1. What is BTU to Ton Conversion?

The conversion between BTU/h (British Thermal Units per hour) and tons of refrigeration is a standard calculation in HVAC and refrigeration systems. One ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU/h, which represents the cooling capacity needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conversion formula:

Where:

• \( \text{BTU/h} \) — British Thermal Units per hour
• \( \text{Ton} \) — Tons of refrigeration
• \( 12000 \) — Conversion factor (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/h)

Explanation: This simple division converts cooling capacity from BTU/h to the equivalent tons of refrigeration capacity.

3. Importance of BTU to Ton Conversion

Details: This conversion is essential for HVAC professionals, engineers, and technicians to properly size air conditioning systems, compare cooling capacities, and ensure equipment meets specific cooling requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the BTU/h value in the input field. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent tons of refrigeration. The default value is set to 5000 BTU/h for quick conversion.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 1 ton equal to 12,000 BTU/h?
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/h), depending on home size and climate.

Q3: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise since 1 ton is defined as exactly 12,000 BTU/h in refrigeration terms.

Q4: Can I convert tons back to BTU/h?
A: Yes, simply multiply tons by 12,000 to get BTU/h (BTU/h = Tons × 12,000).

Q5: Is this used for heating as well as cooling?
A: While "tons" specifically refers to cooling capacity, the conversion is sometimes used for heat pumps in cooling mode. Heating capacity is typically measured directly in BTU/h.