Here is how to find the tonnage of your AC unit.
For your benefit, you’ll need to determine an AC tonnage from the model number. You can use it to estimate the size of the unit you need.
Plus, some of the features it might have. You’re in luck since this post will simplify the challenging process. But first, let’s define an AC tonnage to get right to the point.
How To Read Tonnage of AC Unit
Do you want to buy a new AC or change an existing one? Knowing the unit’s capacity you desire is an excellent place to start.
Unfortunately, most people find it tricky to determine an AC’s tonnage. They are therefore left with no choice but to agree to the salesman’s offer.
Understanding AC Tonnage
An air conditioner’s tonnage measures how much air the system can cool or warm daily. In the U.S., cooling standards are calculated in tons.
One ton of AC tonnage is almost equivalent to 12,000 BTUs per hour. It means the AC can transfer heat at a rate that can cool down a ton of water in less than 24 hours.
An AC tonnage is essential because it helps determine the capacity of this device—the power and energy required to operate the machine.
Higher tonnage systems are typically more effective than lower-capacity ones. But a few things affect how much AC a home needs—the flat’s size, location, and degree of insulation.
Finding an AC Tonnage from a Model Number
It’s easy to determine the capacity rate of air conditioners from the model number. The first thing you’ll need to do is locate a data plaque.
It’s usually found on the side or back of the unit. You’ll find the model number, often printed in small letters. It may be tricky to spot. So you must look carefully.
Most AC model numbers come in this format: AHSK18P49F9B. The first two digits (18) refer to the unit’s tonnage, while the rest depict the capacity’s make, model, and year.
AC tonnage generally comes with ratings ranging from 18 to 60.
Finding Tonnage Rating from Model Number
You can also find an AC tonnage rating from the model number.
Whatever tonnage number you see on the device should be divisible by 12, followed by a letter. The 12 represents 12,000 BTS per hour.
Remember, that’s the standard measurement for air conditioners.
If you divide the tonnage rating by 12, you’ll know how many BTUs per hour your AC can produce. For instance, if the number is 18, you divide it by 12.
You’ll get 1.5, the total number of tons your air conditioner can generate.
AC Tonnage Per Square Foot
This term is used to measure the area where an AC can cool.
It’s critical to calculate the space you want to chill and determine the AC tonnage that will be a perfect fit. Generally, more significant areas require air conditioners with higher capacities.
For instance, 600 square feet need an AC with 12,000 BTU and 1 ton. Then 900 sq ft requires 18,000 BTU (1.5 tons), 1,200 sq ft, 24,000 BTU (2 tons), and 1,500 sq ft (2.5 tons), and it goes.
How Many Tons is My AC Unit?
Here, we are going to show you how to find the tonnage from the model number of certain brands of ACs. If you are interested in these units, this might be a shortcut.
There’s no need to ask the salesman or hunt for a similar model.
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Identifying Tonnage for Goodman AC
Identifying the size in tones from the model number of this device is pretty simple. First, look for the model number on the side of the condenser.
You’ll see two digits on the far side of the middle of the cluster of numbers. As highlighted, the two numbers range from 18 to 60.
Whichever number you find should be divisible by 12 to represent the nominal BTU of the system in thousands.
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Determining Tonnage in a Carrier Air Conditioner
The model number of your Carrier HVAC unit can also be used to determine its tonnage. Look for the model number’s seventh and eighth digits.
As usual, the number should be divisible by 12 to get the nominal BTU of the unit. It typically runs in the thousands.
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Finding Tonnage from Lennox AC by Model Number
This brand of air conditioner has its model number in a cluster of several groups. Each group could be two or four digits with “in the middle.
You’re to look at the second cluster of the model number. It usually has three digits; the first digit is 0, and the following figures represent the tonnage.
For instance, if the model number is PCS21-036-848-03, the second cluster has 036 as the capacity. You must divide this number by 12 to get the power in tons.
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Identifying Daikin Tonnage by Model Number
Same here; it’s pretty simple to figure out the tonnage from this unit’s model number. You must look for the first two digits following the first three letters.
For instance, if the model number is SKC60SLCDI, the number is 60. You divide the tonnage by 12 to get the values in BTUs. That way, you can determine the best cooling unit for your space.
Why You Should Size a New AC
Knowing the tons of these ACs is only part of your journey to securing the best unit.
You must also know the right system size that will suit your room. You’ve made improvements to make your home or office tighter and more efficient.
Moreover, you may have increased the usable square footage in your home or basement. This will require calculating the overall size of the new space to know the suitable capacity to go for.
Finally, if you’ve never been appropriately sized, you’ll need to do it for the first time.
Determining the tonnage of your intended or previous air conditioner is essential. That’s because the higher the number, the more cooling power it has.
Plus, it consumes more energy to run correctly. If you’re finding it tricky to extract the capacity from your unit’s model number, you can see how to go about it above.