1. What is HVAC Tonnage?

Tonnage in HVAC refers to the cooling capacity of air conditioning systems. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour), which is 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 air conditioning system based on its BTU/h rating.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper tonnage calculation is essential for sizing HVAC systems correctly. Undersized units won't cool effectively, while oversized units short-cycle, reducing efficiency and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your HVAC equipment. The calculator will convert it to tons of cooling capacity. Common residential units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: It originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: What's the typical tonnage for a house?
A: Average homes need about 1 ton per 400-600 sq ft, but this varies by climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q3: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to heat pumps in cooling mode.

Q4: What about SEER ratings?
A: SEER measures efficiency, not capacity. Tonnage is about capacity regardless of efficiency.

Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise, but actual cooling performance depends on proper system sizing and installation.