If you’re not sure or can’t find the best information for your query, “How many amps does a mini split use?” just remember these points:
- Look at the maximum cooling or heating amperage on the nameplate or the product description in the online store where the model’s listing can be found. This value already factors in BTU, Volts, and EER, so this is always the best step.
- Can you get the unit’s exact BTU, EER, and mini split voltage? If yes, you can calculate the estimated draw by applying the following formula:
\begin{equation}
\text{A} = \frac{\text{BTU/EER}}{\text{V}}
\end{equation}
Read on for a detailed explanation and more ways to calculate this amperage.
Table of Contents
Make Your Life Easier By Referencing the Technical Specifications
I can’t stress this more because the mini split amp draw may vary for different units with the same BTU. Hence, you may end up looking at tables that don’t specifically apply to your model.
Many people assume that BTU alone determines the amperage. You can see this in the relative prominence of questions like “How many amps does an 18,000 BTU air conditioner use?” and “How many amps does a 24,000 BTU mini split use?”
Take a look at these two units with the same BTU of 12,000, for example:
- The Mitsubishi mini split heat pump indicates 230V and amperage of 6.2.
- On the other hand, this Senville mini split runs on 115V with an amperage of 10.3.
By looking at the nameplate or technical information on the manufacturer website, you’ll get the exact amps drawn by the unit. This is why I appreciate brands that go all the way when revealing their mini split power requirements (or the EER, at least).
For example, the Senville 24,000 BTU heat pump has a rated current of 11.6A with an EER of 9. You can check the accuracy of the amperage value by dividing the input Watts by the product’s Voltage (2665W / 230V), based on the formula:
\begin{equation}
\text{I} = \frac{\text{P}}{\text{V}}
\end{equation}
If You Really Need to Do the Math
If you do calculations, it’s possible to look for the EER and voltage of your appliance in the manual.
In cases where you’ve lost the user guide, ask the manufacturer about the exact amps drawn by the unit you purchased or, at least, all the values you need to get it.
With these stats, calculating the mini split amperage will be easy.
- In general, low BTU units often operate on 115V, while high BTU ones typically run on 230V in the US.
- In addition, you can get the EER by following this formula:
\begin{equation}
\text{EER} = \frac{\text{BTU}}{\text{Watts}}
\end{equation}
What if the wattage isn’t supplied? This isn’t a problem at all if the product displays the SEER in place of the EER, like in the case of this Cooper & Hunter 18,000 BTU, 230V ductless unit.
According to the calculator, the 19 SEER of said product is equal to 16.63 EER.
With the blank filled, we can now apply the formula for finding the amp draw:
\begin{equation}
\text{A} = \frac{\text{18,000 BTU/16.63 EER}}{\text{230V}} = 4.7
\end{equation}
Now that’s an extra efficient HVAC unit!
- Another example is the Mitsubishi Multi-zone, which has 36,000 BTU, an EER of 9.4, and a voltage of 230V. This unit may not have the exact amps listed, but since we know all three vital variables, we can follow the formula I mentioned to get it.
\begin{equation}
\frac{\text{36,000 BTU}}{\text{9.4 EER} \times \text{230V}} = 16.65\text{A}
\end{equation}
To Avoid Confusion Between Tonnage and BTU, Just Convert to BTU
After all, most of the major retailers and manufacturers like Fujitsu seldom use tonnage to measure mini splits’ heating and cooling capacity anymore. If they do, they often include it with BTU figures.
If you happen to come across a rarity that only shows tonnage, I suggest you follow the simple conversion formula of 12,000 BTU = 1 ton. From there, you can apply the nifty formula shared here.
Conclusion
To wrap everything up, don’t over complicate your figures if you want to know the answer to “How many amps does a mini split use?” If the exact value is supplied in the plate or the mini split electrical requirements on the online store, why not get the info directly from them?
Should you encounter manufacturers and retailers who are stingy with their technical details, use the formulas featured here as ready workarounds.
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I am Edwin Jones, in charge of designing content for Galvinpower. I aspire to use my experiences in marketing to create reliable and necessary information to help our readers. It has been fun to work with Andrew and apply his incredible knowledge to our content.