1. What is an AC Tonnage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts air conditioner cooling capacity from BTU/hr to tons.

Purpose: It helps determine the appropriate size of air conditioning unit needed for a space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — AC tonnage (tons)
• \( BTU \) — Cooling capacity (BTU per hour)

Explanation: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. The formula converts BTU/hr to standard AC tonnage units.

3. Importance of AC Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper sizing ensures energy efficiency, adequate cooling, and prevents premature system failure.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in BTU/hr. The value must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 12,000 BTU per ton?
A: This standard comes from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/24h = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: What's a typical BTU requirement for a room?
A: Roughly 20 BTU per sq ft, but this varies based on climate, insulation, and other factors.

Q3: How many square feet will 1 ton cool?
A: Approximately 400-600 sq ft in moderate climates, less in hotter areas.

Q4: What if my calculation gives a decimal value?
A: AC units come in standard sizes (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 tons). Round up to nearest standard size.

Q5: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to heat pump cooling capacity.