1. What is Tons of Refrigeration?

A ton of refrigeration is a unit of power used in North America to describe the heat-extraction capacity of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. It is defined as the rate of heat transfer that results in the freezing or melting of 1 short ton (2,000 lb) of pure ice at 0°C in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Conversion Work?

The conversion formula is:

Where:

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

Explanation: One ton of refrigeration is equal to 12,000 BTU per hour. This conversion is fundamental for sizing heating and cooling systems.

3. Importance of Proper Sizing

Details: Properly sizing HVAC systems is crucial for energy efficiency, comfort, and equipment longevity. Undersized systems struggle to maintain temperature, while oversized systems short-cycle, reducing efficiency and comfort.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the tons of refrigeration value to calculate the equivalent BTU/h rating. This helps in selecting appropriately sized heating and cooling equipment.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1 ton equal to 12,000 BTU/h?
A: This originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: How do I determine what size system I need?
A: Professional load calculations consider many factors including square footage, insulation, windows, climate, and occupancy.

Q3: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures energy, while BTU/h measures power (energy per time). HVAC systems are rated in BTU/h.

Q4: Can I use this for both heating and cooling systems?
A: Yes, the ton to BTU conversion applies to both heating and cooling capacity measurements.

Q5: What are common residential HVAC sizes?
A: Residential systems typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h), depending on home size and climate.