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BTU to Tons Conversion Formula:
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The BTU to Tons conversion is used in air conditioning and refrigeration to convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h) to cooling capacity in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts the cooling capacity from BTU per hour to equivalent tons, where one ton represents the cooling power of one ton of ice melting over 24 hours.
Details: This conversion is essential for sizing air conditioning systems, comparing cooling capacities, and ensuring proper HVAC system selection for residential and commercial applications.
Tips: Enter BTU value in BTU per hour. The value must be positive and valid. The calculator will automatically convert to tons using the standard conversion factor of 12,000 BTU per ton.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU equal to one ton?
A: This comes from the historical definition where one ton of cooling represented the heat absorption of one ton of ice melting over 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical BTU rating for residential AC units?
A: Residential air conditioners typically range from 18,000 BTU (1.5 tons) to 60,000 BTU (5 tons) depending on the size of the space being cooled.
Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact since 12,000 BTU per ton is a defined standard conversion factor in the HVAC industry.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for heating systems?
A: While primarily used for cooling capacity, the same conversion can be applied to heating systems when expressing capacity in equivalent tons.
Q5: What are common tonnage sizes for AC units?
A: Common residential sizes include 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, and 5 tons, corresponding to 18,000, 24,000, 30,000, 36,000, 42,000, 48,000, and 60,000 BTU respectively.