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BTU/hr to Tons Conversion Formula:
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The BTU/hr to tons conversion is used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to convert British Thermal Units per hour to tons of refrigeration. One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This simple division converts cooling capacity from BTU per hour to the standard tons measurement used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Details: This conversion is essential for HVAC professionals, engineers, and technicians to properly size and specify air conditioning equipment, ensuring systems are correctly matched to cooling load requirements.
Tips: Enter the BTU per hour value in the input field. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of refrigeration.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/hr equal to one ton?
A: This comes from the historical definition where one ton of refrigeration represents the cooling effect of melting one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which requires 288,000 BTU over 24 hours, or 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What are typical tonnage sizes for residential AC units?
A: Residential systems typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with common sizes being 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 tons depending on home size and climate.
Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact - 1 ton always equals 12,000 BTU/hr. However, actual system performance may vary based on efficiency ratings and operating conditions.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for heating systems?
A: While the calculation works mathematically, tons are primarily used for cooling capacity. Heating systems are typically rated in BTU/hr directly or in other units like kW.
Q5: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/hr?
A: BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy, while BTU/hr (BTU per hour) is a rate of energy transfer or power, indicating how much energy is transferred per hour.