1 ton, 1.5 tons, and 2 tons: What is the meaning of ton in AC? It is not weight but..., how does it work?
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 = 12,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour. 1-ton AC removes 12,000 BTU/hour. 1.5-ton AC removes 18,000 BTU/hour. 2-ton AC removes 24,000 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 (2,000 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 it's 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.
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Buyers like its quiet operation and energy savings. It adjusts cooling based on your needs to save power. The Daikin 0.8 ton split AC is made for smaller rooms where steady cooling matters. It has a copper coil that lasts longer and a filter to keep dust out. It's easy to operate, reliable, and won't cost much. If you want one of the best split ACs under ₹ 30,000 that works well and won't cause you any trouble, this is a good pick for small rooms. Special Features Inverter Compressor, Dry Mode, Self Diagnosis, Air Purification Filter, Dehumidifier, Dust Filter, Fast Cooling Annual Energy Consumption 548.84 Kilowatt Hours Per Year Works well for small rooms Copper coil helps with durability Filters out dust and pollutants Fixed speed means no variable cooling Basic features, no smart functions What are buyers saying on Amazon? Buyers say it cools well and runs quietly, just right for smaller rooms. This AC keeps small rooms cool without wasting electricity. Godrej 1 ton split AC quietly does what most budget ACs promise but often fail to deliver. It cools your room without a fight, even when the temperature outside crosses 50 degrees celsius. If you're after one of the best split ACs under ₹ 30,000, this one doesn't try to impress with extras. It cools well, keeps things simple, and does what it's meant to do. Special Features i-sense technology, Self clean technology, Anti dust filter, 5-in-1 convertible, Self diagnosis Cooling Modes 5-in-1 Convertible cooling to manage power use Compressor Inverter with heavy-duty cooling up to 52°C Condenser Coil 100% Copper Stays stable in high heat, good for peak Indian summers Power control modes help you keep electricity use in check Cooling may feel slower in power-saving modes Not the quietest unit when running at full speed What are buyers saying on Amazon? Cools steadily even when the temperature outside goes above 45°C. It handles extreme summer temperatures without blinking. 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It comes with five cooling modes so you can adjust how cold you want it. The arctic wrap technology helps keep the compressor safe when temperatures rise up to 55 degree celsius. If you're a shopper and wanted to buy one of the best split ACs under ₹ 30,000, this model offers great cooling speed without extra noise or complexity. Special Features AiSense Technology, PM 1.0 Filter Annual Energy Consumption 644.74 Kilowatt Hours Cooling Modes 5-in-1 Convertible Cooling Filter PM 1.0 Microbacterial Filter Multiple cooling modes to suit your comfort level Filters out fine dust and bacteria from the air Only suitable for small rooms due to 1 ton capacity No inverter technology, so might use more power compared to inverters What are buyers saying on Amazon? Good cooling for small rooms and handles heat well. If you need one of the best split ACs under ₹ 30,000, this offers steady cooling with simple controls. When the heat climbs and space is tight, the Lloyd 0.8 ton inverter split AC steps in quietly. It adjusts cooling to match your needs and traps dust and viruses with its special filters. For those searching for the best split ACs under ₹ 30,000 that simply get the job done, this model keeps your room comfortable and the air cleaner, just the way you want it. Trust this split AC and buy it from Amazon. Special Features Golden Fin Evaporator, Anti-Viral Filter + PM 2.5 Filter, 5 in 1 Convertible, Cools Even at 52˚C, Smart 4 Way Swing, Turbo Cool, 100% Copper, Low Gas Detection, Clean Filter Indication Annual Energy Consumption 549.06 Kilowatt Hours Filter Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter Adjusts cooling to your room size and weather Filters air to reduce dust and viruses Not suitable for rooms larger than 100 sq ft Lacks smart features like Wi-Fi control What are buyers saying on Amazon? Keeps rooms cool quietly and handles dust well. This AC flexes its power to suit your day-to-day comfort without wasting energy. When you live in a state where summer is the worst time to bear and you want a budget friendly split AC, then you can consider this Cruise 1 ton split AC for your home to protect yourself from these unbearable hot days. It's simple, does the job without extra noise or complications, and lets you stay cool without worrying about the cost. If keeping things simple matters, this AC fits right in. Special Features Inverter Compressor, Auto Clean, Air Purification Filter, Fast Cooling Air Filtration 7-Stage Filter Cooling Modes Convertible 4-in-1 Annual Energy Consumption 685.18 Kilowatt Hours Good build quality with copper coil for durability Air filter helps reduce dust and pollutants May not be ideal for very large rooms Lacks advanced smart controls What are buyers saying on Amazon? Consistent cooling and quiet operation make it easy to use daily. Its multiple modes let you adjust settings to your comfort. If you know your space and don't expect showy extras, this range can genuinely deliver. Many brands now offer good cooling, decent filters, and inverter tech within this price. It's not about settling, it's about choosing what actually matters. Comfort over frills. It depends on what you pick, not just the price. Some ACs in this bracket can handle 50 degree celsius days without breaking down. Look for a great compressor, copper coil, and real user reviews. Heat shouldn't scare you if the basics are right. If you're cooling a small or medium room, stretching might not get you much more. What matters is choosing a model that works for your space, not just what sounds fancy. In this range, a no nonsense AC can be all you really need. • Cooling capacity: Match the tonnage to your room size. Around 0.8 to 1 ton is enough for rooms up to 120 sq. ft. Anything larger will underperform. • Compressor type: Prefer inverter compressors if available in your budget. They adjust power based on heat load and can lower your electricity bills over time. • 100% Copper coil: Look for models with a copper condenser coil. They're more durable, easier to maintain, and handle heat better than aluminium ones. • High ambient cooling: Check if the AC can work in temperatures above 45°C. This is important if you live in a region that faces extreme summer heat. • Convertible modes: Some models now offer 4-in-1 or 5-in-1 cooling modes. These aren't gimmicks; they let you adjust power usage depending on the day. • Air filters: If you live in a city or have allergies, check for PM 2.5 or anti-viral filters. They help reduce indoor dust and pollutants. • Energy rating: A 3 star rated AC gives a decent balance between upfront cost and power usage. Go higher if you use ACs longer each day. • Noise levels: Quiet operation matters, especially in bedrooms. Look for ACs that mention low indoor unit noise in specs. Under 40 dB is ideal. Best Split ACs under ₹ 30,000 Technology Filter Type Special Features Whirlpool 1 Ton 3 Star Split AC Fixed Speed Dust Filter Turbo Cooling, Auto Restart Daikin 0.8 Ton 3 Star Split AC Fixed Speed PM 2.5 Filter Coanda Airflow, Copper Condenser Godrej 1 Ton 3 Star Split AC Inverter, 5-in-1 Anti-Dust Filter Heavy-duty Cooling at 52°C, 5-Year Warranty Cruise 1.5 Ton Inverter Split AC Inverter, 4-in-1 PM 2.5 + 7-Stage Filtration C-Protekt Coating, Convertible Cooling Acer 1 Ton 3 Star Split AC Inverter, 5-in-1 PM 1.0 Micro bacterial Filter AiSense Tech, Arctic Wrap Cooling Lloyd 0.8 Ton Inverter Split AC Inverter, 5-in-1 Anti-Viral + PM 2.5 Filter Silver Deco Strip, Self-Diagnosis Cruise 1 Ton 3 Star Inverter Split AC Inverter, 4-in-1 PM 2.5 + 7-Stage Filtration Clean Xpress, Eco Mode, 100% Copper Disclaimer: Mint has an affiliate marketing partnership, which means we may get some commission on purchases you make through the retailer sites links provided. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content, which is free from any bias or marketing pitch. We strive to provide accurate and unbiased information to help you make informed decisions. We recommend verifying details with the retailer before making a purchase.
