1. What is Commercial AC Tonnage Calculation?

Commercial AC tonnage calculation determines the cooling capacity needed for commercial air conditioning systems. One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/h, representing the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the tonnage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This formula converts BTU/h cooling capacity to equivalent tons of refrigeration, which is the standard unit for commercial AC system sizing.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper tonnage calculation is essential for selecting appropriately sized commercial AC systems. Undersized units will struggle to cool the space, while oversized units will short cycle, reducing efficiency and increasing operating costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total BTU/h rating of the commercial AC system. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will convert BTU/h to equivalent tons of refrigeration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: This conversion comes from the historical definition of one ton of refrigeration being the amount of heat absorption required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

Q2: What is a typical tonnage range for commercial AC systems?
A: Commercial AC systems typically range from 3 to 30+ tons, depending on the size of the commercial space and cooling requirements.

Q3: How do I determine the BTU requirement for my commercial space?
A: BTU requirements are calculated based on square footage, ceiling height, insulation, number of occupants, equipment heat output, and other factors. A professional load calculation is recommended.

Q4: What's the difference between residential and commercial tonnage?
A: While the basic calculation is the same, commercial systems typically have higher capacity requirements and more complex configurations to handle larger spaces and higher cooling demands.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for residential AC systems?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to residential systems, though residential units are typically measured in smaller fractions of tons (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, etc.).