Understanding HVAC Terminology
The HVAC industry relies on a variety of specific measurements and ratings. Our conversion tools make it easy to translate these technical specifications into numbers you can understand.
What is a SEER Rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling output of an air conditioner over a typical cooling season divided by the total electrical energy input. A higher SEER rating means greater energy efficiency. Use our SEER Savings Calculator to see if the higher upfront cost of a premium unit is worth the long-term savings on your energy bill.
Tons vs. BTUs vs. Watts
- BTU (British Thermal Unit): The traditional measure of heat. One BTU is the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.
- Ton: In HVAC, a "ton" of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTUs per hour. This historically referred to the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours. Our Ton to BTU converter handles this translation instantly.
- Watts: Electrical power is measured in Watts. Our BTU to Watts converter is particularly useful when you need to know if a window AC unit or portable cooler will overload a specific electrical circuit in your home.
Why Duct Sizing Matters
Even the most perfectly sized, high-SEER air conditioner will underperform if it is connected to improper ductwork. Ducts that are too small restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and increasing noise. Ducts that are too large will fail to maintain enough air velocity to push conditioned air to the furthest rooms in the house. The Duct Size Calculator helps estimate the required dimensions to maintain proper static pressure and velocity.