1. What is AC Tonnage?

AC tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour, which is the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AC tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units (cooling capacity)
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour)

Explanation: This simple calculation converts BTU rating to standard AC tonnage measurement used in the HVAC industry.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right-sized air conditioning unit for a space. Undersized units will struggle to cool, while oversized units will short cycle, reducing efficiency and humidity control.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU rating of your air conditioning unit. The value must be greater than 0. Common residential AC units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between BTU and tons?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. This measurement originated from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

Q2: How many square feet does one ton of cooling cover?
A: Generally, one ton cools approximately 400-600 square feet, but this varies based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, and other factors.

Q3: What's the difference between BTU and tonnage?
A: BTU is the actual cooling capacity measurement, while tonnage is a standardized unit derived from BTU (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour).

Q4: Are there different tonnage measurements for AC units?
A: No, the ton measurement is standardized in the HVAC industry worldwide as equivalent to 12,000 BTU/hour.

Q5: What size AC unit do I need for my home?
A: Professional HVAC contractors perform Manual J calculations that consider square footage, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors to determine the proper AC size.