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AC Tonnage Formula:
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AC tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system, measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour), which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the AC tonnage formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts BTU/h cooling capacity to standard AC tonnage units, where 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h.
Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is crucial for selecting the right-sized air conditioning unit for a space. Oversized units cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and humidity control, while undersized units run continuously and fail to cool adequately.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your air conditioning unit. The value must be greater than 0. Common residential AC units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to 1 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: What size AC unit do I need for my home?
A: Generally, you need about 20 BTU per square foot, but this varies based on climate, insulation, ceiling height, and other factors. A professional load calculation is recommended.
Q3: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, this calculation works for both air conditioning units and heat pumps in cooling mode, as both are rated in BTU/h for cooling capacity.
Q4: What happens if my AC is oversized?
A: Oversized AC units short cycle (turn on and off frequently), leading to poor humidity control, reduced efficiency, and shorter equipment lifespan.
Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides the theoretical tonnage based on BTU/h rating. Actual cooling performance may vary based on installation, maintenance, and environmental conditions.