How to Estimate the BTU Required Per Ton of Air Conditioning
- 1). Find out the total tonnage of your air conditioning unit. This information will be listed on the air conditioner's box -- for smaller window and in-wall units -- and in the original documentation -- for larger central air units.
- 2). Type the number of tons of air conditioning you referenced in Step 1 into a calculator. If you have a 3-ton air conditioner, for example, type "3" into your calculator.
- 3). Multiply the tonnage of your air conditioner by 12,000. For every one ton of an air conditioner, that unit is capable of outputting 12,000 British thermal units per hour. The number you get is the BTU requirement for your air conditioner. For example, if you have a 3-ton air conditioner, 3 x 12,000 = 36,000 BTUs per hour.