1. What is a BTU to Tons of Cooling Calculator?

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

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and engineers quickly convert between these common units of cooling capacity measurement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( T \) — Tons of cooling
• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity in BTU/h

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/h, which originated from the cooling effect of one ton of ice melting over 24 hours.

3. Importance of Cooling Capacity Conversion

Details: Proper conversion between these units is essential for equipment sizing, system design, and specification comparison in HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in BTU/h. The calculator will automatically convert it to tons of refrigeration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the conversion factor 12,000?
A: This comes from the historical definition where one ton of refrigeration equals the heat absorbed by melting one ton of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/24h = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: What's a typical residential AC unit capacity?
A: Residential units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).

Q3: Is this calculator accurate for all cooling systems?
A: Yes, the conversion is standard for all vapor-compression refrigeration systems.

Q4: How do I find the BTU/h rating of my equipment?
A: Check the manufacturer's specification plate or documentation, usually labeled as "cooling capacity" in BTU/h.

Q5: What about metric tons of refrigeration?
A: One metric ton of refrigeration equals approximately 13,900 BTU/h (3.516 kW).