AC Tonnage Formula:
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AC tonnage calculation determines the appropriate air conditioning capacity needed for a room based on its square footage. Proper sizing ensures efficient cooling, energy savings, and optimal comfort.
The calculator uses the AC tonnage formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the required cooling capacity by converting room area to BTU requirements and then to tons of AC capacity.
Details: Correct AC sizing is crucial for energy efficiency, proper dehumidification, and preventing short cycling. Oversized units cool too quickly without removing humidity, while undersized units struggle to maintain temperature.
Tips: Enter the room area in square feet. For irregular rooms, calculate the total area by breaking it into rectangular sections. Consider factors like ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure for more accurate sizing.
Q1: What is a "ton" in AC terminology?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Professional HVAC calculations consider additional factors like insulation, windows, climate, and room usage.
Q3: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: For ceilings over 8 feet, add 10-20% to the calculated tonnage to account for the additional volume.
Q4: Should I round up or down?
A: Generally round up to the nearest standard unit size (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 tons) but avoid significant oversizing.
Q5: What about rooms with lots of windows?
A: Rooms with large south or west-facing windows may require 10-20% additional capacity due to solar heat gain.