New Delhi: The summer season has now arrived in India. Many people will be preparing to buy a new AC this season. There are several factors to consider before purchasing a new AC. One of them is tonnage. You may have heard this term many times. Many people might think of it as weight. However it is not weight. So what exactly does it mean and why is it important for buyers to understand it? Let’s find out. In an air conditioner ton refers not to the weight of the AC unit but rather its cooling capacity. It is a measurement of how much heat can be removed from a place in one hour. Understanding ton in AC: 1 ton of cooling = 12000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. 1-ton AC removes 12000 BTU/hour. 1.5-ton AC removes 18000 BTU/hour. 2-ton AC removes 24000 BTU/hour. Why does ton matter to buyers? Choosing the right tonnage model while selecting an AC is essential for energy efficiency cooling performance and cost savings. Here’s why. This concept is related to the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours. Room Size and Cooling Efficiency The tonnage should match the room size. 0.8-1-ton AC - for small rooms (100-150 square feet). 1.5-ton AC - for medium-sized rooms (150-250 square feet). 2 tons or more - for large rooms (250+ square feet). If the AC is too small there will be cooling issues and the electricity bill will increase. If its too large it will cool quickly but not control humidity. An appropriately sized AC consumes less electricity leading to lower bills. High-star rated ACs (such as 5-star models) consume less power in the same tonnage resulting in savings over time. In hot and humid areas a model with a slightly higher tonnage is required. In areas with less usage a lower tonnage might be sufficient. This means that overall ton in AC refers to cooling capacity not weight. Choosing the right tonnage model based on room size climate and energy efficiency ensures better cooling and cost-effectiveness. Buyers should accurately assess their needs to avoid buying an AC that is either too large or too small.