Should You Go for a Bigger AC Unit: Understanding AC Tonnage

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If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning unit, you may have come across the term “tonnage.” If hearing that word left you scratching your head, then you’ve come to the right place.

Many people mistakenly think that tonnage, in relation to AC, is a measure of weight. However, it’s really a measurement of how much heat your AC unit is able to remove from your house.

Keep reading to learn more about AC tonnage, how to find it in your AC unit, and why it’s important!

What is AC Tonnage?

Like mentioned previously, tonnage is a measure of how much heat your AC capable of removing from your home. Heat is measured by British Thermal Units (BTU).

For every 1 ton of air conditioning, 12,000 BTUs are removed per hour. For example, if you buy a 3-ton unit, it can remove 36,000 BTUs per hour.

The size can range from 400 to 1,000 square feet per ton. This wide range depends a lot on factors like the height of your ceilings, the square footage of your house, or even the climate you live in.

It’s important to contact a professional to make sure you have the right size for your home. You may think that you can just buy a bigger unit and be “safe” but in reality, it’s important that your AC unit is neither too big nor too small.

Why Is Tonnage Important?

The perfect sized AC unit is important for both efficiency and efficacy. AC units today are different than they used to be. It used to be that the units just blasted air and cooled the space down as quickly as possible.

Today, AC units are more efficient and economical. They cool down slowly and run longer cycles to keep the air dehumidified and the temperature stable.

If you purchase an AC unit that is too big, the unit will be too powerful for your space. As a result, it will run short cycles which will cause the air to become humid.

The constant turning on and off will also take a toll on your energy bill and AC unit. The HVAC system will require more maintenance and you run the risk of it not lasting as long.

So, having the right size AC is important to both your wallet and your comfort.

What Is The Tonnage Of My AC Unit?

The tonnage of your AC system can be found simply by looking at the side of your unit. There will be a plaque mounted on the side that will list the information specific to your system.

You will see a model number with a series of letters and numbers. You should see an even two-digit number ranging anywhere from 18 to 60 for residential units. This number represents BTU’s so divide it by 12 and you will get your total tonnage.

Say your number is 30. 30 divided by twelve equals 2.5, so your total tonnage is 2.5.

Looking For A New HVAC?

Understanding AC tonnage is important for finding the right sized AC unit for your home. It’s important however to still have your new AC properly sized by a professional.