What does tonnage refer to in HVAC systems?

In HVAC systems, tonnage specifically refers to the capacity of a cooling system to remove heat, measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. One ton of cooling capacity is equivalent to the ability to remove 12,000 BTUs of heat from a space in one hour. This measurement is directly tied to the performance of air conditioning units and chillers, as it quantifies how effectively these systems can cool a designated area by transferring heat away from it.

Understanding tonnage is essential for correctly sizing HVAC equipment to match the cooling load of a space, ensuring that the system operates efficiently and effectively. This concept helps HVAC professionals design systems that can meet the thermal demands of buildings while maintaining comfort for occupants.