1. What is the Tonnage Calculation?

The tonnage calculation determines the appropriate air conditioning capacity needed for a space. 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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( Square Feet \) — Area of the space in square feet
• \( BTU per sq ft \) — British Thermal Units per square foot required for cooling
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour)

Explanation: The formula calculates the required cooling capacity by multiplying the area by the BTU requirement per square foot, then converts the result to tons of refrigeration.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is crucial for efficient cooling, energy savings, and preventing system overload. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the space, while an oversized unit will cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the square footage of the space and the BTU requirement per square foot (typically 20-30 BTU/sq ft for residential applications). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good BTU per square foot value?
A: For residential spaces, 20-30 BTU per square foot is typical. However, this can vary based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, and sun exposure.

Q2: How many square feet does 1 ton of AC cool?
A: Approximately 400-600 square feet, depending on the BTU requirement per square foot and environmental factors.

Q3: What factors affect BTU requirements?
A: Climate zone, insulation quality, number of windows, ceiling height, number of occupants, and heat-generating appliances all affect BTU requirements.

Q4: Is bigger AC tonnage always better?
A: No, oversized AC units cycle on and off more frequently, reducing efficiency, increasing wear, and providing poor humidity control.

Q5: Should I consult a professional for AC sizing?
A: Yes, for optimal performance, it's recommended to have a professional HVAC technician perform a Manual J calculation for precise sizing.