1. What is a Heat Pump Tons to BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts cooling capacity from tons to BTU per hour (BTU/h) for heat pumps and air conditioning systems.

Purpose: It helps HVAC professionals and homeowners understand the cooling capacity of their systems in different units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Cooling capacity in BTU per hour
• \( T \) — Cooling capacity in tons

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

3. Importance of Tons to BTU Conversion

Details: Understanding both units is crucial when selecting HVAC equipment, comparing systems, or working with specifications that use different units.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in tons to get the equivalent in BTU per hour.

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 for all systems?
A: While the conversion is standard, actual system performance may vary slightly based on efficiency and operating conditions.

Q3: Can I convert BTU back to tons?
A: Yes, divide BTU/h by 12,000 to get tons.

Q4: What's a typical residential heat pump size?
A: Most homes use 1.5 to 5 ton systems (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h).

Q5: Does this apply to heating capacity too?
A: Generally yes, but heat pumps often have different heating and cooling capacities, so check specifications.