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:

• \( \text{Tons} \) — Cooling capacity in tons
• \( \text{BTU/h} \) — 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 Proper Tonnage

Details: Correctly sizing an HVAC system is crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. An undersized unit won't cool properly, while an oversized unit will short-cycle, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h rating from your air conditioner's specification. Common residential units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: Tons are simply a larger unit of cooling capacity where 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h. Tons are commonly used in North America for HVAC sizing.

Q2: How many square feet will 1 ton cool?
A: Roughly 400-600 sq ft per ton, but this varies by climate, insulation, and other factors. A Manual J calculation provides precise sizing.

Q3: What are common residential AC sizes?
A: Typical sizes are 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 tons, corresponding to 18,000-60,000 BTU/h.

Q4: Can I convert tons to kW?
A: Yes, 1 ton ≈ 3.517 kW of cooling power.

Q5: Why is proper sizing important?
A: Proper sizing ensures energy efficiency, adequate dehumidification, and system longevity. Oversized units cool quickly but don't run long enough to remove humidity.