1. What is AC Unit Tonnage?

AC unit tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour. This measurement originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Cooling capacity in tons
• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour

Explanation: This conversion allows you to determine the equivalent tonnage of an AC unit based on its BTU rating.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing an AC unit is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. An oversized unit will short cycle, while an undersized unit will run constantly without properly cooling.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your AC unit to find its equivalent tonnage. This helps when comparing different systems or determining the right size for your space.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: Tons is simply a different unit for measuring cooling capacity, where 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h.

Q2: What size AC do I need for my home?
A: While this calculator converts units, actual sizing requires considering square footage, insulation, climate, and other factors (typically 1 ton per 400-600 sq ft).

Q3: Are higher BTU ratings always better?
A: No, oversized units are less efficient and don't properly dehumidify. Proper sizing is more important than maximum capacity.

Q4: What are common residential AC sizes?
A: Common sizes range from 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) to 5 tons (60,000 BTU) for most homes.

Q5: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to heat pump cooling capacity ratings.