Electric Heat Pump Split System Selector
Easy System Selector Tool
Use this tool to guide you to the best heating and cooling solution for your home.
Step 3: Heat Pump & Air Handler - Tonnage
What tonnage do you need for your heat pump?
Use our Sizing Calculator to quickly find your tonnage needs.
How to Calculate Tonnage
Tonnage applies to the following systems:
- Air Conditioners (AC): Measures cooling capacity
- Heat Pumps: Measures both heating and cooling capacity
- Air Handlers: Do not have tonnage themselves, but must be matched to tonnage of AC or heat pump
There are two ways to calculate tonnage:
- From BTU rating:
Tonnage = BTU Rating / 12,000 (Because 1 Ton is equivalent to 12,000 BTU) - Using Square Footage (Estimate):
Tonnage = (Square Footage x 20) / 12,000 (A number from 20 to 25 is used for BTU per sq. ft. depending on insulation, climate, and efficiency)
Example (left): You can also check the model number included on the data label on your current system. Many manufacturers encode BTU ratings in it. Look for a 2-digit even number within it (e.g., ACIQ-24-HP = 24,000 BTUs = 2 tons).
TIPS
Tonnage
Tonnage in heat pumps refers to the unit's heating and cooling capacity, where 1 ton equals the ability to remove 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour.
How to Determine the Right BTU or Tonnage for Your HVAC System
Use the guide and tools below to find the right system size for your space.
Step 1: Locate Your Current System’s Info
You can usually find the BTU listed on your furnace’s data sticker, often located inside the cabinet door or on the inner or outer wall of the cabinet. On an air conditioner, the data sticker is typically found on the outer panel of the outdoor condenser unit, often near the electrical disconnect box.
Look for terms like M/N, Prod, Mod No, or Model Number to identify your system. These numbers can also help you find a replacement if needed and the product manual (if you need to look up the BTU/Tonnage).
Step 2: Calculating BTU and Tonnage
You can also use the model number to determine BTUs. You’ll find an even number within the model number string. Multiply this number by 10,000 to calculate the unit’s BTU.
From there, tonnage is typically calculated by dividing BTUs by 12,000 (since 1 ton = 12,000 BTUs).
If you don’t have product data available, you can also use our sizing calculator to use square feet to determine your needs.
Furnace Data Sticker
Model Number: DGAT070BDF
BTU: 70,000
AC (Heat Pump) Data Sticker
Model Number: ACIQ-24-HP
BTU: 24,000 Â Â TONNAGE: 2.0
