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AC Tonnage Formula:
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AC tonnage per square foot is a measurement used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) to determine the appropriate size of an air conditioning unit for a given space. It represents the cooling capacity required per square foot of area.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the required AC capacity by dividing the total area by a factor that represents how many square feet can be cooled by one ton of AC capacity.
Details: Proper AC sizing is crucial for energy efficiency, comfort, and system longevity. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the space, while an oversized unit will short cycle, reducing efficiency and failing to properly dehumidify.
Tips: Enter the area in square feet and the cooling factor. Typical factors range from 400-600 sq ft/ton for residential applications, but this can vary based on climate, insulation, and other factors.
Q1: What is a "ton" in AC terminology?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which is the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q2: How do I determine the right factor for my calculation?
A: The factor depends on climate, insulation, window area, and other factors. In moderate climates, 500-600 sq ft/ton is common, while hotter climates may require 400-500 sq ft/ton.
Q3: What other factors affect AC sizing?
A: Ceiling height, number of windows, insulation quality, sun exposure, number of occupants, and heat-generating appliances all affect AC sizing requirements.
Q4: Should I round up or down when selecting AC unit size?
A: It's generally better to slightly undersize than oversize. Modern variable-speed units can better handle being slightly undersized than older single-stage units.
Q5: Is this calculator suitable for commercial applications?
A: While the basic principle is the same, commercial AC sizing involves more complex calculations considering occupancy, equipment heat load, and ventilation requirements.