1 ton, 1.5 tons, or 2 tons? What does ton mean in air conditioning? It is not weight of AC
New Delhi: The summer season has now arrived in India. Many people will be preparing to buy a new AC this season. There are several things to consider before purchasing a new AC. One of them is Ton. You might have heard this term many times. Many people may consider it as weight. But, it is not weight.
So what exactly is it and why is it important for buyers to know about it? Let’s find out.
In air conditioners, ‘Ton’ refers not to the weight of the AC unit, but to its cooling capacity. It measures how much heat can be removed from a place in one hour.
Understanding ‘Ton’ in AC:1 Ton cooling = 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour.1 Ton AC removes 12,000 BTU/hour, 1.5 Ton AC removes 18,000 BTU/hour, and 2 Ton AC removes 24,000 BTU/hour.
This concept is related to the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours.
Selecting the right tonnage model when choosing an AC is essential for energy efficiency, cooling performance, and cost saving. Here’s why: The tonnage should match the room size. 0.8-1-ton AC for small rooms (100-150 square feet). 1.5-ton AC for medium-sized rooms (150-250 square feet), and 2 tons or more for large rooms (250+ square feet). If the AC is too small, it will struggle with cooling and increase the electricity bill. If it is too large, it will cool quickly but will not control humidity.
A properly sized AC consumes less electricity, resulting in lower bills. High-star rated ACs (such as 5-star models) take less power in the same tonnage, leading to savings over time. Models with slightly higher tonnage are required in hot and humid areas. In less used areas, lower tonnage may be sufficient.
Overall, ‘ton’ in AC refers to cooling capacity, not weight. Choosing the right tonnage model based on room size, climate, and energy efficiency ensures better cooling and cost-effectiveness. Buyers should accurately assess their needs to avoid getting an AC that is too big or too small.
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