1. What is BTU to Tons Conversion?

The conversion between BTU (British Thermal Units) and tons of refrigeration is commonly used in HVAC and refrigeration systems. One ton of refrigeration 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 and refrigeration equipment, comparing system capacities, and ensuring proper system design.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to 1 ton?
A: This originates from the amount of heat needed to melt one ton (2000 lbs) of ice in 24 hours (288,000 BTU/24 hr = 12,000 BTU/hr).

Q2: Is this the same as metric tons?
A: No, refrigeration tons are based on short tons (2000 lbs). A metric ton (1000 kg) would be approximately 1.1023 refrigeration tons.

Q3: Can this be used for heating capacity?
A: While the calculation works the same, heating systems are typically rated in BTU rather than tons.

Q4: What's a typical residential AC capacity?
A: Most homes have systems between 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU).

Q5: How precise is this conversion?
A: The 12,000 BTU/ton ratio is an exact definition, so the conversion is mathematically precise.