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The conversion from BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) to tons of refrigeration is used in HVAC and refrigeration industries to express cooling capacity. One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/h, 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 BTU per hour measurements to the equivalent cooling capacity in tons of refrigeration.
Details: This conversion is essential for HVAC professionals, engineers, and technicians to properly size and specify cooling equipment, compare system capacities, and ensure appropriate matching of components in refrigeration systems.
Tips: Enter the BTU/h value in the input field. The value must be a positive number. The calculator will automatically compute and display the equivalent tons of refrigeration.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: This originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: Is this conversion used worldwide?
A: While tons of refrigeration is primarily used in the US, the conversion is recognized internationally in the HVAC and refrigeration industries.
Q3: Can this calculator be used for heating capacity?
A: While the ton unit is specifically for refrigeration, the same conversion can be used for heating systems that use BTU/h measurements.
Q4: What are typical tonnage values for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with each ton providing approximately 12,000 BTU/h of cooling capacity.
Q5: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact - 1 ton always equals exactly 12,000 BTU/h, making the calculation precise.