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 unit for a given space based on its cooling capacity.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper tonnage calculation ensures efficient cooling, energy savings, and prevents overworking or underutilizing HVAC equipment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating of your HVAC equipment to determine its tonnage equivalent. The value must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: Tons measure cooling capacity where 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. Tons are typically used for larger systems while BTU is used for smaller units.

Q2: How many tons do I need for my home?
A: As a rough estimate, you need about 1 ton for every 400-600 square feet, but this varies based on climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q3: What happens if my AC unit is oversized?
A: Oversized units cycle on/off too frequently, reducing efficiency, increasing wear, and potentially failing to properly dehumidify the air.

Q4: What's the typical tonnage for residential AC?
A: Most homes use 1.5 to 5 ton units, with average homes typically requiring 2-3 tons of cooling capacity.

Q5: Can I convert tons to other units?
A: Yes, 1 ton of cooling is also equivalent to approximately 3.517 kilowatts (kW) of cooling power.