1. What is HVAC Tonnage?

Tonnage in HVAC refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. This calculator converts BTU/hr to tons of cooling capacity.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( BTU_{hr} \) — Cooling capacity in British Thermal Units per hour
• 12000 — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr)

Note: For HVAC systems, there is no distinction between gross and net tonnage - this calculation uses the system's total cooling capacity.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between gross and net tonnage in HVAC?
A: Unlike some other applications, HVAC typically doesn't distinguish between gross and net tonnage - it uses the total cooling capacity.

Q2: How many square feet will 1 ton cool?
A: As a rough estimate, 1 ton cools about 400-600 sq ft in moderate climates, but this varies based on insulation, climate, and other factors.

Q3: What's a typical tonnage for residential AC?
A: Most homes use 1.5 to 5 tons, depending on size and climate. A Manual J calculation provides the most accurate sizing.

Q4: Can I use this for heat pumps?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies to the cooling capacity of heat pumps.

Q5: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to 1 ton?
A: This comes from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.