1. What is the Commercial AC Calculation?

The Commercial AC calculation converts BTU (British Thermal Units per hour) to Tons of Refrigeration, which is a standard unit for measuring cooling capacity in commercial air conditioning systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( Ton \) — Tons of refrigeration

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Importance of AC Sizing

Details: Proper AC sizing is crucial for commercial buildings to ensure energy efficiency, maintain comfortable temperatures, and prevent system overload or short cycling.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU value in BTU/h. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will convert it to tons of refrigeration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to 1 ton?
A: This measurement comes from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: What's the difference between residential and commercial AC tonnage?
A: While the calculation is the same, commercial systems typically handle larger spaces and have different efficiency requirements and design considerations.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion for commercial applications?
A: This conversion provides a basic calculation. Actual commercial AC sizing requires additional factors like building insulation, occupancy, and climate.

Q4: What are typical tonnage requirements for commercial spaces?
A: Commercial spaces typically range from 5-50+ tons depending on square footage, building type, and cooling requirements.

Q5: Should this calculation be used for final system sizing?
A: No, this provides a basic estimate. Professional load calculations considering all factors are necessary for proper commercial AC system design.