How Do I Discover the Tonnage of My AC Unit?

OK, actual discuss: As a house owner, changing your air con unit is completely no enjoyable. It may be costly, the analysis is a time-suck, and except you’re Denver HVAC professionals like we’re, you’ll shortly come up towards unfamiliar business jargon (like “AC tonnage”) that’ll depart you annoyed, confused, and anxious about making a pricey mistake. 

If that sounds acquainted, we’re right here to assist! Proceed studying to study all the things it’s good to know, together with how AC tonnage impacts your cooling wants, or just attain out to the Denver air con consultants at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical!

What’s AC Tonnage, Anyway?

As you may think, an AC unit cooling a 3600 square-foot dwelling requires extra oomph than one cooling a 1200 square-foot dwelling. The technical HVAC time period for “ooomph” is tonnage—the measurement of an AC unit’s cooling capability. So, if somebody asks you what “measurement” AC unit you’re in search of, they’re not asking for bodily dimensions; they’re asking for a variety of tons.

Now, stick to us as a result of we now have to get a bit engineer-y and math-y for a second. (You’re about to get some ammo on your subsequent trivia evening although, if that’s any comfort.)

Within the U.S., heating and cooling capacities are measured in British thermal items (BTUs). One BTU is the quantity of warmth required to boost the temperature of a pound of water by 1oF.  And 288,000 BTUs will soften 2,000 kilos of ice in 24 hours. After all, 2,000 kilos is…  a ton. Oooooooh. It’s all coming collectively now, isn’t it?

Clearly, AC items have little to do with heating water or melting ice. As an alternative, they take away warmth. So, in HVAC-land, tonnage describes the quantity of warmth an AC unit can take away from a house in a single hour. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs (288,000 BTUs/24 hours).

Whew. Let’s hold going.

Why Does AC Tonnage Matter?

Since tonnage describes the cooling capability of your AC unit, it’s essential to right-size your system. A unit that’s too small received’t be capable of sustain with mid-summer temperatures. An HVAC system that’s too huge might activate and off extra ceaselessly than crucial, leading to pointless put on and tear, air that’s uncomfortably damp, and better electrical payments.

How Can I Determine Out the Tonnage of My AC Unit?

Discovering the tonnage of your AC unit could also be so simple as strolling outdoors and studying the label on the condenser unit. More often than not, producers don’t record tons, although; they record BTUs as an alternative.

Fortunate for you, we already taught you that math! Merely divide the BTUs by 12,000 to calculate the tonnage of your unit. For instance, in case your air conditioner is 36,000 BTUs, you might have a 3 ton unit.

Some producers bury tonnage or BTU data of their mannequin numbers. Search for a good, two-digit quantity between 18 and 60. Or, you may see a three-digit quantity beginning with 0. For those who discover a type of numbers, chances are high good it’s the unit’s BTUs:

• 018 = 18,000 BTUs = 1.5 tons
• 024 = 24,000 BTUs = 2 tons
• 030 = 30,000 BTUs = 2.5 tons

And so forth. 

Can’t discover the tonnage or BTUs? Write down the producer identify and actual mannequin quantity, and provides us a name. We’re completely happy to assist!

What Dimension Unit Do You Want?

Usually, one ton will sufficiently cool 400 sq. toes of area. So, in case you have a 2000 square-foot dwelling, you probably want a five-ton AC unit. However sq. footage isn’t the solely issue that determines AC tonnage necessities.

Additionally, it’s not essentially the case that it is best to exchange your present AC unit with a unit of the very same measurement. For instance, when you’ve completed any transforming to extend your livable sq. footage, it’s possible you’ll want a bigger unit. For those who’ve improved the power effectivity of your own home, it’s possible you’ll be higher off with a smaller one. 

Contact Our Denver AC Consultants for Assist!

Getting the precise AC unit measurement, or tonnage, on your Denver dwelling issues rather a lot for holding cool and saving cash. If determining the most effective measurement appears robust, don’t fear. Our Denver AC set up consultants are right here to take a look at your own home and advocate the proper air conditioner for you.

Let’s get your own home prepared for the summer season with an AC unit that matches good. Attain out to us for a stress-free, knowledgeable evaluation!