1. What is an Air Conditioner Ton to BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts cooling capacity from tons to BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour).

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners understand the cooling capacity of air conditioning systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity in BTU/h
• \( T \) — Cooling capacity in tons

Explanation: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h, which originates from the heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Importance of Ton to BTU Conversion

Details: Understanding this conversion helps in sizing air conditioning systems correctly and comparing different units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in tons and the calculator will provide the equivalent in BTU/h.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1 ton equal to 12,000 BTU/h?
A: This comes from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/24h = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the conversion factor is precisely 12,000 BTU/h per ton by definition.

Q3: What's the typical tonnage for residential AC?
A: Most homes use 1.5 to 5 ton units (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).

Q4: How do I determine what size AC I need?
A: A professional load calculation considers square footage, insulation, windows, and climate.

Q5: Are there AC units with fractional tonnage?
A: Yes, many residential units come in 0.5 ton increments (e.g., 1.5, 2, 2.5 tons).