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BTU to Tons Conversion:
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BTU to tons conversion is used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to convert British Thermal Units per hour to tons of refrigeration. One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/hr, which represents the amount of heat required to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This conversion is essential for sizing air conditioning systems and understanding cooling capacity in standard industry terms.
Details: Accurate conversion between BTU/hr and tons is crucial for proper HVAC system design, equipment selection, and energy efficiency calculations in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Tips: Enter the BTU/hr value you wish to convert. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of refrigeration. For 13,000 BTU/hr, the result is approximately 1.0833 tons.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/hr equal to one ton?
A: This comes from the historical definition where one ton of refrigeration represents the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice in 24 hours, which requires 288,000 BTU over 24 hours, or 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical tonnage for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 1.5 to 5 tons, with 2-3 tons being common for average-sized homes.
Q3: How do I determine the right tonnage for my space?
A: Professional HVAC contractors use Manual J calculations that consider square footage, insulation, windows, climate, and other factors to determine proper sizing.
Q4: Can I use this for heating systems too?
A: While the ton unit is primarily used for cooling capacity, the BTU conversion is universal. Heating systems are typically rated in BTU/hr directly.
Q5: What's the difference between BTU and tons?
A: BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures energy, while tons measure cooling capacity. One ton equals the ability to remove 12,000 BTU of heat per hour.