1. What is Furnace Tonnage?

Furnace tonnage is a measure of cooling capacity where 1 ton equals 12,000 BTU/h. This calculator converts a furnace's BTU rating to equivalent tonnage for comparison with air conditioning units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour (input)
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h)

Explanation: This conversion helps compare heating and cooling capacities using standard units.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Correct furnace sizing is crucial for energy efficiency, comfort, and equipment longevity. Oversized units short-cycle while undersized units struggle to maintain temperature.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the furnace's BTU rating (found on the nameplate or in specifications). The result shows the equivalent cooling tonnage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why convert BTU to tons?
A: Allows comparison between heating and cooling capacities, helpful when evaluating HVAC systems.

Q2: What's a typical residential furnace size?
A: Most homes need 40,000-120,000 BTU/h (3-10 tons equivalent), depending on climate and home size.

Q3: Does this account for climate differences?
A: No, this is a simple conversion. Actual sizing requires Manual J calculations considering insulation, windows, etc.

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

Q5: What about AFUE ratings?
A: This calculator doesn't account for efficiency. The BTU input should be the output capacity, not input rating.