1. What is BTU to Tons of Cooling Conversion?

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 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 cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h, a standard conversion in the HVAC industry dating back to when one ton represented the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Importance of the Conversion

Details: Proper conversion between these units ensures accurate equipment sizing, system design, and performance comparisons in HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value to get the equivalent tons of cooling. The input must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the 12,000 BTU/h to 1 ton ratio is a standardized conversion in the HVAC industry.

Q3: What's a typical residential AC capacity?
A: Most homes have 1.5 to 5 ton systems (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).

Q4: How do I find the BTU rating of my AC?
A: Check the nameplate on the outdoor unit or manufacturer specifications.

Q5: Does this apply to both cooling and heating?
A: This conversion is specifically for cooling capacity. Heating capacity may use different metrics.