1. What is BTU to Tons Conversion?

The conversion between BTU (British Thermal Units) and tons is commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning to express cooling capacity. One ton of cooling capacity is equivalent to 12,000 BTU per hour.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr)

3. Importance of BTU to Tons Conversion

Details: This conversion is essential for sizing air conditioning systems, comparing cooling capacities, and ensuring proper system specifications in HVAC applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU value (must be greater than 0) and the calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of cooling capacity.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to 1 ton?
A: The term "ton" in refrigeration comes from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.

Q2: What is a typical BTU rating for home air conditioners?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 18,000 BTU (1.5 tons) to 60,000 BTU (5 tons) for central systems.

Q3: How do I determine how many tons I need for my space?
A: A rough estimate is 1 ton per 400-600 square feet, but professional Manual J calculations consider many factors.

Q4: Is this the same as electrical tons?
A: No, this refers specifically to cooling tons. Electrical measurements use different units (watts, kilowatts).

Q5: Can I convert tons back to BTU?
A: Yes, simply multiply tons by 12,000 to get BTU/hr (the reverse of this calculator's operation).