1. What is Air Conditioner Tonnage?

An air conditioner's cooling capacity is often measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU (British Thermal Units) per hour. This measurement comes 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 helps determine the appropriate size of an air conditioning unit based on its BTU rating.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing an air conditioner is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit won't cool properly, while an oversized unit will cycle on and off too frequently, wasting energy and not properly dehumidifying the air.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your air conditioner (found on the unit's specification plate). The calculator will convert this to tons of cooling capacity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Most homes use units between 1.5 to 5 tons, depending on square footage and climate.

Q2: How many square feet will 1 ton cool?
A: Approximately 400-600 sq ft, but this varies based on insulation, climate, and other factors.

Q3: What's better - higher or lower tonnage?
A: Neither - the correct size for your space is best. Oversizing leads to short cycling, and undersizing leads to inadequate cooling.

Q4: How do I find my AC's BTU rating?
A: Check the model number or specification plate on the outdoor condenser unit.

Q5: Can I use this for heat pumps too?
A: Yes, the cooling capacity of heat pumps is also measured in tons and BTU/h.