AC tonnage is the unit of measurement used to determine the capacity of air conditioning equipment. It is measured in tons and can be used to compare the cooling capacity of different units of air conditioning equipment. For example, a unit that is rated at 15 tons will cool a space 15 times larger than would be cooled by a one-ton unit.
AC Tonnage is one of the most significant components you need to know about when buying an AC. It is also one of the most confusing.
So, what exactly is AC tonnage? How does it impact your choice of air conditioners? And why should you bother about it at all?
To understand how much cooling power you need in an air conditioning system, we’ve put together this post to help you comprehend how to calculate ac tonnage.
Let’s explore.
What Does AC Tonnage Mean?
AC tonnage is the measure of how much power a motor can handle. It’s measured in amperes, or “amps,” and it stands for alternating current. Basically, AC tonnage measures how much electrical current you would need to flow through a wire in order to make it carry the same amount of power as the motor is designed to handle.
For example, if you have an AC motor that handles 15 amps of power but you try to run it with 20 amps of power, then you’ll burn out the motor. On the other hand, if your motor is designed to handle 20 amps, but you only feed it 15 amps, then its performance will be less than optimal.
Why is AC tonnage important?
In the world of air conditioning, there is one thing that is absolutely essential: tonnage.
Tons of what? Tons of air conditioning!
In layman’s terms, tonnage refers to how much cooling can be produced by a machine. You might think “tons” are a little extreme, but if you don’t have enough tonnage on your air conditioner, it won’t be able to cool down your space as fast or as effectively as it needs to.
Here are five key reasons why AC tonnage is important:
Cooling Capacity
The higher the tonnage of your air conditioner, the greater its cooling capacity. This means it can cool a larger area more effectively.
Energy Efficiency
AC tonnage also affects your energy efficiency. The higher the tonnage, the less energy you’ll use to cool an area and keep it comfortable for your family or employees.
System Longevity
The higher the tonnage, the longer your system can last. A higher tonnage means that you have more power and efficiency. This means that your system is more likely to last longer before needing repairs or replacement.
Indoor Air Quality
A high AC tonnage helps reduce moisture in the air and improves indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as dust, pollen, and bacteria from the air. This can help reduce allergies for many homeowners and make their homes healthier places to live.
Comfort and Performance
If you want your home to be comfortable, you need an AC system that can handle the load. AC tonnage is a measure of how much heat your system can remove from your home in one hour. The larger the number, the more quickly it will cool your home down.
AC Tonnage Chart
Here’s a general AC tonnage chart that can be used as a reference for determining the appropriate tonnage based on the square footage of the space:
0.5 to 1 ton: Suitable for spaces up to 300 square feet
1.5 tons: Suitable for spaces between 300 to 600 square feet
2 tons: Suitable for spaces between 600 to 1,000 square feet
2.5 tons: Suitable for spaces between 1,000 to 1,200 square feet
3 tons: Suitable for spaces between 1,200 to 1,500 square feet
3.5 tons: Suitable for spaces between 1,500 to 1,800 square feet
4 tons: Suitable for spaces between 1,800 to 2,300 square feet
5 tons: Suitable for spaces between 2,300 to 3,000 square feet
How To Determine AC Tonnage From Model Number?
Sure, you can determine the AC tonnage from the model number. But do you really want to?
We know it’s a pain in the butt to remember all those letters and numbers, and if you’re not into math, it can be downright frustrating.
That’s why we created an easy-to-use general approach to help you determine the tonnage from the model number.
Look for the numbers.
If you see a number between 1 and 5, it’s probably a tonnage of around 1.5 tons. If you see a number between 5 and 10, it’s probably a tonnage of around 3 tons. If you see a number between 10 and 15, it’s probably a tonnage of around 5 tons.
Check the first few digits.
Some manufacturers use the first few digits of the model number to indicate the tonnage. For example, if the AC model number starts with “18,” it may indicate a 1.5-ton AC unit.
Use a handy AC tonnage calculator
This is probably the easiest way to get this information—just plug in your brand name and model number and click “calculate.” It won’t be 100% accurate for every single brand out there, but it should give you a pretty good idea of what size unit you need for your home or business!
Identify the code
Another thing you should do when determining the tonnage of an AC unit is to identify its code. The most common codes are 1, 2, or 3. A 1 means that it is a 2000-3500 BTU unit, a 2 means 3600-5500 BTU, and a 3 means 5500-7000 BTU.
Manufacturer’s guidelines
Another way to determine AC tonnage is by looking at the manufacturer’s guidelines for sizing. If you have an older unit and want to replace it with another one that has similar specs, you can look at your old model’s manual or look online for advice from professionals in your area.
Calculate from square feet.
You can calculate the AC tonnage per square foot footage of your home by multiplying the length by the width of each room in square feet and then adding them together for the total square footage of your home.
Divide this number by 1,000 to convert it into square yards (or convert it into acres if it’s larger than an acre). Multiply this number by 12 if you live in a hot climate or divide it by 4 if you live in a freezing climate, then add that number to get the actual cubic feet of air space in your house. Multiply this by 0.0024876562 (the number of pounds per cubic foot).
Professional assistance
If you’re still unsure how to determine your AC tonnage, you can consult a professional. A qualified HVAC technician like Kentucky Climate Control will be able to evaluate the equipment and give you an accurate reading.
Things To Consider While Keeping Your Tonnage Maintained
Keeping your tonnage maintained is a great way to avoid common problems that can arise when you have a truck.
A lot of people don’t realize how important keeping your tonnage maintained is, but it’s actually the vital thing you can do!
Here are some important things to consider when it comes to keeping your tonnage maintained:
Regular Maintenance
Schedule regular maintenance visits with a qualified HVAC technician in London, KY. They can inspect and service your AC system, including checking the tonnage settings, verifying the refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, and ensuring all components are functioning properly. Regular maintenance helps prevent issues and keeps your system running efficiently.
Air Filter Maintenance
Air filters are used in many different types of machines and equipment, including air conditioning units and furnaces. They help remove dust particles from the air before they can damage the system or clog up the works. You should check your air filter every month to ensure it is pure and functioning properly.
Thermostat Settings
You might not think much about how your thermostat is set, but it’s actually a pretty big deal. If you set your house at 70 degrees, your furnace will be running all day long—even if the outside temperature is only 60 degrees! That means more energy use and more money spent on heating bills. Try setting it at 68 degrees instead. You should see a difference right away!
Ductwork Inspection
If you see any cracks or holes in your ductwork, chances are there’s air escaping into the walls or even outside of your home entirely! This can lead to major problems like decreased efficiency and increased heating costs over time—not to mention an uncomfortable living environment due to cold spots around the house. Make sure you get in touch with a professional who knows how to properly inspect and fix any issues like this ASAP so that everyone stays cozy all winter long!
Monitor Energy Consumption
This might seem obvious, but if you don’t have an accurate sense of how much energy is being used, all the other steps in this list will be for naught!
Professional Assistance
It’s a great idea to seek out professional help from someone who knows what they’re doing when it comes to maintaining your tonnage. They’ll be able to address issues before they become problems, which means less downtime and less stress for everyone involved!
Call Professionals for AC Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance in London, KY!
Are you having trouble with your AC? Is your AC making strange noises and not keeping cool enough? Not able to understand how to read tonnage of ac unit? Confused about what tonnage ac do I need? Do you need help with how to tell tonnage of ac unit?
If so, don’t worry! Kentucky Climate Control is here to help. We can provide professional AC repair, replacement, and maintenance services in London, KY. We have the experience and expertise needed to bring your air conditioning system back up and running in no time.
We offer a broad range of HVAC services, including:
- AC Repair in London, KY
- AC Replacement in London, KY
- AC Maintenance in London, KY
- Air duct cleaning in London, KY
- HVAC System Tune-Ups in London, KY
- Ductwork Inspection and Repair in London, KY
- Emergency AC Services in London, KY
We’ve been serving the greater London area for many years, so we know what it takes to keep your home comfortable all year. And because we’re locally owned and operated, when you call us for service, you can be sure that if there’s an issue with your HVAC system, our team will arrive quickly and stay until the job is done right.
Our team of expert technicians is equipped to handle any problem you may have with your heating or cooling system. We offer 24/7 emergency service, so you never have to worry about not getting help when you need it most.
Our goal is always to keep you comfortable in your home or business so that you can get on with your day without worrying about whether or not the AC temperature will be right when you get back home from work or school.
So if you’re looking for a one-stop store for all your cooling needs, KCC is the way to go!
Don’t wait until it’s too late—call us today at (855) 482-2522 for HVAC Services in London, KY!
