Air Conditioners

You have probably heard about the term ‘tons of air conditioning’ but don’t know what it means. It’s an HVAC term that people often find hard to comprehend. HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

In the HVAC field, professionals use AC tonnage as a measurement of the capacity of an  air conditioning system.

Although you can trust your HVAC contractor to choose the best AC tonnage for your room or home, it’s good to understand what it means and why it matters. After all, you don’t want to end up with an AC unit that is too small and can’t cool your space or with an oversized AC that wastes energy and money, as well as costing too much to begin with.

Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand it. In this blog post, we will explain what air conditioning tonnage means and why it is important to you. We will also share an easy tonnage table to help you find the best AC for your needs.

What Is ‘Tonnage’ in Air Conditioning?

‘A ton of air conditioning”is a unit of measurement that represents the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. It indicates how much heat an AC system can extract from a space within an hour.

Tonnage is the AC cooling power – not the weight of the AC system.

BTU is a heat measuring unit similar to calorie. Ideally, one ton of air conditioning can remove 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) of heat in an hour from a space.

For example, A 3-ton air conditioner has a cooling capacity of 36,000 BTUs per hour, making it suitable for larger spaces while a 1-ton air conditioner can cool 12,000 BTUs per hour, making it ideal for smaller rooms or spaces.

The term ‘tonnage’ dates back to the early days of air conditioning when ice was used to cool buildings. Although some people claim that the term was given by Willis Carrier, the inventor of air conditioning, the exact origin of the term is uncertain. 

In the 19th century, one ton of cooling capacity was described as equivalent to the amount of heat needed to melt a ton of ice in a 24-hour period.

Regardless of its origin, the term ‘tonnage’ has become a standard unit of measurement in the air conditioning industry and is still widely used today. 

How to Determine AC Tonnage From Model Number

If you’re moving into a place that has an existing air conditioner, you want to find out the unit’s cooling capacity, known as its AC tonnage, so you can see if it is adequate for the space cooled.. 

Here is how to use the model number of an AC unit to determine its tonnage:

1. Go outside to the condensing unit and look for a data plate mounted to the side.
2. Locate the model number (M/N) and serial number (S/N) on the data plate, which is usually located near the top of the label.
3. See if you can find a two-digit number between 18 and 60 within the string of letters and numbers in the model number.
4. Generally, this number is the thousands of BTUs per hour capacity of the unit.
5. Divide that number by 12 to get the tonnage of the unit.
6. NOTE: This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so it may be necessary to look up the manufacturer’s system of encoding information into a model number..

For example, if the model number lists 24,000 BTUs per hour, divide by 12,000 to get 2 tons for your AC system.

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How Many Tons of AC Do I Need?

Your AC tonnage requirements depend on several factors. Here are some of them:

1. Size of the room: The size of the room is one of the primary factors that determine the AC tonnage required. The larger the room, the higher the tonnage required to cool it effectively.
2. Insulation: The level of insulation in the room also plays a crucial role in determining the AC tonnage required. Proper insulation can keep the cool air inside the room and prevent it from escaping, which means that a lower-tonnage AC is sufficient.
3. Ceiling height: The ceiling height is another factor affecting AC capacity requirements. Higher ceilings require more tonnage as more cool air is required to reach the ground level.
4. Location: Rooms that receive direct sunlight for prolonged periods require more tonnage as they tend to get hotter than those that are shaded.
5. Number of occupants: More occupants mean more heat generated, which requires more tonnage to cool the room effectively.
6. Type of windows: Rooms with larger windows or those with single-pane windows require more tonnage to compensate for the heat loss/gain through the windows.
7. Climate: In hotter regions, a higher tonnage AC may be required to effectively cool the room.
8. Heat-generating appliances: The presence of heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, and computers can also affect AC tonnage requirements. These appliances can increase the heat load in the room and may require a higher tonnage AC to maintain a comfortable temperature.
9. Building orientation: The orientation of the building can also affect AC tonnage requirements. Rooms that face north tend to receive less direct sunlight and may require a lower tonnage AC than those that face south or west.
10. Roofing material: Dark-colored roofing materials absorb more heat and may require a higher tonnage AC to compensate for the additional heat gain.
11. Humidity: In areas with high humidity, a higher tonnage AC may be required to effectively remove the moisture from the air and maintain a comfortable temperature.
12. Desired temperature: The desired temperature in the room is also a factor to consider. A lower temperature setting may require a higher tonnage AC to cool the room effectively.
13. Air Sealing: The extent to which the building is air-sealead to reduce leakage can be a major factor. Newer buildings are better sealed and need a lower tonnage.

Residential air conditioning systems typically require a thorough assessment of the home’s size, layout, construction, and insulation to determine the appropriate tonnage.

A general rule of thumb for AC sizing is that approximately one ton of cooling capacity is needed for every 600 square feet of space.

Air Conditioner Tonnage Chart

If you’re a Canadian homeowner who is looking to upgrade or replace your current heating or air conditioning system, you may have come across different terms like forced air vs central air; but do you really understand what these systems entail? Without knowing, it can be difficult to determine which type of system is best suited for your space.

This blog post is here to help clear up any confusion about how they’re different and the features and benefits of both forced air and central air systems. Once you’re finished, you will be able to make an informed decision on which one might be right for your home. Read on to get all the information that will ensure maximum HVAC efficiency in your home!

Forced Air vs Central Air: What’s the Difference?

Forced air vs central air is a question that many consumers face when upgrading or replacing their heating and cooling system. Forced air is the traditional type of HVAC system wherein an air duct carries heated or cooled air to all of the rooms in a home. The term central air applies to the air conditioning unit itself, while forced air applies to the air distribution system.

So, you can have a central air unit that uses your forced air heating system to cool your house. The term “central air” generally refers to the central unit, the machine which cools and dehumidifies the air. Alternatively, “forced air” applies to the delivery system used by the central unit, such as a fan, blower, ducts and vents.

What is Forced Air Heating?

Forced air heating is a type of central heating system which uses air to distribute air throughout the home. Forced air systems typically consist of a heater, coupled with a blower, ductwork and thermostat for temperature control. It’s important to note that while many refer to forced air heating as only heating systems, they can be any HVAC system capable of delivering temperature-controlled air into your home via ducts and vents.

Forced air is typically associated with heating as it often originates from a furnace or a ducted heat pump in your home. Heat generation is usually from burning some type of fuel like gas or propane, or using electricity. Then it’s circulated through vents in each room using the powerful fan of the furnace, creating a heated environment.

Forced air heating is both efficient and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for modern homeowners. Homeowners may even have the option to add on an air cooling system which cools down your house on hot days via the same ductwork used by your forced air system, such as a central air unit.

This contrasts with non-forced air heating, which would typically use radiators and a boiler or baseboard heating, for example. Both of these systems heat the ambient air directly within the rooms and living spaces rather than at a central location and then forcing the air through ducts in the walls.

What is Central Air?

Central air is a form of air conditioning that cools and circulates air throughout an entire house or building from a central source. It typically utilizes a unit placed outdoors and one attached to your furnace, which uses refrigerant to cool the air and then push it through a network of ducts (this is your forced air system) carrying the newly cooled air into all rooms of the home.

It differs from other cooling methods such as window units, which are only effective in one room at a time, or portable units which need to be moved between rooms and can be inefficient for larger spaces.

Central air is more efficient; therefore the cost of central air can be more up front in installation and equipment. However, because it is able to cool an entire space with one system, it also tends to be cheaper in the long run as energy bills should be lower than with separate cooling systems for each room.

Ductless heat pumps fall somewhere in between, as they typically have one or multiple inside units directly conditioning the air as opposed to a central unit for the entire home.

Can You Have Forced Air Cooling in Your Home?

Yes, in order to have a forced air cooling system in your home, you need to have two things. These are a forced air system and a cooling unit, such as a central air cooling unit.

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The Pros and Cons of a Forced Air System

Forced air systems are undoubtedly the most common way to heat and cool homes. They have many advantages but you should also be aware of their disadvantages.

Forced air system pros:

1. Efficient and fast cooling and warming. The biggest advantage of forced air systems is their efficiency—they can deliver heated air quickly and evenly throughout your home, making them ideal for large spaces.
2. Maintenance isn’t difficult. Compared to a boiler system with piping throughout the home, forced air systems tend to be cheaper to maintain.
3. Forced air systems can be integrated with other components such as humidifiers and air purifiers for improved indoor air quality. They can also integrate with central cooling systems.
4. They are reliable and energy efficient with regular maintenance.

Forced air system cons:

1. One major disadvantage of forced air systems is their noise—when the furnace kicks on it may be loud and disruptive.
2. These systems rely on ductwork which can become clogged with dust or debris over time, reducing the efficiency of the system and potentially leading to health problems due to poor indoor air quality. Regular maintenance will help with this.
3. Since these systems rely on ductwork they may not be suitable for homes with limited space or irregular layout. And if your home doesn’t have ductwork already installed, the cost and inconvenience of installing it is usually prohibitive.
4. They can cause uneven temperatures in parts of your home because they typically heat everything at the same time. If you are able to install individualized temperature control units, you could solve this problem.

The Pros and Cons of Central Air

Central air systems have been around for decades, and for good reason—they’re efficient, reliable, and relatively inexpensive. But before you commit to installing a central air unit in your home, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of this type of system. Let’s take a closer look.

Pros of Central Air Systems

1. The primary benefit of a central air system is that it allows you to cool multiple rooms simultaneously. This means you don’t need to purchase separate window units or space heaters for each room.
2. Since your central air system is connected directly to the main HVAC unit in your house, they tend to be more energy-efficient than other types of heating/cooling systems.

Cons of Central Air Systems

1. The biggest downside to central air systems is that they can be expensive to install initially. And again, if you don’t already have ductwork installed in your home, it’s not likely to be a feasible option.
2. Many homes that are heated with boilers or baseboard heaters won’t be suitable for central air systems as they don’t typically have ductwork.
3. Certain milder climates like in the Vancouver area, haven’t traditionally needed central air systems until recent heat waves led to a surge in demand, and high cost of installing them.

How Do I Know If a Forced Air Heating and Cooling System is Right for Me?

When deciding whether your home or office could benefit from a forced air heating and cooling system, the most important factor to consider is the size of the space, and whether ductwork exists in your home.

Or if you are constructing a new home, does it make sense to include ductwork. There is additional cost in installing ventilation ducts, but it does also provide the flexibility of enabling central HVAC systems.

Forced air systems use large ducts to efficiently circulate heated or cooled air, making them ideal for larger spaces such as an office building. However, if your space is small or irregularly shaped (like an attic room) then other HVAC solutions such as mini-splits may be more well suited since they don’t require extensive ductwork.

Additionally, you should consider both the cost and energy efficiency of any prospective system; some solutions may be more affordable in the short-term but not so efficient in the long run.

Ultimately, it pays to research your options and determine which HVAC system will best serve both your needs and budget.

Find the Best Central Air Conditioner Prices In Canada.

When you’re looking to buy an air conditioner from Costco, it’s important to do your research and make the most informed decision possible — buying an AC unit is a big investment and you want it to pay off for years to come. 

Costco is one of the top grocery and home furnishing stores in Canada, and so it’s no surprise that many Canadians look to Costco for major home appliances like AC units. The corporation is largely well-known and their cash-back incentive programs can be a big motivator.

But there are a few things you should be aware of before making a purchase. This article will walk you through the types of Costco air conditioners that are available, the process, brands, and financing options, and a pros and cons list. 

The Types of Costco Air Conditioners Available 

One of the benefits of shopping for an air conditioner at Costco, Canada is that you can browse different models. If you’re unsure what kind of air conditioner to buy for your house, take a look at our explanation of the different types of air conditioners available. 

Costco offers window and portable air conditioners you can store away during the cooler months for a low-cost, low-risk option. They also offer higher-cost models like ductless mini-split air conditioners, and whole-home central air conditioning systems that need to be installed by a professional. 

For a significant purchase for your household, whether that’s a hundred dollars or a few thousand, we recommend doing research, getting multiple quotes, and comparing your options. 

The Process of Buying an air conditioner at Costco 

Costco makes it easy for you to purchase an AC unit because they want you to buy their products. If you are buying a portable model, you can simply walk in with your Costco membership and buy one off the floor. If you do not have a Costco membership, you can buy one online and have it delivered to your home for a slightly higher price. 

If you are buying a model that requires HVAC installation, you can do so in three easy steps: 

1. Step one: Schedule a free, in-home consultation with Costco, who will often set you up with an HVAC consultant. You can set this up online through Costco’s site or by phone. 
2. Step two: A consultant will visit your home or have a virtual call with you to understand your HVAC needs. Then, you can decide on the products you would like to purchase and how you would like to pay. 
3. Step three: A certified contractor will be by your house to install your equipment. 

The big draw for many people who want to purchase a Costco air conditioner is the cash back incentives they often offer for larger purchases. These come in the form of store credit. If you are interested in a Lennox® air conditioning system, Costco often offers 10% cash back, which many find appealing. 

➥ But what many people don’t realize is that sometimes, Costco installs can cost more than a local supplier, which we will discuss the details of below. 

What Brands does Costco Sell? 

Costco has a few different brands they offer and these can fluctuate depending on their supplier contracts. Often, they are:

• Danby 
• Napoleon 
• TCL
• Hisense
• Tosot 

Costco also sells Lennox, a supplier that offers highly efficient systems. Lennox HVAC products are highly rated within the industry due to their reliability. 

Is Financing Available at Costco? 

No, financing is not available at Costco. They do, however, have a Costco credit card you can apply for to finance your purchase that way. Just be aware that the CIBC-supported Mastercard has an interest rate of 19.75%. 

It does also offer special interest rates with no installment fees for eligible Costco purchases. This is through the CIBC Pace It™ program that involves installment plans.

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What’s the Average Cost of Buying a Costco Canada Air Conditioner? 

The average cost of Costco’s portable units are in line with industry averages, typically in the $4,500 – $7,500 range including installation. These units may go on sale throughout the year. So if you are planning to buy one for the hotter months, keep checking Costco for deals during the off-season, especially at the beginning of fall when they are trying to off-load extra stock. You may find savings. 

Costco may be more expensive overall in some cases, and choosing a higher end brand like Lennox can also mean a higher total cost. The reason for this higher cost is because Costco will likely use a local contractor or HVAC company to install your air conditioner. They will need to raise their price to cover that cost.

The benefit of buying a Costco air conditioner is that you may be able to get cashback in a loyalty program. But you should map out the price difference between AC units in your quotes to see if it is worth it.

Before you purchase an air conditioner from Costco, be sure to get a few quotes from different suppliers and installation companies so you can make an informed decision. 

What HVAC Company does Costco Use? 

The HVAC company Costco uses will vary depending on where they are located. The company often has contracts with various contractors, some of which are our partner contractors at FurnacePrices.ca. If you decide to purchase a model that needs to be installed, be sure to ask which HVAC company they use. 

Once you know which company Costco uses, you can look up reviews of their installation process or call the company directly. Also, see if the HVAC company got certified by our unbiased certification process. 

The Pros and Cons of Dealing with Costco as Your Air Conditioner Supplier 

There are pros and cons when dealing with any third party. The more you know, the better prepared you will be. Here are a few points to consider:

Pros

• Trust is a motivator for many people. Costco has proven they are trustworthy and allow returns that other corporations may not, which is helpful for the portable air conditioners.
• Consistency is a factor in decision-making. Costco is typically consistent with the quality and products they offer. You cannot assume the same for third-party contractors, as is the case with HVAC products and installations. 
• There is transparency. Costco’s customer service process, its return policy, and other details are documented online.
• Incentives are a good push. Costco often offers an incentive to shop with them, like 10% back on your purchase price in store credit. 
• Costco offers additional Comfort Shield warranty coverage on many items. The Comfort Shield labor warranty program provides extra coverage for Lennox® products, for example. This coverage may alleviate your homeowners’ out-of-pocket costs for items like labour charges, diagnostic fees, and refrigerant that are not covered by the factory warranty. As with any HVAC system warranty, be sure to read the fine print and understand exactly what this warranty covers. 

Cons

• You don’t know who Costco will choose as a third-party for installation jobs. Guaranteeing quality installation is out of your control. 
• You will likely end up paying a markup for Costco to act as a third party between you and the HVAC installation company. 
• The Shield warranty Costco offers often comes with limitations and is only valid for 3 years. 
• Costco requires an annual membership fee which you may have to pay in order to buy Costco air conditioners in store.

Looking for a quote on a new air conditioner unit from carefully-vetted local contractors that you can trust? FurnacePrices.ca’s local contractors have passed our extensive Certification process and are proven to be trustworthy. Get a free air conditioner quote today!