1. What is BTU to Ton Conversion?

BTU to ton conversion is used in the HVAC industry to convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to tons of refrigeration. One ton of refrigeration is equal to 12,000 BTU/h, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( Ton \) — Tons of refrigeration

Explanation: This simple division converts cooling capacity from BTU/h to the equivalent tons of refrigeration.

3. Importance of BTU to Ton Conversion

Details: This conversion is essential for HVAC professionals to properly size air conditioning systems, compare cooling capacities, and ensure appropriate system selection for residential and commercial applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h value in the input field. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will automatically convert it to tons of refrigeration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to one ton?
A: This conversion comes from the historical definition of a ton of refrigeration - the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours.

Q2: What is a typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Residential AC units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with each ton providing approximately 12,000 BTU/h of cooling capacity.

Q3: How do I calculate the tonnage needed for my space?
A: While this calculator converts BTU to tons, proper AC sizing requires a Manual J calculation that considers square footage, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors.

Q4: Is this conversion used worldwide?
A: While tons of refrigeration is primarily used in the US, the conversion is recognized internationally in the HVAC industry.

Q5: Can I convert tons back to BTU?
A: Yes, to convert tons to BTU/h, simply multiply the tonnage by 12,000 (BTU = Ton × 12000).