1. What is HVAC Tonnage?

Tonnage in HVAC refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. The tonnage calculation helps determine the appropriate size of an HVAC system for a given space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( CFM \) — Cubic Feet per Minute (airflow rate)
• 400 — Conversion factor (CFM per ton of cooling)

Explanation: This formula converts airflow rate (CFM) to cooling capacity in tons, based on the standard that 400 CFM equals one ton of cooling.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper tonnage calculation ensures your HVAC system is correctly sized for your space. An undersized system will struggle to cool, while an oversized system will short-cycle, reducing efficiency and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the CFM (cubic feet per minute) value from your HVAC system measurements. The calculator will instantly show the equivalent tonnage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 400 CFM equal to one ton?
A: This is based on standard HVAC engineering calculations where one ton of cooling requires about 400 CFM of airflow for proper heat exchange.

Q2: What's the typical tonnage for a residential home?
A: Most homes require 1-5 tons, depending on size. A rule of thumb is about 1 ton per 400-600 square feet.

Q3: Can I use this for commercial systems?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies, though commercial systems often have more complex requirements.

Q4: What if my system has variable CFM?
A: Use the maximum CFM rating of your system for this calculation.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Professional Manual J calculations consider more factors for precise sizing.