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Air Conditioner Tonnage Formula:
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Air conditioner tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour), which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the tonnage formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts BTU per hour cooling capacity to standard refrigeration tons, which is the common unit used in the HVAC industry for sizing air conditioning systems.
Details: Proper tonnage calculation is crucial for selecting the right-sized air conditioner. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the space, while an oversized unit will short-cycle, reducing efficiency and comfort.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of the air conditioner. This value is typically found on the unit's specification plate or in the product documentation. The calculator will convert it to standard tons.
Q1: Why is air conditioner capacity measured in tons?
A: The term "ton" in air conditioning dates back to when cooling was provided by melting ice. One ton represents the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice over 24 hours.
Q2: What are common residential AC tonnage sizes?
A: Common sizes include 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 tons for residential applications, with each ton providing approximately 12,000 BTU/h of cooling.
Q3: How many square feet does one ton cool?
A: Generally, one ton cools 400-600 square feet, but this varies based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, window area, and other factors.
Q4: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures energy, while tons measure cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour of cooling capacity.
Q5: Can I use this for heat pump calculations?
A: Yes, this conversion works for both air conditioners and heat pumps, as both are rated in the same cooling capacity units.