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Old 06-02-2012, 11:06 AM   #21 (permalink)
cjr1881
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Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hudson Falls, NY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ubetit View Post
My 4 ton home Ac unit pulls 14500 watts... roughly 19 horsepower. 3 horsepower won't run a 4 ton AC compressor but I don't see our little car ac compressors pulling much more than a standard window AC unit that pulls between 2-3 horsepower or 2500-2300 watts depending on BTU rating.
2-3hp would be unnoticeable. Rpms go up at idle and I hear a big difference in my exhaust note when driving as my engine is more labored. If you are in touch with your vehicle's behavior at all you will notice lack of power and it is definitely present. I know when I feel sluggish I look down and sure enough the a/c is on. I wouldn't notice if it were only 2-3 hp. Searching on the net I have seen figures 5-15. I think our cars are on the high side or I am just very sensitive to noticing power change.
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