1. What is AC Tonnage Calculation?

AC tonnage calculation converts British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to tons, which is the standard unit for measuring air conditioning capacity. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the AC tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Air conditioning capacity in tons
• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h)

Explanation: This formula converts the cooling capacity from BTU/h to the more commonly used ton measurement in HVAC systems.

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 or undersized units can lead to inefficiency, poor performance, and increased energy costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your air conditioning unit. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will automatically convert it to tons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: What are common AC tonnage sizes for residential use?
A: Common residential AC units range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with 1.5-2 tons for small apartments and 3-5 tons for average-sized homes.

Q3: How do I determine the right tonnage for my space?
A: A general rule is 1 ton per 400-600 square feet, but this varies based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, and other factors.

Q4: What happens if I choose the wrong AC tonnage?
A: Oversized units short cycle, reducing efficiency and humidity control. Undersized units run continuously but can't maintain temperature.

Q5: Can I use this for heat pump calculations?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to heat pumps as they use the same BTU/h to ton conversion for cooling capacity.