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BTU to Tons Conversion Formula:
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The BTU to Tons conversion is used in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems to convert British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/hr) to cooling tons. One ton of cooling 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 simple division converts BTU/hr measurements to the standard tons measurement used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Details: Accurate conversion between BTU/hr and tons is essential for proper sizing of HVAC equipment, energy efficiency calculations, and comparing cooling capacities across different systems and manufacturers.
Tips: Enter the BTU/hr value in the input field. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent cooling tons. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: Why is 12,000 BTU/hr equal to 1 ton?
A: This originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical residential AC unit size?
A: Most residential air conditioners range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/hr), depending on home size and climate.
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 measurement is primarily used for cooling capacity, the conversion can help understand heat pump capacities that provide both heating and cooling.
Q5: What happens if my AC unit is oversized?
A: Oversized units cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency, increasing humidity, and shortening equipment lifespan due to more frequent start-stop cycles.