1. What is AC Tonnage Calculation?

AC tonnage calculation determines the cooling capacity of an air conditioner in tons of refrigeration from its BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This conversion is based on the standard definition that one ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour of heat removal.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right-sized air conditioner for a space. Undersized units won't cool effectively, while oversized units cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in BTU/h (typically found on the AC unit's specification label). The value must be greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is AC capacity measured in tons?
A: The term originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: What's the relationship between tonnage and room size?
A: Generally, 1 ton cools approximately 400-600 square feet, but this varies based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, and other factors.

Q3: Can I use this for heat pumps as well?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to heat pumps' cooling capacity rating.

Q4: What if my AC unit shows capacity in kW?
A: Convert kW to BTU/h first (1 kW = 3412.142 BTU/h), then use the calculator.

Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: This is a direct mathematical conversion and is exactly accurate for the standard definition of tons of refrigeration.