1. What is AC Tonnage Calculation?

AC tonnage calculation determines the cooling capacity needed for an air conditioning system. 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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AC tonnage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This simple conversion divides the total BTU rating by 12,000 to determine the equivalent cooling capacity in tons.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right-sized air conditioning unit for a space. Oversized units cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and humidity control, while undersized units struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU rating of your air conditioning system. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will instantly convert BTU to tons of refrigeration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to one ton?
A: This measurement dates back to when cooling was measured by the amount of ice needed. One ton of ice melting over 24 hours absorbs 12,000 BTU per hour of heat.

Q2: How do I determine the BTU needed for my space?
A: BTU requirements depend on room size, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors. Generally, you need about 20 BTU per square foot of living space.

Q3: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: BTU measures heat energy, while tons measure cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour of cooling capacity.

Q4: Can I use this for heat pump calculations?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to heat pumps since they use the same measurement units for cooling capacity.

Q5: What are common residential AC tonnage sizes?
A: Residential units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with 2-3 ton units being most common for average-sized homes.