AC Tonnage Formula:
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AC tonnage calculation determines the appropriate air conditioning capacity needed for a room based on its size. 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 multiplying room area by 25 BTU per square foot, then converts BTU to tons (1 ton = 12,000 BTU).
Details: Correct AC sizing is crucial for energy efficiency, proper dehumidification, and preventing short cycling. Oversized units cool quickly but don't remove humidity effectively, while undersized units struggle to maintain temperature.
Tips: Enter room area in square feet. For irregular rooms, calculate total area by measuring length and width of each section. Consider additional factors like ceiling height, insulation, and sun exposure for more accurate sizing.
Q1: Why is 25 BTU per square foot used?
A: This is a standard estimate for average rooms with 8-foot ceilings, normal insulation, and moderate sun exposure. Adjustments may be needed for specific conditions.
Q2: What if my room has high ceilings?
A: For ceilings higher than 8 feet, multiply the result by (ceiling height ÷ 8) to account for the additional volume.
Q3: How does room orientation affect AC sizing?
A: South-facing rooms with more sun exposure may require 10-20% more capacity, while north-facing rooms may need less.
Q4: What about rooms with lots of windows?
A: Add 1,000 BTU for each window, especially if they receive direct sunlight. Consider energy-efficient windows to reduce cooling load.
Q5: Should I round up or down when choosing AC unit?
A: Round to the nearest standard unit size (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5 tons). It's generally better to slightly oversize than undersize for optimal performance.