1. What is AC Tonnage Calculation?

AC tonnage calculation determines the cooling capacity needed for a space. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/hour. Proper sizing ensures efficient operation and comfort.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Room area in square feet
• 20 — BTU per square foot (standard for moderate climates)
• 12000 — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour)

Explanation: The formula estimates cooling needs based on room size, with 20 BTU per square foot as a general guideline.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Correct AC sizing prevents energy waste (oversized units) and inadequate cooling (undersized units). Properly sized units maintain humidity levels better and last longer.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your room's length and width to calculate area. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles. Consider higher BTU values (up to 30 per sq ft) for sunny rooms or very hot climates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: Multiply the area by ceiling height (in feet) divided by 8 to adjust for volume.

Q2: How does insulation affect AC size?
A: Well-insulated rooms may need less cooling (15 BTU/sq ft), while poorly insulated spaces may need more (25-30 BTU/sq ft).

Q3: What about windows and sunlight?
A: Add 10% capacity for sunny rooms, 10% less for shaded rooms. Each window adds about 1,000 BTU to the load.

Q4: Should I round up the tonnage?
A: AC units come in standard sizes (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 tons etc.). Round to nearest standard size unless between sizes, then consider rounding up.

Q5: What other factors should I consider?
A: Number of occupants, heat-generating appliances, and local climate all affect cooling needs. Professional load calculation is best for whole-house systems.