1. What is AC Tonnage Calculation?

AC tonnage calculation helps determine the appropriate size of air conditioning unit needed for a space based on its area. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Room area in square feet
• 20 — BTU per square foot (standard estimate)
• 12000 — BTU equivalent of 1 ton of cooling

Explanation: The formula calculates the required cooling capacity by multiplying the area by a standard BTU per square foot value (20) and then converting to tons.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Proper AC sizing is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit won't cool properly, while an oversized unit will cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the room area in square feet. For irregularly shaped rooms, calculate the total area by breaking it down into regular shapes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: For ceilings higher than 8 feet, multiply the result by 1.25 for 9-10 ft ceilings, or 1.5 for higher ceilings.

Q2: What about rooms with lots of windows?
A: For rooms with significant sun exposure, increase the result by 10-20% depending on window size and orientation.

Q3: Is this calculation suitable for whole-house AC?
A: For whole-house calculations, sum the areas of all rooms or use the total square footage of the conditioned space.

Q4: What are standard AC tonnage sizes?
A: Common residential AC units come in 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 ton capacities.

Q5: Should I round up or down?
A: Generally round up to the nearest standard size, but consult with an HVAC professional for precise sizing.