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How Many Watts Does a Mini Split Use? Watts by Model
A one-room 9,000 to 12,000 BTU mini split uses about 800 to 1,100 watts at its rated output, and as little as about 200 watts once the room is comfortable. Mitsubishi rates its 12,000 BTU MUZ-GL12NA at 920 watts cooling, Fujitsu its 12RLS3Y at 790 watts, and the EG4 9K draws 190 to 1,000 watts. Because the variable-speed compressor slows down instead of shutting off, a mini split uses far less than its maximum most of the day.
Mini split watts by model
| Model | Capacity | Cooling input | Heating input | Volts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EG4 9K | 9,000 cool / 9,700 heat BTU/h | 5.97 A | 6.37 A | 115V (190 to 1,000 W input) |
| Fujitsu 12RLS3Y | 12,000 BTU/h class | 790 W rated (200 to 990 W) | 1,010 W rated (200 to 1,940 W) | 208/230V |
| Gree Sapphire 12k | 12,000 cool / 12,200 heat BTU/h | 785 W | 940 W | 208/230V |
| Mitsubishi MUZ-GL12NA | 12,000 cool / 14,400 heat BTU/h | 920 W rated (1,300 W max) | 1,100 W rated (1,620 W max) | 208/230V |
| EG4 24K Hybrid Solar | 24,000 BTU/h | 9 to 9.5 A | 9 to 9.5 A | 208 to 240V (about 2,280 W max at 240V) |
Sources: EG4 product specifications; Fujitsu 12RLS3Y submittal; Gree Sapphire service manual; Mitsubishi Electric MSZ-GL12NA / MUZ-GL12NA submittal. Heating ratings at 47°F outdoor. EG4 24K watts are our calculation (9.5 A x 240V).
Find your own number: the outdoor unit's nameplate and the submittal sheet list rated input watts or amps.
How much electricity does a mini split use per day?
Watts x hours / 1,000 = kWh. The Mitsubishi 12,000 BTU unit at its 920 W cooling rating for 8 hours uses about 7.4 kWh, about $1.25 at 17 cents per kWh. When the room is already cool, a variable-speed unit can run near its minimum input (about 190 to 200 W for the EG4 and Fujitsu units), which is around a fifth of that.
Efficiency ratings help compare units: the EG4 9K has a SEER2 of 29.5 and an HSPF2 of 10.7, and the EG4 24K a SEER2 of 21.
Can a power station run a mini split?
A 115V unit like the EG4 9K, yes, if the station's output is above 1,000 W:
| Power station | Capacity / output | EG4 9K at full 1,000 W | EG4 9K at minimum 190 W | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 | 2,042 Wh / 2,200 W | About 1.8 hours | About 9.7 hours | From $899 |
| Jackery HomePower 3000 | 3,072 Wh / 3,600 W | About 2.8 hours | About 14.6 hours | From $1,349 |
Hours = capacity x 0.9 / watts. Real run time falls between the two columns. Capacity and output are from each product page. 208/230V mini splits need a 240V source, such as the 120/240V Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus (7.2 kW, from $3,149).
Can you run a mini split on solar?
Yes. The EG4 24K Hybrid Solar Mini-Split wires straight to solar panels (150 to 380 VDC, 2,200 W rated solar input) and runs on solar, grid, or both. It covers up to 1,350 sq ft. $2,299.97. For one room on 115V, the EG4 9K is $1,679.97. Browse all mini splits.
Can a generator run a mini split?
Yes, easily. The EG4 9K tops out at 1,000 W on 115V, an easy load for the DuroMax XP5500HX (4,500 running watts, $629). A 240V unit like the EG4 24K (about 2,280 W max) runs on a 120/240V generator such as the DuroStar DS8000iX (6,500 running watts, $999) through a transfer switch or interlock kit.
Heating with it too? Read How Many Watts Does a Heat Pump Use? and How Many Solar Panels to Run an Air Conditioner?
Need help sizing? Call 1-888-855-7286. Tell us the room size and your power source, and we will help you pick a mini split and backup setup.
Mini split wattage FAQ
How many watts does a mini split use? About 785 to 920 W rated cooling for 12,000 BTU units, and up to 1,000 W for the 9,000 BTU EG4 9K. Minimum input can be as low as about 190 to 200 W.
How many amps does a mini split use? About 6 amps at 115V for the EG4 9K, and 9 to 9.5 amps at 208 to 240V for the EG4 24K.
How much does it cost to run a mini split? About $1.25 for 8 hours at 920 W, at 17 cents per kWh, and less once the room is at temperature.
Can a power station run a mini split? A 115V unit, yes. The HomePower 3000 runs an EG4 9K for about 2.8 hours at full power and up to about 14.6 hours at its minimum.
Can a mini split run on solar? Yes. The EG4 24K Hybrid takes up to 2,200 W of solar panels directly.