1. What is HVAC Tonnage?

HVAC tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. 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 helps determine the appropriate size of an air conditioning system based on its cooling capacity.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing an HVAC system is crucial for energy efficiency, comfort, and system longevity. Oversized units cycle too frequently, while undersized units run continuously.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your HVAC equipment to determine its equivalent in tons. This is useful when comparing systems or verifying specifications.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many BTU/h are in 1 ton?
A: There are exactly 12,000 BTU/h in one ton of cooling capacity.

Q2: What size HVAC system do I need for my home?
A: While this calculator converts units, actual system sizing requires a Manual J calculation considering square footage, insulation, climate, and other factors.

Q3: What's the typical tonnage for residential systems?
A: Most homes use 1.5 to 5 ton systems, with average homes typically needing 3-4 tons (36,000-48,000 BTU/h).

Q4: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies to heat pump cooling capacity ratings.

Q5: Why is it called a "ton"?
A: The term originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU/h.