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 per hour. Proper sizing is crucial for efficiency and comfort in your space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard HVAC sizing formula:

Where:

• \( Area \) — Room area in square feet
• 25 — Standard BTU per square foot (adjustable for climate)
• 12000 — Conversion factor (BTU to tons)

Explanation: The formula calculates the required cooling capacity based on room size, assuming standard cooling needs.

3. Importance of Proper HVAC Sizing

Details: Correct HVAC sizing ensures energy efficiency, proper humidity control, and system longevity. Oversized units short-cycle, while undersized units run constantly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your room's length and width to calculate area. For irregular rooms, divide into rectangles. The calculation assumes 8-foot ceilings and standard insulation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: Increase the BTU multiplier (from 25 to 30 or more) for rooms with ceilings over 8 feet.

Q2: Does this work for whole-house calculations?
A: For whole-house calculations, use Manual J load calculation which considers more factors.

Q3: What about rooms with lots of windows?
A: Add 10-20% more capacity for rooms with significant sun exposure through windows.

Q4: How does climate affect the calculation?
A: Hotter climates may need 30-40 BTU/sq ft, while milder climates may need only 20.

Q5: What's the smallest HVAC unit available?
A: Most residential systems start at 1.5 tons (18,000 BTU) capacity.