How to Calculate Air Conditioning Tonnage & Wattage

The output of an air conditioning system is measured in tons, which means the amount of energy required each hour to make one ton of ice in a period of 24 hours. Before installing an air conditioning system, the correct tonnage must be calculated to ensure proper ventilation and cooling for the area.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Take measurements of the area to be cooled. Multiply the length, width and height of the area in foot measurements to arrive at the total area.

   • 2

     Divide the total area by 1000. The resulting number is your ton capacity.

   • 3

     Multiply your final tonnage by 3517 watts to find the wattage for your air conditioner.