1. What is Tons in AC Capacity?

In air conditioning, "tons" measure cooling capacity. One ton equals the cooling power of one ton of ice melting over 24 hours, which is equivalent to 12,000 BTU per hour. This measurement helps standardize AC unit sizing.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion formula is simple:

Where:

• 1 Ton = 12,000 BTU/h
• BTU/h — British Thermal Units per hour

Explanation: This conversion allows you to translate between the two common measurements of cooling capacity used in the HVAC industry.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correctly sizing an air conditioning system is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. Oversized units cycle on and off too frequently, while undersized units run continuously without adequately cooling the space.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your air conditioning equipment to determine its capacity in tons. For example, a 24,000 BTU/h unit would be 2 tons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is cooling capacity measured in tons?
A: The term originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which became a standard measurement in early refrigeration.

Q2: What size AC do I need for my home?
A: While this calculator converts units, proper AC sizing requires a Manual J calculation considering square footage, insulation, windows, and climate.

Q3: Are there standard tonnage sizes for residential AC?
A: Yes, common residential sizes are 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 tons, with each ton providing about 12,000 BTU/h of cooling.

Q4: How does SEER rating relate to tons?
A: SEER measures efficiency (BTU output per watt-hour), while tons measure capacity. A higher SEER means more cooling per energy used, regardless of tonnage.

Q5: Can I convert tons to kW?
A: Yes, 1 ton ≈ 3.516 kW of cooling power, but this calculator focuses on the BTU/h to tons conversion.