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Conversion Formula:
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Ton to BTU/h conversion is used in air conditioning and refrigeration to convert cooling capacity from tons to British Thermal Units per hour. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU/h, 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 fundamental in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems for sizing equipment and calculating cooling capacity requirements.
Details: Accurate conversion between tons and BTU/h is essential for proper HVAC system design, equipment selection, energy efficiency calculations, and compliance with building codes and standards.
Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in tons. The value must be positive. The calculator will instantly provide the equivalent BTU/h value for accurate HVAC planning and analysis.
Q1: Why is 1 ton equal to 12,000 BTU/h?
A: This conversion originates from the amount of heat required to melt one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice in 24 hours, which equals 288,000 BTU over 24 hours, or 12,000 BTU per hour.
Q2: What is a typical residential AC unit size?
A: Typical residential units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h), depending on home size, insulation, 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 this conversion be used for heating systems?
A: While primarily for cooling, the conversion can help understand heating capacity when comparing different HVAC systems, though heating is typically rated directly in BTU/h.
Q5: What's the difference between BTU and BTU/h?
A: BTU (British Thermal Unit) is a unit of energy, while BTU/h (BTU per hour) is a rate of energy transfer or power, making it appropriate for measuring cooling capacity over time.