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Condenser Sizing Formula:
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Condenser tonnage refers to the cooling capacity of an air conditioning system, measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the condenser sizing formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts the calculated cooling load in BTU per hour to the equivalent condenser capacity in tons, which is the standard unit used in the HVAC industry for sizing air conditioning equipment.
Details: Proper condenser sizing is crucial for efficient air conditioning operation. An undersized unit will struggle to cool the space, while an oversized unit will short cycle, leading to poor humidity control and reduced efficiency.
Tips: Enter the total cooling load in BTU per hour. This value should be determined through a Manual J load calculation or similar professional assessment. The calculator will convert this to the appropriate condenser tonnage.
Q1: What is the relationship between tons and BTU?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. This relationship is based on the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q2: How is cooling load calculated?
A: Cooling load is typically calculated using Manual J methodology, which considers factors like square footage, insulation, windows, orientation, occupancy, and local climate.
Q3: What are common residential condenser sizes?
A: Common residential sizes range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with increments of 0.5 tons. Larger commercial systems can be much larger.
Q4: Can I use this for heat pump sizing?
A: Yes, the same tonnage calculation applies to both air conditioners and heat pumps for cooling capacity.
Q5: Why is proper sizing important?
A: Proper sizing ensures optimal efficiency, comfort, humidity control, and equipment longevity while minimizing energy costs.