How can I tell how many tons my carrier AC unit is?

Author: Dr. Jazmyn Renner DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, August 7, 2025

Find your condensing unit and search for a data plaque or sticker on the side. You should see a model number and a string of numerals and letters. There should also be an even, two-digit number – which indicates the AC tonnage of the unit. This number is typically between 18 and 60.

How to tell tonnage on carrier AC unit?

Simply divide the BTUs by 12,000 to calculate the tonnage of your unit. For example, if your air conditioner is 36,000 BTUs, you have a 3-ton unit. Some manufacturers bury tonnage or BTU information in their model numbers. Look for an even, two-digit number between 18 and 60.

How to check AC tonnage from model number?

An air conditioner's model number is a string of numbers and letters. Within the string, you should see an even, two-digit number. Add three zeroes to the number and you have the BTU rating. Divide the two-digit number by 12, and you have the tonnage.

How do I read my carrier AC model number?

Look on the back of your unit, and you'll find the model number listed on a silver series rating-plate located above the service valve connections.

How many BTUs are in a ton?

The size, or capacity, of the heat pump is expressed in either nominal tons or British Thermal Units (BTU). One ton of capacity is equivalent to 12,000 BTU per hour or 3.5 kW.

air conditioner tonnage calculation : how to find air conditioner size

How to calculate tonnage of AC?

Summary of the 3 simple steps to calculate AC tonnage:
  1. Find the square footage of the area you want to cool.
  2. Multiply the number of square feet you are cooling by 25. Example: if your home has 1,500 sq. feet, you would like to cool, 1,500 multiplied by 25 would be 37,500.
  3. Lastly, divide that BTU number by 12,000.

How to determine the size of an AC unit?

Once you have the room's total square footage, multiply it by 25. The outcome will tell you the best BTU rating for your window air conditioners. For example, if your room is 180 square feet, you need an air conditioner with 4,500 BTUs since 180 x 25 = 4,500.

What indicates ton in AC?

A ton, as used in the HVAC field, is a term that describes how much heat the AC unit can remove from a home in one hour. The measurement for heat is the British thermal unit (BTU). One ton of air conditioning can remove 12,000 BTUs of air per hour. A four ton unit can move 48, 000 BTUs and so on.

What tonnage is my unit?

Look for the model number, and then within the model for an even number between 18 and 60. That is the BTU rating for the unit. Divide that number by 12, and you'll have your AC tonnage.

How to find carrier SEER rating?

Once an air conditioner or heat pump is installed, the SEER2 rating should be easy to locate – it will be displayed on the bright yellow EnergyGuide label on the unit.

How many square feet is a 2 ton air conditioner good for?

For those of you that don't understand the way AC systems work, a 2-ton unit typically provides cooling for about 900-1,400 square feet of space – give or take.

Is a 3 ton AC too big for 1500 square feet?

Homes measuring 1,000-1,500 square feet: You'll need a 2-ton unit, which corresponds to a cooling capacity of 24,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 1,500-2,000 square feet: You'll require a 3-ton unit, equivalent to 36,000 BTUs per hour. Homes measuring 2,000-2,500 square feet: A 4-ton unit is necessary.

What is the average cost of a 4 ton AC unit?

The cost of a 4-ton AC unit typically ranges between $4,000 to $5,500. However, this price can vary depending on factors such as the brand, model, energy efficiency rating (SEER), and additional features like advanced filtration systems or smart thermostats.

Will a bigger AC unit cool my house better?

However, the truth is an oversized system will not do a better job of cooling the house or provide any extra comfort over a properly sized unit. Air conditioner size is calculated in BTU (British Thermal Units) and tons, and measures how much heat the system can remove from the home in one hour.

How to tell carrier tonnage?

Find your condensing unit and search for a data plaque or sticker on the side. You should see a model number and a string of numerals and letters. There should also be an even, two-digit number – which indicates the AC tonnage of the unit. This number is typically between 18 and 60.

How many sq ft will a 3 ton AC cool?

The square footage covered by a 3 ton AC unit depends on multiple variable but accounting for a quick estimate, roughly 1500-1800 square feet.

How to calculate tonnage?

tonnage, in shipping, the total number of tons registered or carried or the total carrying capacity. Gross tonnage (GT) is calculated from the formula GT = K1V, where V is the volume of a ship's enclosed spaces in cubic metres and K1 is a constant calculated by K1 = 0.2 + 0.02 log10 V.

How many ton AC do I need for 1500 sq ft?

How do I determine the right AC size for my 1200 to 1500 sq ft home? For homes ranging from 1200 to 1500 square feet, picking out the right AC size is important for energy efficiency. A 2 to 2.5 ton AC unit (24,000 to 30,000 BTUs) is typically suitable for a home that is between 1200 to 1500 square footage.

How many square feet will 1 ton AC cover?

Many contractors use rules of thumb to decide what size cooling equipment to install. Usually, the rule is based on the amount of conditioned floor area, and contractors in many areas generally use the rule of 1 ton of air conditioning capacity for each 400 to 600 square feet of floor area.

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