There are a lot of ways to power a caravan air conditioner in Australia in 2022 but the best are solar and off a battery. Both of these ways can help you stay cool and cost effective when you are on the road. We have put them both together in one blog so that you can get an idea of which one is the best for you and your budget.
The power needed
The most energy-consuming appliance is the air conditioner. It is undisputed that this is a great addition. However, the AC unit can consume between 1000 and 2000 watts depending on how it is started. When it is running for 4 hours, the AC unit will draw between 2000-3000 watts. This is a huge energy consumption as your laptop and fridge will use only one-tenth.
Air Conditioners can be run by using the battery
Although it is technically conceivable, using lithium batteries for air conditioner systems is challenging. Caravans can power their air conditioners with inverters and battery packs on longer journeys. This will cost a lot of money and use a lot of battery power.
A 7,000 BTU RV air conditioner will need 1,700 watts to start and 600 watts to run the compressor. An air conditioner for a caravan that has a 10,000 BTU capacity need 2,000 watts to turn on and 700 watts to run. 3,500 watts are required to start and 1,500 watts are required to run a larger machine, such as a 15,000 BTU air conditioner.
Can the caravan air conditioner be powered by solar power?
The air conditioner in your caravan can theoretically be powered by solar energy. Practically speaking, though, you’ll need to upgrade your electrical system and install a lot of these panels. Many caravan owners prefer not to use solar panels for their air conditioning.
You will need 750 AH in your caravan batteries if you intend to run your air conditioner for at least 5 hours every day. This is only for the air conditioner to run. On a sunny day, you can also use 100 amps to run more appliances. On a cloudy day, the standards will be more stringent. At least 1500 watts of sunshine are required to run a 13500 BTU air conditioner.
Solar Energy: The Pros and Cons
There are pros and cons of going completely off-grid and running your caravan on solar power.
The pros
- It is renewable and not dependent on artificial sources.
- This will dramatically reduce your electricity costs
- There are many uses for the energy that is produced
- It is very easy to maintain
Cons
- The cost of procuring is high. You will need to consider the cost of inverter, batteries and wiring as well as installation costs.
- It is weather dependent
- Solar panels take up lots of space
Is a generator an option?
Inverter generators are the preferred choice for many caravan campers across the continent. This generator produces clean power, which is ideal for running sensitive appliances in your motorhome. Because of its sensitive components, the air conditioner requires a clean source of power.
Generators’ pros and cons
There are pros and cons to using a generator for your caravan air conditioner.
Pros
- Inverter generators use less fuel than other generators.
- You can set the number of appliances in your RV to control how they idle.
- They can carry a lot of weight without losing heart
- They are usually housed in a small casing and have a smaller footprint.
Cons
An inverter generator is not recommended for use when you are away from mains power. This is because it can produce a constant hum that you have to live with. Modern generators come with soundproofing casings that can lower the noise level than older models. For more tips see our guide to making your generator quieter.
Calculating the generator’s size
Ask your AC manufacturer for the recommended wattage needed to turn on and run their AC. This information is not usually on air conditioners’ product plates. However, most ACs require 2400 watts to start them and 3000 watts for them to run. Inverter technology can be used to reduce the power consumption of your air conditioner.
Additional considerations to consider when using generators
- Temperature: The outside temperature and humidity directly impact the power required by the compressor. If you’re out in the heat or humid, you should keep an additional allowance for power.
- The distance between the generator and the van should not exceed 4 meters. This is because the more you extend, the less amperage you get while traveling.
- Simultaneous use of other appliances: If battery chargers and televisions are all working simultaneously, the energy drawn from the air conditioner might not be sufficient to start it up.
Conclusion
An essential caravan air conditioner is required. Without an air conditioner, it is difficult to imagine a comfortable and enjoyable motorhome trip through Australian summers. You can still use the power facilities at caravan parks as long as you’re there. You should think about how you will use your air conditioner when you are not at the parks.