How many watts does an RV furnace blower use?

Updated

Running watts

50 W

Starting watts

100 W

Energy per day

300 Wh

An RV furnace blower typically draws about 50 watts while running and up to 100 watts for a second or two when the motor starts. At about 6 h of use a day, that is roughly 300 Wh per day. These are typical values from generator wattage charts: the label on your own appliance (or its EnergyGuide sticker) gives the exact figure.

What size generator do I need for an RV furnace blower?

Plan for at least 120 W: 100 W to get through the start-up surge, plus a 20% margin so the generator never runs flat out. Of the common sizes, a 2,000 W generator is the smallest that fits.

Can common generator sizes run an RV furnace blower?
GeneratorCan it run an RV furnace blower?
2,000 WYes
3,500 WYes
5,000 WYes
7,500 WYes
10,000 WYes
15,000 WYes

How long will a power station run an RV furnace blower?

Running continuously at 50 W, assuming 85% of the battery is usable. The station's AC output must also handle the 100 W start-up surge.

Power station runtime for an RV furnace blower
Battery capacityRuntime
1,000 Whabout 17 h
2,000 Whabout 34 h
3,600 Whabout 2.6 days

Running more than one appliance?

Starting surges don't add up the way running watts do. Pick everything you want to power to get your real number.

Open the RV Generator & Battery Size Calculator

Frequently asked questions

What size generator do I need to run an RV furnace blower?

At least 120 W: 100 W to cover the start-up surge, plus a 20% safety margin.

Can a 2,000 watt generator run an RV furnace blower?

Yes. 2,000 W covers its 100 W starting surge with room to spare.

Can a 3,500 watt generator run an RV furnace blower?

Yes. 3,500 W covers its 100 W starting surge with room to spare.

How long will a 1,000 Wh power station run an RV furnace blower?

About 17 h, assuming 85% usable capacity, as long as the station's AC output is rated for 100 W of surge.

Never run a generator indoors or in a garage: see the CPSC safety guide.