1. What is Cooling Tonnage?

Cooling tonnage is a measure of the cooling capacity of air conditioning systems. One ton of cooling equals the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which is equivalent to 12,000 BTU per hour.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cooling tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( Tons \) — Cooling capacity in tons
• \( BTU/h \) — British Thermal Units per hour

Explanation: This formula converts the cooling capacity from BTU per hour to tons, which is the standard unit used in the HVAC industry for sizing air conditioning systems.

3. Importance of Cooling Tonnage Calculation

Details: Accurate cooling tonnage calculation is crucial for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, and ensuring adequate cooling capacity for residential and commercial spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h value (must be greater than 0). The calculator will automatically convert it to tons of cooling capacity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between tons and BTU/h?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. This relationship is based on the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

Q2: How do I determine the BTU/h needed for my space?
A: BTU/h requirements depend on room size, insulation, number of windows, climate, and other factors. Professional HVAC calculations are recommended.

Q3: What are common residential AC tonnage sizes?
A: Common residential sizes range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with 2-3 tons being typical for average-sized homes.

Q4: Why is proper tonnage sizing important?
A: Oversized units cycle too frequently, reducing efficiency and humidity control. Undersized units cannot maintain comfortable temperatures.

Q5: Can I use this for commercial systems?
A: Yes, the same conversion applies, though commercial systems often use larger units measured in the same tons to BTU/h ratio.