Noob generator question - how much?

Not to hijack the thread, but if you are "getting ready to start staying long term", then getting 300-400W solar would make A LOT of sense. It won't help you running AC, but everything else it will, and without much noise. Total cost with labor will be less than Honda 3000.
Something to consider.

I'm not saying it is the answer for anyone but there are some misconceptions about the Champion 3500/4000.

One is that is it dirty. Put a scope on it and you will see that isn't true.

Another is noise. yes it is louder while doing small things but it is quieter while running a A/C than a pair of Champion 2000w inverter generators. A champion 3100i is 3 DB quieter at full load for 3x the cost. That's not a big difference if you are only running the A/C. (we use solar for everything else)

Technically true but in the fuzzy world of generator ratings, the 3000w unit you suggest would never start the AC based on your 54amp requiremnt and most people aren't going to climb onto the roof and pull apart the AC to find the rating on the compressor. They will look in the manual or online spec and see the amp rating.

Reality is there is peak and then there is peak (and there is peak also) and the manufactures don't like to share details. There is continous rated, peak rated for maybe 10 mintues, peak rated for 10 seconds, peak rated for 1 second, etc... (of course they don't simply put a table on the side of the box to make this simple).

So simple rule of thumb that usualy works is if your generator is rated for 2-3 times the continous amps, it usually works (note I said usually and when people try to keep the cost and the weight down, they play on the edge and sometimes it doesn't work). It's not pretty and the manufacturers could provide much better info to simplify the process.

The "lock rotor amps" maximum start surge on my a/C is 54 amps
The "LRA" is posted on the tag on the compressor
20 amps is a Way underrated statement
People have distorted views about how much surge is needed to start a compressor, because the meter they are using does not have a fast enough response time . Is not a true peak reading meter
Even my expensive old Fluke 66, can not get a true peak reading
You can get a champion 3000w inverter model for not much more than one Honda 2000i
This will definitely handle one a/C with no problems
There are also other choices out there

Just to clarify, most of the generators mentioned are inverter generators. The cheap lawnmower generators are generally disliked as they are annoyingly loud. Also the quality of the power can be questionable if you are trying to run electonics off them. The name brand inverter generators provide much cleaner power and are drastically quieter.

Starting the AC is about having enough watts/amps to start the compressor. While the AC may be rated at say 12 amps while running, you probably need more like 25-30amps to actually get it started. This is where the answer gets fuzzy.
- At high altitudes, the generator motor is putting out less power due to thin air.
- Some AC units have a hard start capacitor which stores up a small burst of energy to help get the compressor going.
- Some have set up the fan to come on seperately so the generator isn't trying to start both the compressor and fan at the same time (compressor has a much higher draw)
- Starting amperage is not typically defined and seems to vary from compressor to compressor for the exact same model so what works for one may not work for another. It also varys between a warm and cold motor. Usually if it will start the compressor the first time, the AC compressor will cycle back on just fine.
- The wattage you see on the generator is typically peak wattage. Divide by 120V to get peak amperage. Some generators will exceed this momentarily others won't. It's generally not clearly stated by the manufacturer.

A 2500watt inverter generator is a nice compromise and probably will run your AC. We have a 2400watt Yamaha that does fine. Once started, we can run TV, fans and other minor loads with the AC running.

Ours it probably at the upper end of what we would consider portabile for 1 person (70lbs). This is where the paired 2000watt units come into play. They are definetly portable for 1 person and paired up, have plenty of power. The trade off is significant additional cost to purchase.

Ok thanks. I should probably stick with something 2500w or above then. Those little inverter generators are nice but ka-ching.

Some people have had success running 13.5k BTU AC with 2000w generators. Others have had success running them with 2400w. Higher altitude makes it more difficult. AC equipped with start capacitors make it easier. I have not heard of anyone not being able to run an AC with 2 parallel 2000w generators or a single 3000w.

Unless your are at high altitude the most popular choices are a 2800w inverter generator such as the Honda EU3000is or the Champion 3100i. A Pair of 1600w inveters paired up. (Honda< Champion, Yamaha) and if you are out in the boonies by yourself a Champion 3500/4000 is only $300.