Home
Back
BTU/hr to Tons Conversion Formula:
| From: | To: |
The conversion from BTU/h (British thermal units per hour) to tons is used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to express cooling capacity. One ton of cooling 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 the cooling capacity from BTU per hour to the equivalent in tons of cooling capacity.
Details: Accurate conversion between BTU/h and tons is essential for proper HVAC system sizing, equipment selection, and energy efficiency calculations in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h value in the input field. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute and display the equivalent cooling capacity in tons.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: This originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with the average home requiring 2-4 tons depending on square footage and climate.
Q3: How do I determine the BTU/h requirement for my space?
A: BTU/h requirements depend on room size, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors. A professional HVAC calculation is recommended for accurate sizing.
Q4: Can this conversion be used for heating systems?
A: While the conversion is primarily used for cooling capacity, it can also apply to heating systems when expressing capacity in equivalent tons.
Q5: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU is a unit of energy, while BTU/h is a rate of energy transfer per hour. BTU/h indicates how much heat can be removed or added per hour.