1. What is AC Tonnage Calculation?

AC tonnage calculation converts air conditioner cooling capacity from BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) to refrigeration tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h, 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 simple conversion formula:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Refrigeration tons (cooling capacity)
• \( BTU/h \) — British thermal units per hour (input cooling capacity)
• \( 12,000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h)

Explanation: This formula provides a straightforward conversion between the two common units used to measure air conditioning capacity.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper AC tonnage calculation is crucial for selecting the right-sized air conditioner for a space. Oversized units cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort, while undersized units run continuously without adequately cooling the space.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your air conditioner. This value is typically found on the unit's specification plate or in the product documentation. The calculator will instantly convert it to refrigeration tons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is AC capacity measured in tons?
A: The term "ton" in air conditioning dates back to when cooling was provided by melting ice. One ton represents the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice over 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU/h.

Q2: What is the relationship between BTU and tons?
A: 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. This is a standardized conversion used throughout the HVAC industry worldwide.

Q3: How do I determine the right tonnage for my room?
A: Generally, you need about 20 BTU per square foot of living space. For example, a 1,000 sq ft room would require approximately 20,000 BTU/h, which equals 1.67 tons.

Q4: What are common residential AC tonnage sizes?
A: Common residential sizes include 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU), 2 tons (24,000 BTU), 2.5 tons (30,000 BTU), 3 tons (36,000 BTU), 4 tons (48,000 BTU), and 5 tons (60,000 BTU).

Q5: Can I use this for commercial AC units?
A: Yes, this conversion works for all types of air conditioning systems, from small residential units to large commercial systems. The formula remains the same regardless of scale.