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AC Unit Tonnage Formula:
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AC unit tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system, measured in tons of refrigeration. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the AC tonnage formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts cooling capacity from BTU/h to tons, which is the standard measurement for residential and commercial AC units.
Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right-sized air conditioning unit for a space. An undersized unit will struggle to cool effectively, while an oversized unit will short-cycle, reducing efficiency and increasing humidity problems.
Tips: Enter the cooling load in BTU/h. The value must be greater than zero. Common residential AC units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).
Q1: Why is AC capacity measured in tons?
A: The term originates from the time when ice was used for cooling. One ton of refrigeration equals the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice over 24 hours.
Q2: How many square feet does one ton of cooling cover?
A: Generally, one ton of cooling covers 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 measures cooling capacity per hour, while tonnage is a standardized unit where 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. Tonnage is commonly used for AC unit sizing.
Q4: Can I use this calculator for heat pumps?
A: Yes, this calculation works for both air conditioners and heat pumps, as both are rated using the same cooling capacity measurements.
Q5: What if my cooling load calculation gives a decimal tonnage?
A: AC units typically come in standard sizes (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 tons). Round to the nearest standard size, typically rounding up for better performance.