in British thermal units or BTUs. The maximum load the 25-amp circuit breaker can handle is 31.25 amps (125% of the breaker amperage), which is likely to trip the breaker frequently. Connect the 3 main wires along with the ground to their respective terminals. This guide will explain how many amps a mini split uses and how to calculate it for yourself. The first number is the thickness in AWG (American wire gauge). The 24kBTU unit has an MCA of 15, so you'd need a circuit capable of supplying at least 15A. In the 2nd, you can insert mini split tons (Example: 2 tons), and you will get the amps. Wattage is the combination of voltage and amps. Usually, you can also estimate the SEER rating from the model number. When theres a surge of electricity, they literally break the circuit and switch the devices off.If you have a fuse, you need to replace it, which can be annoying, but if you have a circuit breaker, you just need to flip the fuse box. Hence, we'll pay less for electricity and still get the 5,000 BTU of cooling power. Any suggestions are welcome. Depending on the BTU capacity amp requirements can range from 15 to 45 amps. Small mini-split systems and window units often require a 15 amp breaker, so a 12-gauge aluminum wire or a 14-gauge copper wire is usually suitable. One should follow name plate data on the side of the outdoor unit itself. Just want to make sure I dont cause an issue by flipping the switch. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? The ground is very critical and a dedicated ground wire must be used on every fan coil or head. 5. Central air conditioners and heat pumps are some of the largest units that youll find in a residential home. For a single mini split, you wont need 200 amps, and you can make do with much less. However, a smaller 4-gauge aluminum or 6-gauge copper wire would be fine. The circuit breaker requirements for central air conditioning systems vary widely depending on the units size. My upstairs unit cannot he a straight run back to the compressor/controller. Using a 30-amp breaker, 80% of the amps are 24 running amps. Insert RV Air Conditioner Capacity (Example: 13,500 BTU): 13,500 When wiring them, its crucially important to get things right for safety reasons and to reduce the number of electrical problems youll have down the road. Typically, you would expect the energy efficiency rating to be between 8 and 12. Let us break it down for you before we go any further. Here is an example: Let's say that we have a 21,000 BTU 14 SEER mini split. In most cases, that number is the first or second pair of numbers appearing in the sequence. 5 How many square feet does a 1 ton mini split cool? An 18,000 BTU air conditioner is capable of drawing about 8 Amps of power. In other words, the wire is slightly larger than the electrical current rating. These are usually a heavier gauge and weather sealed. Check the specs of your mini split. Be the first to rate this post. Everything would be identical, same unit, same location, separate disconnect. How Do You Determine The Size Of Circuit Breaker For Mini Splits Using Amps? Most central units run on 220V or the equivalent. There are a few different terms youll see a lot around mini splits, and youll need to understand them to work out the amps needed. 2 0.08 ton = 1,000 BTU/hr = 293.07 Watts 3 BTU and tons are often used interchangeably. What size wire do I need for a mini split? Amps = BTU / (Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts). I would recommend contacting our sales department at 877-847-0050 for help with your questions. How many Watts Does a 6K BTU air conditioner need? You can see the green, black, and red wires connect the terminal blocks on the bottom right. How many amps does a 18000 BTU Mini Split use? If you are lucky enough to have a heat pump with just such a label, count yourself lucky. For this, you need to use the following equation: BTUs = Energy Efficiency Rating x Watts SEER = (1 EER100% + 42 EER75% + 45 EER50% + 12 EER25%)/100, Total Heat (BTU/hr.) How many amps does a 12000 BTU heater require? The out side unit specifies , max breaker size at 20 amps. (8 Differences), Mr Cool DIY 9k, 12k, 18k, 24k, 36k Breaker Sizes, How Many Mini Splits Do You Need? Make sure to write down which wire color is connected to which number. (Specs Comparison). This Friedrich multi-zone unit has connections for 4 units, all of which are numbered for easy cross-referencing to the indoor unit. BTUs are used to indicate the area a mini split can cover. Different-sized heat pumps generally will provide you with varying amounts of amps used. A 14/4 stranded cable provides two 14-gauge conductor wires for power, one communication wire and one ground wire. Some manufacturers include this for both US and Canada. Amps or amperage are a unit used to measure electricity. Smaller window units can run on 120V, so you could put one on a single-pole breaker using only one of the hot wire slots. 10 review (s) $1,540.00 Description DIY Installation: Easy & Affordable Heating & Cooling Perfect for additions, workshops, garages, sunrooms, or other spaces without ductwork, the 12,000 BTU MRCOOL DIY mini split provides efficient heating and cooling without needing professional installation. 1 How many amps does a 12000 BTU Mini Split? Here is are 3 ways how you can figure out how many amps does your mini split use (we will use the 3rd method for Mini Split Amps Calculator and chart below): Examples of mini splits and their amps, wattages, and EER ratings (do notice that the average EER rating is about 12): To adequately answer how many amps does this or that mini split draw, can use a 12 EER rating as the guideline. For example, the same mini split system may run at 2,050 watts for peak cooling and 2,390 watts for peak heating. If you cant find the answer here, you can use the comment section below, describe your mini split a bit, and well try to help you out. 6 What gauge wire do I need for a mini split? How Much Does 500 Watts Cost Per Hour? If you have a 2.5 ton or 2 ton AC, you must perform the same . Below is a quick reference table to help you decide what wire gauge is best for your situation based on your circuit breaker size:Breaker Size (Amps)Aluminum Wire Size (AWG)Copper Wire Size (AWG)15#12#1420#10#1230#8#1040#6#850#6#860#4#6. So a 14-gauge wire is medium sized, 12-gauge would be a little bigger, and 10-gauge is the biggest wire youre probably going to need for a mini-split. BTU/h To Horsepower Calculator + BTU/h To HP Chart (To 72,000 BTU/h), Horsepower To BTU/Min: Convert HP To BTU Per Minute (Calc + Chart), HP To BTU/hr: Horsepower To BTU For A/C (Calculator + Chart). The two most common choices are fuses or circuit breakers. This will help you save money on your electric bill and make the mini split much more affordable. The breaker will need the correct amps the mini split is rated for and will be displayed on the breaker. Then, reattach the faceplate and insert the on/off switch. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. I have a 75 ft run from breaker to disconnect and only 30 ft from outside to inside unit. This would cause your circuit breaker to trip and your power to go out. ($0.05 $0.22/h), How Much Does 1000 Watts Cost Per Hour? Equally important as choosing the correct breaker for your air conditioner or heat pump is choosing the correct wire gauge. 14/3 stranded is hard to fine and expensive. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. Depending on code in your area, you should not need to run the wire through conduit unless this is a commercial installation. What If You Dont Use the Correct Size Breaker or Wire? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Still, it gets much easier when you understand that most of it arent intended for your typical homeowner to grasp. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Both the wire and breaker size fall within the parameters outlined above. Regardless, the MCA is the required Minimum Circuit Ampacity, meaning your circuit needs to be sized appropriately for at least that amperage. How many amps does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use? Each summer we help thousands of people find the best room air conditioners and heaters for their needs. Slim units; one upstairs apartment and one downstairs. Is this code-acceptable, or will I need to have 10-3 w/gnd from house breaker box to outdoor disconnect? Typically you should expect each mini split to need 10-45 amps. This makes system repairs safer and easier. To help you out, we have calculate how many amps different BTU and different ton mini splits draw: Example: One of the most common questions is how many amps does a 12,000 BTU mini split operates at. If either of the hot wires causes the circuit to trip, both switch off. Now that you know a little about wiring air conditioners and heat pumps using the correct size wire and circuit breaker, youre probably wondering: What if I dont do it right? This question is a valid concern for many amateurs working on their homes electrical, so lets take a look. You determine the number of watts a mini split uses by multiplying these two factors together. Ductless Mini Split AC Installation: How to Install, DIY + Placement, Ductless Mini Split Sizing Guide: Heat Load & BTU Calculator, Mini Split Failures, Problems & Troubleshooting Guide. Based on this principle, we can calculate how many amps do different sizes of mini splits use: Here are two calculators. Peak loads could lead to even higher wattages. Depending on the BTU capacity amp requirements can range from 15 to 45 amps. 1500 - 2250 W. As you can see from the table above, a 12,000 BTU air conditioner can use 1500W (8 EER rating) or 1000W (12 EER rating). Is there a specific type of splice that needs to be done or does the splice need to be soldered? I got a a romex 10-3 wire between the main panel and a outside fuseless break box. Most large air conditioning units and heat pumps run on 220V and require their circuit with a double-pole circuit breaker. Should I use a 12/3 or 12/2 romex wire from the panel to the disconnect box? This would cause your circuit breaker to trip and your power to go out. Estimated square footage: 600 sq ft. Wiring: Many ductless systems require three 14-gauge stranded conductors with a dedicated ground between the indoor and outdoor units, or a 14/4 stranded cable. Typically, you will need between 15 and 45 amps per mini split. A split heat pump or air conditioner has two separate electrical circuits, one for the outdoor unit (condenser) and the indoor unit (air handler or furnace). Questions: 1. Question is, would i have to pass all 4 12-2 wires through conduit into soffit and then unto rest of the house? Its important you understand the amps or amperage needed for the mini split so it can operate correctly and so that you can be as energy efficient as possible. We participate in several affiliate programs including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an advertising program in which we earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites. All 18k btu and greater models require 220V. W2 Wire Thermostat Wiring (2nd Stage), Thermostat Wire Color Codes For 3-8 Wire Thermostats (Color-By-Color), How Many Therms Of Gas Per Month Is Normal? Youd want to remove the thousands portion of the number and remember that every 12,000 BTU of cooling capacity equals precisely 1 ton. Are cassettes sufficiently sealed / fire rated such that you can pile 32 of blown in fiberglass insulation directly on top of them without heat or fire issues? You will get a total of 10,557 watts. Mini-split ACs have an outdoor compressor unit and an indoor evaporator unit, with refrigerant and electrical lines running between the two. 7 How many BTUs does a Fujitsu mini split use? Namely, EER rating is defined as: As you can see, we have wattage there. Voltage drop occurs across the length the electrical current has to travel. (1000-3000+ Sq Ft Homes), Thermostat Says Heat On But No Heat? A one-ton unit with one outdoor and one indoor component at 21 SEER rating runs $1,000 to $4,000 depending on the brand and type of indoor mount. The best thing to do is read the specifications and instructions for your mini split, as this will show the maximum circuit breaker amperage. Pictured is 14 gauge solid wire which will work, but should only be used if stranded wire is unavailable. The system i have is 18000 btu heat and AC. For 220V, you will need to run an electrical wire from your main panel. Or can the unit work no matter if the switch is flipped on or off? The amperage should not be greater than 80% capacity. What kind of wire do I need for a mini split? 2 How many amps is a 24000 BTU Mini Split? No votes so far! Single zone mini splits cover a single room or area in your home. You should use an electrical whip designed to go from the disconnect to the unit. The condenser requires a 30 amp breaker. Obviously, the amps they draw differ as well. (120 or 240V) If you ever feel overwhelmed or out of depth, consider consulting a professional for more in-depth guidance. Generally, a mini split that has a BTU rating of 36000 typically requires around 30 amps when working with a 220-volt power and around 15 amps when working . A wire with more electrical current than its rated for will get hot and trigger the breakers thermal switch to trip, even at normal operating ranges. This information will be available in the specifications. 12,000 BTU/hour can generally cool 500 to 600 square feet. It runs on 1,210 watts on 220V and, Senville SENA-48HF-MOQ dual-zone mini split has a combined cooling capacity of 48,000 BTU (4-ton unit). Is 20 to much ? This is the smallest 6,000 BTU vs the biggest 6-ton mini split. Most brands require 14/4. It is not advisable and probably against code to have two units running on the same disconnect. Fortunately, the label includes the maximum breaker size (or it may say max fuse size). I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. How many amps does a 15,000 BTU air conditioner use. In the 1st one, you can insert mini split BTUs and the calculator will give you an estimate of how many amps does a mini split use. A higher gauge wire that cannot handle the supplied current is a significant fire hazard. Larger mini-split systems and central air conditioners or heat pumps utilize much larger breakers, so make sure to use an appropriately smaller wire gauge. I am planning on using dedicated 6-3 UF wire w/ 50amp breaker to exterior 30amp-rated condenser a a 4-zone system with disconnect then 12-2 from condenser to each indoor handler. Do AC Units & Heat Pumps Need 240 Volt Breakers? It will tell you what size breaker is required. ACiQ's Energy Star multi zone mini split systems are designed to give you maximum efficiency at a lower cost than the Max Heat models. 3. Generally, most systems need 220 volts or higher, but a few of the 9k to 12k systems may only need a 110-volt service. If you picture a river, the voltage is the angle or steepness of the river, whereas the amperage is the volume of water. These will need to be weatherproofed because theyll have to travel outside. If youre installing a multi- zone mini split, then you may need to upgrade to 200 amps. You could use two single zones instead. An electrical whip is a premade, outdoor grade wire set that is intended to run from a shutoff box to the unit being installed. Here youll find just how much electricity is required to start the compressor. A 12,000 BTU air conditioner costs an average of $0.14 per hour to run. A small window unit rated at 5,000 BTUs has a current draw of about 4 to 6 amps. This chart is based on a 230-volt and 16 SEER. Often the US and Canada maximum breaker sizes are the same. How Does A Mini Split Air Conditioner WorkIn order to keep yourself and loved ones warm and cozy during the winter and cool over the summer months, most families install a mini split air condition.