How many watts does a Central AC (3-ton / 36,000 BTU) use?

A Central AC (3-ton / 36,000 BTU) draws 3,500 watts continuously once it's running, but its motor needs a brief surge of up to 9,500 watts to start. A generator has to cover that starting surge, not just the running load, or the motor won't start. High starting surge from the compressor — often the single largest load in a house.

Generators that can run this

• Generac GP8000E
  8,000 W run · 10,000 W start · ~$1,150
• Westinghouse WGen9500
  9,500 W run · 12,500 W start · ~$1,100
• Westinghouse WGen9500DF
  9,500 W run · 12,500 W start · ~$1,300