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/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 AC tonnage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: This simple conversion calculates the required AC tonnage based on the cooling capacity measured in BTU/h.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is essential for selecting the right size air conditioning unit for a space. An undersized unit won't cool effectively, while an oversized unit will short cycle, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h value of your air conditioning system. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will instantly compute the equivalent tonnage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one 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 typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Residential AC units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with the average home requiring 2-4 tons depending on square footage and climate.

Q3: How do I determine the BTU requirement for my space?
A: BTU requirements depend on room size, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors. Professional HVAC calculations consider all these variables.

Q4: Can I use this for commercial AC systems?
A: Yes, the formula works for any scale, though commercial systems often use much larger tonnage units (10+ tons).

Q5: What happens if I choose the wrong tonnage?
A: Incorrect tonnage can lead to poor cooling performance, higher energy bills, reduced system lifespan, and inadequate humidity control.