1. What is BTU to Tons 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 cooling capacity measurements.

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, derived from the heat absorbed by melting one ton of ice in 24 hours.

3. Importance of the Conversion

Details: HVAC systems are often rated in tons, while heat loads are calculated in BTUs. This conversion bridges these measurement systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the BTU/h value to get the equivalent tons of cooling. The calculation is automatic.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 12,000 BTU/h equals 1 ton?
A: This comes from the heat absorption of melting one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/24h = 12,000 BTU/h).

Q2: What's a typical residential AC capacity?
A: Most homes need 1-5 tons of cooling (12,000-60,000 BTU/h), depending on size and climate.

Q3: Is this the same for heating?
A: No, this conversion is specific to cooling capacity. Heating systems use different ratings.

Q4: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 12,000:1 ratio is standard in the HVAC industry, though actual system performance may vary slightly.

Q5: Can I convert tons back to BTUs?
A: Yes, simply multiply tons by 12,000 to get BTU/h.