1. What Is AC Tonnage?

AC tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. Proper sizing is crucial for efficiency and comfort in your home.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard tonnage estimation formula:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Required air conditioner capacity
• \( Sq Ft \) — Square footage of the space to be cooled
• 25 — BTU per square foot (average for homes)
• 12000 — BTU equivalent of 1 ton of cooling

Explanation: This formula provides a rough estimate of the tonnage needed based on square footage. Actual requirements may vary based on climate, insulation, and other factors.

3. Importance of Proper AC Sizing

Details: Proper AC sizing ensures energy efficiency, optimal performance, and prevents short cycling. An oversized unit won't remove humidity properly, while an undersized unit will struggle to cool.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total square footage of the space you need to cool. For multi-story homes, calculate each floor separately. This is a general estimate - consult an HVAC professional for precise sizing.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between tons and BTUs?
A: 1 ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. Tons measure capacity while BTUs measure heat energy.

Q2: How many square feet will 1 ton cool?
A: Approximately 400-600 sq ft, depending on climate and insulation (using 20-30 BTU/sq ft).

Q3: What if my home has high ceilings?
A: You may need to increase capacity. Calculate based on cubic feet rather than square footage in such cases.

Q4: Does this work for commercial spaces?
A: No, commercial spaces often require different calculations due to higher heat loads from equipment and people.

Q5: What other factors affect AC sizing?
A: Climate zone, insulation quality, window size/direction, number of occupants, and heat-producing appliances all affect sizing.