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

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

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

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 the Conversion

Details: Understanding this conversion is crucial for proper HVAC system sizing, equipment selection, and energy calculations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the cooling capacity in tons. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent 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, which equals 288,000 BTU. Dividing by 24 hours gives 12,000 BTU/h.

Q2: Is this conversion exact?
A: Yes, the conversion factor of 12,000 BTU/h per ton is a defined standard in the HVAC industry.

Q3: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per time). Cooling capacity is always expressed in BTU/h.

Q4: How accurate is this conversion for all systems?
A: The conversion is standard, but actual system performance may vary based on efficiency, conditions, and other factors.

Q5: Can I convert back from BTU/h to tons?
A: Yes, simply divide the BTU/h value by 12,000 to get tons of cooling.