What is the typical cooling load in a southern U.S. climate per ton?

In a southern U.S. climate, the typical cooling load is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per ton of air conditioning. One ton of cooling capacity is generally considered to be equivalent to the ability to remove 12,000 BTUs of heat per hour. However, due to higher temperatures and humidity levels prevalent in southern climates, the cooling load can increase significantly.

The range of 450 to 700 BTUs per ton is accurate for southern regions because they often require additional cooling capacity to handle the higher heat and humidity. This ensures that homes and buildings remain comfortable during the hot summer months. It factors in the intensity of the heat, the duration of cooling needs, and the moisture that must be removed from the air for comfort.

Understanding this cooling load is critical for properly sizing HVAC units to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Under-sizing can lead to insufficient cooling and increased energy costs, while over-sizing can cause short cycling and issues with humidity control. Thus, the range of 450 to 700 BTUs per ton corresponds to the specific climatic needs of the southern U.S. region.