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How to Read the Tonnage on Your AC Unit...

By
Home Inspector with Complete Home Inspections, Inc. TN Lic#050

How to Read the Tonnage on Your AC Unit...
     One of the questions that many folks asked on yesterday's post, was how does one know the tonnage of their air conditioning system. On the system's model number there will be a number: 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 60. Take this number and divide by 12. This will give the tonnage. i.e. 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.
     The only variation in this numbering scheme will be the newer Puron units. The manufacturers decided to make the evenly divisible numbers one more or one less. i.e. a 2 ton unit may have a model number that reads XXXX23 or XXXX25. Engineers, gotta luv 'em..
.

Typical model/serial number for AC unit

Posted by

Complete Home Inspections, Brentwood TN 615.661.0297
 

Comments (37)

Daniel H. Fisher
www.FisherHermanRealty.com (704) 617-3544 - Charlotte, NC
MCRP - Charlotte Real Estate, NC or SC

Good post. Knowing the tonnage is easier than knowing what the tonnage should be or what tonnage is upstairs and downstairs. 

Aug 11, 2011 01:09 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I'm on my way to look at mine.

Aug 11, 2011 02:06 AM
Jerry Newman
Brown Realty, 210-789-4216, - San Antonio, TX
Texas REALTOR, San Antonio Military Relocation

Hi Michael. I never knew how to do this. Thanks, I will need to check out my unit today too.

Aug 11, 2011 02:08 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Michael, have I told you lately how much you rock?  I love how you teach us everything from photography, inspector stuff, etc....great job!

Aug 11, 2011 02:41 AM
Laura S. Baker
First Weber Inc - Lake Mills, WI
Realtor (920) 728-4118, First Weber Inc

Michael, I'm with Particia and Kristin!  You rock Teach!  You know I have to run down to my basement and check mine out now!  Oh well, need the exercise!  Thanks!

@ Jay,... Thank you too for laying it out that way!

Aug 11, 2011 02:48 AM
Chris Smith
Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON
South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Michael, honestly I have never thought of asking this question, but, now that I know how easy it is, I am very glad you have answered it =)

Aug 11, 2011 02:50 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

This is really good information Michael.  Now I am going to go home and make sure that I have the right sized AC.  I never even really thought about it.  Thanks.

Aug 11, 2011 03:06 AM
Charles Buell
Charles Buell Inspections Inc. - Seattle, WA
Seattle Home Inspector

Michael, another way is to take the RLA and divide it by 7

Aug 11, 2011 04:15 AM
Don MacLean
New England Real Estate Center Inc. - Easton, MA
Realtor-Homes for Sale- Easton, Mass 02356

Great tip Micheal

It takes an engineer to figure it out,................I guess thats job security.

Enjoy the day

Aug 11, 2011 06:38 AM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Now that is something I didn't know Michael! Thanks for that tidbit 

Aug 11, 2011 07:32 AM
Ellen Caruso
Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty - Glen Head, NY

Michael, I don't want to read my tonnage on the scale so why would I want to read the one on my AC unit? LOL I'll leave that job to my husband who builds our houses and puts them in!

Aug 11, 2011 01:57 PM
Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Michael - I'll have my 23 year old son read this and this will now be his job - lol!

Aug 12, 2011 12:33 PM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Good morning Michael.

Those are number for the technician to know, unless you are a tech savvy.

Have a great day.

Aug 12, 2011 10:40 PM
Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy and morning Michael

Michael,
this here sure is a mighty helpful blog post, for Home Buyers and Home Owners.

Have a good one
Dale

Aug 13, 2011 11:51 PM
Carol Zingone
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Network Realty - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Global Realtor in Jax Beach, FL - ABR, CRS, CIPS

Michael - easy to read, thanks. I didn't know the newer Puron units would have different numbering, that will keep us on our toes a bit as they become more predominant.

Aug 14, 2011 12:31 AM
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Michael....just wanted you to know that I use this at every home I show now......Thanks!
Hope you have a great day!---Rob

Go Vols!

Aug 14, 2011 01:29 AM
Not a real person
San Diego, CA

Happy Monday!

Aug 14, 2011 09:16 PM
Sheila Newton Team Anderson & Greenville SC
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - C. Dan Joyner - Anderson, SC
Selling the Upstate since 1989

thanks for the helpful info.. I will have to look at mine.. :)

Aug 15, 2011 02:02 PM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Michael...

Where are you? It's been several days and we all miss you.

Aug 16, 2011 03:27 PM
Randy Ostrander
Lake and Lodge Realty LLC - Big Rapids, MI
Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI

Good evening Michael. I too have been wondering where you have been. Wearing two hats must keep you busy.

Aug 17, 2011 12:50 PM