1. What is HVAC Tonnage?

HVAC tonnage measures the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. One ton equals 12,000 BTU/hr, 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:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr)
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr)

Explanation: This conversion allows you to determine the cooling capacity in tons based on the BTU rating of an HVAC system.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper tonnage calculation is essential for sizing HVAC systems correctly. Undersized units won't cool effectively, while oversized units short-cycle, reducing efficiency and lifespan.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU rating of your HVAC system in BTU/hr. The calculator will instantly convert this to tons of cooling capacity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the typical tonnage for a home?
A: Most homes need 1-5 tons (12,000-60,000 BTU/hr), with about 1 ton per 400-600 sq ft depending on climate and insulation.

Q2: How is BTU different from tonnage?
A: BTU measures heat energy, while tonnage is a unit of cooling capacity. 1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr.

Q3: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the calculation works the same for heat pumps in cooling mode.

Q4: What if my system is rated in kW?
A: First convert kW to BTU/hr (1 kW ≈ 3,412 BTU/hr), then use this calculator.

Q5: Why is proper sizing important?
A: Correct sizing ensures energy efficiency, proper dehumidification, and system longevity.