1. What is the Tonnage Calculation?

The tonnage calculation converts British Thermal Units (BTU) and square footage into cooling tonnage, which is commonly used in HVAC system sizing. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the tonnage formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Sq Ft} \) — Total square footage of the space (ft²)
• \( \text{BTU per Sq Ft} \) — BTU requirement per square foot (BTU/ft²)
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hour)

Explanation: The formula calculates the required cooling capacity in tons based on the total BTU load and the area to be cooled.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Proper tonnage calculation is essential for selecting appropriately sized HVAC equipment. Oversized or undersized systems can lead to inefficiency, poor humidity control, and increased operating costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total square footage in ft² and the BTU requirement per square foot. Typical BTU per square foot values range from 20-40 BTU/ft² depending on climate, insulation, and other factors.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What factors affect BTU per square foot requirements?
A: Climate zone, insulation quality, window area, ceiling height, occupancy, and appliance heat loads all affect BTU requirements.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation for real-world applications?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Professional Manual J calculations are recommended for precise HVAC sizing as they account for more variables.

Q3: What is a typical BTU per square foot value?
A: In moderate climates, 20-30 BTU/ft² is common. In hotter climates, 30-40 BTU/ft² may be needed. Well-insulated homes may require less.

Q4: Can this calculation be used for heating systems?
A: While the principle is similar, heating calculations often use different metrics. This formula is primarily for cooling tonnage.

Q5: What if I have multiple zones with different requirements?
A: Calculate each zone separately and sum the tonnage requirements, or use the largest zone's requirement for the main system.