24,000 BTU is two tons, the smallest common central air conditioner and the largest common single-zone mini-split. In an average space it cools up to about 1,200 sq ft, with a best fit of 900 to 1,200 sq ft. The Energy Star room-AC chart is more generous here and lists 24,000 BTU for 1,400 to 1,500 sq ft; our 20 BTU per sq ft rule stays the same at every size.
A shaded, well insulated space stretches to about 1,480 sq ft; a sunny, poorly insulated one stops around 940; a 10 ft ceiling brings it to 960.
For a whole house, a rule of thumb stops being good enough. A 2-ton central system for a 1,200 sq ft house is common, but duct losses, window area, orientation and air leakage can move the right answer by half a ton either way. Ask the installer for a Manual J load calculation before you buy central equipment.
As heat, 24,000 BTU covers about 600 sq ft in a moderate climate, 800 in a hot one and 430 in a cold one. At an EER of 11 it draws about 2,180 W, 9.5 A at 230 V; newer central systems and mini-splits draw less. Converted, 24,000 BTU/hr is 7.03 kW or 2 tons.
How many square feet a 24,000 BTU air conditioner cools
Largest room the unit keeps up with, rounded down to the nearest 10 sq ft. Two occupants, 8 ft ceiling and moderate climate unless the row says otherwise.
| Room | Cools up to |
|---|---|
| Shaded, good insulation | 1,480 sq ft |
| Average room (baseline) | 1,200 sq ft |
| Very sunny, poor insulation | 940 sq ft |
| Hot climate, very sunny | 990 sq ft |
| 10 ft ceiling | 960 sq ft |
| 4 people instead of 2 | 1,140 sq ft |
| Kitchen in the space | 1,000 sq ft |
How many square feet 24,000 BTU of heat covers
By climate and insulation. For a gas heater, use its output rating (input × efficiency).
| Climate | Poor insulation | Average insulation | Good insulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| hot | 660 sq ft | 800 sq ft | 940 sq ft |
| moderate | 500 sq ft | 600 sq ft | 700 sq ft |
| cold | 360 sq ft | 430 sq ft | 510 sq ft |
24,000 BTU in kW, watts and tons
| Kilowatts | 7.03 kW |
| Watts | 7,034 W |
| Tons of cooling | 2.00 tons |
| Power an AC this size draws (EER 11) | about 2,182 W, 9.5 A at 230 V |
| Power an electric heater needs for this output | 7,034 W, 29.3 A at 240 V |
kW and watts here are heat output, the number on the box. An air conditioner moves that much heat while drawing far less electricity; an electric heater draws exactly as much as it puts out.
24,000 BTU questions
How many square feet does a 24,000 BTU air conditioner cool?
About 1,200 sq ft of open space in average conditions, with a best fit of 900 to 1,200. Shaded and well insulated, up to about 1,480; sunny and poorly insulated, about 940.
Is 24,000 BTU 2 tons?
Yes. One ton is 12,000 BTU/hr, so 24,000 BTU/hr is exactly 2 tons.
How many square feet does a 2 ton AC cool?
About 1,200 sq ft by the 20 BTU per sq ft rule. For a central system serving a whole house, get a Manual J calculation; ducts and windows can shift the answer by half a ton.