AC Tonnage Formula:
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The AC Tonnage Calculation Formula is used to convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to tons of refrigeration, which is a common unit for measuring air conditioning capacity. One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/h.
The calculator uses the AC Tonnage formula:
Where:
Explanation: This simple conversion divides the BTU value by 12,000 to determine the equivalent cooling capacity in tons.
Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right size air conditioning unit for a space. Undersized units will struggle to cool effectively, while oversized units may short cycle and reduce efficiency.
Tips: Enter the BTU value in BTU/h. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tonnage.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to 1 ton?
A: This measurement originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a good tonnage for a typical room?
A: Generally, you need about 20 BTU for each square foot of living space. A 1-ton unit typically cools 400-600 square feet, but this varies based on climate and insulation.
Q3: Can I use this for commercial AC units?
A: Yes, the formula works for both residential and commercial AC units, though commercial units are often measured in larger multiples of tons.
Q4: What if my BTU value is very large?
A: The calculator can handle any positive BTU value. For very large commercial systems, the result may be tens or hundreds of tons.
Q5: Is this calculation accurate for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to heat pumps as they use the same measurement units for cooling capacity.