Using the "Quick Guidelines for Cooling," how many tons of air conditioning are needed for conditioning 75,000 square feet of a grocery store?

The calculation for the appropriate amount of air conditioning required for a space can be determined using the "Quick Guidelines for Cooling." According to these guidelines, a general rule of thumb suggests using approximately 2 tons of air conditioning per 1,000 square feet of commercial building space in a grocery store or similar environment.

For a grocery store that is 75,000 square feet, the calculation would be as follows:

1. First, determine how many thousands of square feet the grocery store has. 75,000 square feet equals 75 (since 75,000 divided by 1,000 equals 75).

2. Next, multiply the number of thousands of square feet by 2 tons per thousand square feet:

75 (thousands of square feet) x 2 tons = 150 tons.

This basic calculation would suggest around 150 tons is necessary, but the correct answer reflects adjustments made for various factors such as occupancy, equipment heat, and other variables specific to grocery stores that may increase the cooling needs.

Taking these factors into consideration often leads to a higher requirement than indicated by the conservative estimate. Thus, 215 tons represents a more comprehensive approach to ensuring adequate cooling capacity for the mentioned conditions present in a