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Reading Time: 7 minutesLast Updated on April 22, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Will A Honda 2200 Generator Run A RV Air Conditioner
Electricity is perhaps one of the most functional discoveries in humankind’s history, if not the most practical. That is evident, given that it has been the catalyst for innovations that have advanced the human race in scientific realms, as well as in medicine and modern conveniences.
Key Takeaways
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- Power Requirements:
- RV air conditioners require a significant amount of power, particularly at startup.
- A Honda EU2200i Generator provides 1,900 watts of continuous power and 2,200 watts of peak power.
- Small air conditioners (e.g., 10,000 BTU) typically need at least 2,000 watts at startup and 700 watts for constant running.
- Generator Capacity:
- Generators have startup and running watt ratings. It’s essential to know both to avoid overloading.
- Due to higher power demands, a 2200-watt generator may not suffice for larger RV air conditioners (e.g., 13,500 BTU).
- Efficient Usage:
- Strategies to manage power effectively include using Eco Mode, running the air conditioner fan before the compressor, and staggering appliance usage.
- Proper maintenance, such as cleaning filters, can improve efficiency.
- Runtime Estimates:
- The Honda 2200-watt generator can run various appliances for different durations (e.g., light appliances for 8-10 hours, a window AC for 1.5-2 hours).
- Longevity:
- Manufacturers recommend not running generators continuously for more than 500 hours to prevent wear and extend their lifespan.
- Power Requirements:
It has gotten to the point where camping away from home doesn’t mean going without modern amenities. That being said, technology is only beneficial when we can understand it. Sometimes, you become unsure of how to use it to get it working. 
A prime example is the air conditioner in an RV. There is perhaps nothing worse than having to live in a toasty trailer. Most people, especially full-timers, tend to get a generator to run their RV’s air conditioner. However, if you’re a newbie to RVing, you might be unsure about the size required to run an RV.
So, will a Honda EU2200i Generator run an RV Air Conditioner? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. A Honda EU2200i Generator will produce 1,900 watts of continuous power and 2,200 watts peak. A moderately small 10,000 BTU air conditioner will require at least 2,000 watts on startup, and 700 watts continuous power.
This means you must know your air conditioner’s startup requirements. Read on to learn more.
This article explains the relationship between a generator and an RV, the required size of the generator needed to run an air conditioner, and if it is indeed possible to run an RV air conditioner with a Honda EU2200i Generator. Let’s begin.
The relationship between an air conditioner and a generator
Air conditioners require a lot of energy to run continually and quite a bit more to get started. The average air conditioner in an RV needs to be powered by a generator with a capacity of at least 2000 watts to 4000 watts.
Many factors must be considered when determining the right generator size for you. However, powering your RV’s AC and other appliances is possible using as little as a 2200-watt generator.
For those unfamiliar with the various types of RV generators, a Honda EU2200i is a 2200-watt capacity generator. Honda highlights the generator’s capacity in the model name, so keep an eye out for it when making your next generator purchase.
A generator has an allotted energy capacity that it can produce. Every time an appliance is used, some of that energy is allocated to power it.
If multiple appliances are run, more of that energy will be removed. If you run more appliances than the generator can handle, it will shut off automatically.
Another thing to note is that all generators, including RV generators, have two-watt ratings. They also have startup and running energy ratings.
The startup energy rating indicates the maximum energy your generator can produce to run your appliances. This is what runs when you start the generator. The additional energy capacity would be cut off once the generator runs.
How many watts does an RV air conditioner use?
Suppose you want a generator for your RV and one bigger than a Honda 2200. In that case, you must determine all your appliances’ starting and running watt capacities, including the air conditioner.
Since air conditioners differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, they still require a particular number of surge watts. Every air conditioner might be different, but they all need a specific number of rated watts, typically lower than the actual startup watts.
You can get a 5000 BTU RV air conditioner, which requires about 1100 watts to start and 300 to 450 watts to run. If you want to go bigger, you can get a 7,000 BTU RV air conditioner, which requires between 1,600 and 1,800 watts to start and about 500 to 650 watts to run.
You’ll need an oversized air conditioner if you have a larger RV. Most RV air conditioners today have 13,500 BTU, almost three times the 5,000 BTU one.
Given that the air conditioner will increase in size, the starting and rated watts are bound to increase. In this regard, the starting watts would be 3800, while the running watts would be 1300. This shows that the 13,500 BTU air conditioner is outside the range of the Honda EU2200i Generator.
Generally, it is best to have more power rather than not enough. If you want a generator for your RV and are unsure which size to choose, it’s always best to get the larger one. The additional power would give you some breathing room if you miscalculated the power you needed or added more appliances.
Will a 2200-watt generator run an 8000 BTU AC?
This question needs careful consideration of the air conditioner’s starting and running wattage. Generally, an 8000 BTU air conditioner has a starting wattage ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 watts. This means a 2200-watt generator should be capable of creating it.
Once the air conditioner runs, it typically requires 500 to 700 watts to continue operating. Given the lower continuous power requirement, a 2200-watt generator should be able to start and run an 8000-BTU air conditioner.
How to get a 2200-watt generator like the Honda EU2200i Generator to power your RV air conditioner
There are two ways to power your RV air conditioner with the Honda 2200. The methods involve your generator’s Eco Mode and your RV refrigerator.
Eco Mode off & RV refrigerator in gas mode
The first thing you need to do is ensure the generator’s Eco mode is turned off. If your RV has a refrigerator, it should be set to gas.
At this point, start your air conditioner’s fan alone, letting it speed up. Once this happens, engage the compressor. Doing this will start the compressor up without the tell-tale grunt from the generator.
Eco Mode on & RV refrigerator in auto mode
You run the generator, ensuring the Eco mode is turned on and the RV refrigerator is in auto mode. You should start your RV air conditioner in fan mode first, then gradually turn on the compressor, just as the first step. This step makes the generator work harder, but the compressor continues to produce cold air.
Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator at Walmart
Get the most out of the generator while running your air conditioner.
The simple truth is that you will ideally run your air conditioner at certain times of the day. If you’re sure when you’ll be in the RV, making breakfast, you can know which appliances are being used. This can help you save energy and, of course, on fuel costs. Here are a few things you can do to get the most out of your generator:
- Ensure that you clean your air conditioner and the filters.
- Turning the fan on and lowering the temperature can help the air circulate in your RV.
- Refraining from running your air conditioner for extended periods would be best. This is because it slows down the air conditioner.
- Turning your air conditioner on high for a brief period during the day might help cool down your RV. However, it has the opposite effect. It can also cause you to use up more energy, making you refill your generator sooner than you expected.
- Try to stagger your appliances; for example, use heavy appliances at night when you don’t need your air conditioner as much. Not running all your appliances at the same time can help your generator run smoothly and efficiently.
- Don’t plug in appliances you aren’t using. Certain items, such as a TV, will still consume energy even when they are not in use.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to msfirefighter662
How long will a Honda 2200-watt generator last?
| Load Type | Estimated Run Time |
|---|---|
| Light Appliances | 8 – 10 hours |
| Refrigerator (600W) | 3 – 4 hours |
| Window AC (1200W) | 1.5 – 2 hours |
| Power Tools (Various) | 2 – 4 hours |
| Full Load (2000W) | 1 hour |
How long can you run a Honda generator continuously?
Honda generators are renowned for their durability and efficiency. However, it’s important to note that manufacturers usually recommend not running a generator continuously for more than 500 hours. Overrunning it beyond this limit could lead to wear and tear, reducing the generator’s lifespan.
Regular maintenance and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines are crucial for optimal performance and longevity. Therefore, if you’re wondering how long you can run a Honda generator continuously, the answer would be up to 500 hours under normal operating conditions.
Final Thoughts
Honda EU2200i Inverter Generator at Walmart
The EU2200i, a popular model known for its reliability and efficiency, is frequently utilized for various applications, including powering RV air conditioners. However, whether a Honda 2000 generator can run an RV air conditioner depends on several factors. The most crucial considerations are the RV air conditioner’s power requirement and the generator’s output capacity.
A typical RV air conditioner may require anywhere from 1800 to 2000 watts to start up and around 600-800 watts to continue running. The EU2200i, as the name suggests, has a maximum output of 2000 watts. Thus, theoretically speaking, this generator should be able to start and run an RV air conditioner.
However, it’s worth noting that this would push the generator to its maximum capacity, potentially shortening its lifespan and leading to performance issues over time.
In conclusion, while the EU2200i can potentially power an RV air conditioner, it may not be the most sustainable or efficient option in the long run. If you plan to use your RV’s air conditioning system regularly, it’s a good idea to consider a higher-capacity generator. Therefore, “Will a Honda EU2200i Generator Run an RV Air Conditioner?” The answer is yes, but with certain reservations and considerations.
