1. What is BTU to Tonnage Conversion?

The BTU to tonnage conversion is used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) to convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to refrigeration tons. One ton of refrigeration is equivalent to 12,000 BTU/h.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( Ton \) — Refrigeration tons

Explanation: This simple conversion divides the BTU value by 12,000 to determine the equivalent tonnage for refrigeration capacity.

3. Importance of Tonnage Calculation

Details: Accurate tonnage calculation is crucial for proper HVAC system sizing, energy efficiency, and ensuring adequate cooling capacity for residential and commercial spaces.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter BTU value in BTU/h. The value must be valid (BTU > 0). The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tonnage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/h equal to 1 ton?
A: This conversion comes from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: What is a typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Residential AC units typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, depending on the size of the space and climate conditions.

Q3: How do I determine the BTU requirements for my space?
A: BTU requirements depend on square footage, insulation quality, number of windows, climate, and other factors. Professional load calculations are recommended.

Q4: Can this conversion be used for heating systems?
A: While the ton unit is primarily used for cooling capacity, the conversion can be used for any BTU/h to tons calculation, though heating systems are typically rated in BTU/h directly.

Q5: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU is a unit of energy, while BTU/h (BTU per hour) is a rate of energy transfer over time, which is the proper unit for cooling capacity measurements.