Tonnage Explained

Real Estate Agents Wear Many Hats…Including “Researcher”

When you think about the work a real estate agent does, you probably picture things like showing homes, writing offers, navigating tricky negotiations, or keeping a transaction moving smoothly from contract to closing. But did you know that we’re also researchers? Behind the scenes, we’re constantly digging for information—sometimes pretty unusual information—to help our clients make confident decisions. A perfect example popped up recently when a buyer asked us a question we don’t hear every day: “How much is the tonnage capacity of the HVAC system?” Wait… tonnage? As in tons? Well, yes—but not in the way you’d expect.

What Is HVAC Tonnage, Anyway?

“Tonnage” refers to the amount of heat an air conditioning system can remove from a home in one hour. It’s a measure of cooling power—not weight—and it’s important when you’re figuring out whether a system is properly sized for a home. In this case, our buyers were specifically trying to determine whether they’d need to install a second compressor to cool the basement if they chose to finish it. Smart planning on their part!

The Hidden Treasure Hunt: Finding the Tonnage

Here’s the fun part: manufacturers don’t always list tonnage on the equipment label in a nice, obvious spot. Oh no—apparently that would be too easy. Instead, they often hide the tonnage inside the model number itself. That means a little detective work is required. We’ve learned to decode model numbers, interpret manufacturer patterns, search product specifications, and occasionally call the company directly—whatever it takes to get accurate information for our clients.

Why This Matters

Whether it’s HVAC capacity, well depth, septic permits, zoning nuances, or the history of a building addition… your agent is doing far more behind the scenes than opening doors and filling out forms. We’re researching, verifying, confirming, and connecting the dots so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. And sometimes that means diving head-first into the secret world of HVAC model numbers. Just one more example of how real estate is never boring! If you ever have questions—even the oddly specific, highly technical ones—we're always happy to help track down the answer.