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The conversion between tons and BTU/h is essential in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. One ton of cooling capacity is equivalent to 12,000 BTU per hour, representing 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 based on the standard definition where one ton of refrigeration equals 12,000 BTU per hour, derived from the heat absorption rate of melting one ton of ice over 24 hours.
Details: Accurate conversion between tons and BTU/h is crucial for proper HVAC system sizing, equipment selection, energy efficiency calculations, and compliance with building codes and standards.
Tips: Enter the cooling capacity in tons. The value must be positive and greater than zero. The calculator will instantly provide the equivalent BTU/h value.
Q1: Why is one ton equal to 12,000 BTU/h?
A: This originates from the early days of refrigeration when one ton represented the cooling effect of melting one ton of ice in 24 hours, which requires absorbing 288,000 BTU over 24 hours (288,000 ÷ 24 = 12,000 BTU/h).
Q2: What are typical residential AC sizes in tons?
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: Proper sizing requires considering square footage, insulation quality, window area, climate, and other factors. Professional HVAC calculations are recommended.
Q4: Can I convert BTU/h back to tons?
A: Yes, simply divide the BTU/h value by 12,000 to get the equivalent tonnage.
Q5: Are there different ton definitions in HVAC?
A: While the 12,000 BTU/h per ton is standard, some regions may use metric tons or other variations, but the HVAC industry universally uses this definition.