It actually depends on various conditions but there are two methods which will give the amount of space that can be cooled per ton.
The right size
1. A unit that is too big will short cycle, meaning it will turn on and off too frequently. Not only is this inefficient, but it affects the ability of the unit to properly dehumidify the home resulting in a home that is less comfortable than it could be and utility bills that are higher than they need to be. A unit that is too small will continue to run constantly and may not be able to adequately cool the home. The end result is, again, higher energy costs and uncomfortable living conditions. A unit that is appropriate for the space you need cooled will operate efficiently providing you with a comfortable environment in the most cost effective manner.
Finding the right size
2. There are two basic methods for determining the proper size for your air conditioning unit - the professional method and the consumer method. The professional method, also known as the Manual J Load Calculation Method, involves taking into consideration the construction materials used in the home, type and level of insulation, number and size of windows, room sizes and many other factors. Few lay people have the skills to make the necessarily calculation using the professional method. The consumer method, however, is easy enough that almost anyone with a basic understand of math can make an accurate estimate. Determine the square footage in the room to be cooled by multiplying the length by the width. If you will be cooling more than one room, simply do the same formula for each room and add the sums together. According to the Department of Energy a one-ton unit is sufficient to cool up to 550 square feet of living space. A two-ton unit can handle up to 1500 square feet, and a three-ton unit is required for more than 2500 square feet.
Adjustments
3. Most contemporary air conditioning units are measured in BTUs, a measure of how much energy is required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree F. One ton of cooling capacity is defined as the cooling effect of one ton of melting ice over a 24 hour period. The conversion equals 12,000 BTUs to one ton. When calculating cooling capacity add 4000 BTUs, or 1/3 ton, if the unit will be cooling the kitchen. Add 10% to the total square footage for rooms that receive a lot of exposure to the sun.
Answered by Upender Kuma
at
11:21 PM on August 02, 2009
